Tips to improve reading and writing skills for Grade 1 kids | Free Printable Worksheets

Your child is in 1st grade, and it's a huge learning year for them as they are introduced to the basics of advanced topics they'll learn later.

It's okay if your child is struggling a little bit with their reading and writing in grade 1; keep in mind that it's a massive change for them from kindergarten to elementary school. But we bring you some helpful ways you can help your child's reading and writing skills at home.

But before that, you need to be aware that these activities are designed to be fun first. They learn and practice while having fun and preparing for the academic year ahead. 

Attached are Free Printable Worksheets designed for Grade 1 students, which you can download and print out for your child to practice. 

Tips to improve your child's reading and writing skills for Grade 1

Reading: 

• Reading fluency happens when your child knows most, if not all, of the words in a given text. Here's where choosing the right book comes to play. If the books are too hard to read, they might get disheartened and lose interest in reading.
• Explain the meanings of new words they come to stumble upon them and try to use these words in casual conversation.
• Read to your child often and for as long as they are interested. To expand your child's vocabulary, you can read them books that are slightly at a higher level than they can read.
• Before reading, let your child see the title and the pictures. Talk about what your child sees and have them predict what might happen next in the story. Ask your child to name the picture's place, person, thing, or idea.
• Spend time taking turns reading to each other. Model reading fluency and support your child when it's their turn to read. 
• After reading a story aloud, ask your child to retell it and what they think of the characters and their emotions. Ask them what the main motive behind the story was and why.

Writing:

• Practice writing words and small sentences.
• Ask your child to write names--siblings, teachers, friends, and so on.
• Practice writing a story using pictures.
• Give fun writing prompts, like after visiting a playground, and ask your child to list the exciting things they did at the park.

Appreciate their efforts. A hug, a high-five, or a pat on the back does a great job of encouraging your child to try to learn better. 

Remember that your child doesn't have to ace reading and writing; all they need is to practice these skills, even if they make mistakes. Also, your child could get disheartened if you keep correcting them, so while feedback is vital, try to give them space to make errors. 

Your child will get a ton of practice in school and have a whole year to prepare. So only teach your child the basics and help them learn the skills they are taught in school. 

Download our Free Printable Worksheets and get tons of practice!

You can also check out our similar blogs:

Math skills your child needs before they begin Grade 1

Reading and Writing Skills your child will learn in Grade 1

How to teach your child to tell time? Tips & Tricks

Head to byjuslearning.com to learn more about our Active Learning approach to Math, Language, and Reading for children between Pre-K and Grade 3.