Review the curriculum standards for the subject of language arts at the first grade level. Review statewide curriculum standards, as defined by the state board of education, as well as any supplemental or more specific provisions of your individual school district. Determine the criteria of skills that students are expected to demonstrate.
Organize the rubric by topic area, according to the topics designated by the curriculum requirements. Normally, include topic areas that assess proficiency in spelling, vocabulary, reading, writing and other aspects of written or oral language.
Categorize levels of achievement within each topic area. Provide a minimum of three categories -- poor, proficient and advanced -- as a measure of student ability. Ideally, include four or five categories to more precisely measure achievement. Set forth the minimum standards for each level of achievement. Include detailed descriptions and examples.
Compare your rubric to a sample first grade language arts rubric to identify important skills or abilities you might have missed and want to include. Obtain a rubric online (see Resources), as many elementary teachers post them, or ask a fellow first grade teacher for samples. Review your rubric to ensure expectations and the gradations of criteria are clear, particularly if your rubric will be used by other educators.