Grade 1 Requirements

For Rising 1st Graders

Required Entries (You must complete each of these)

Remember:  all entries should include the date the entry was written. (It is okay if a student does multiple entries on the same date.) Don't forget to use complete sentences, correct capitalization, punctuation and spelling. 
1.  Create a cover for your journal.

2.  Read our grade 1 community read:
The required book for rising first graders is Eyes that Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho.

Read or listen to someone read this book. As you read, pay attention to the story. Look through the book again and pay close attention to the pictures.

Write the name of the book and the author in your journal. Select two of these questions and write a sentence to answer each question. Draw a picture to go with your answer.

  • Each one of us is different. What are some things that make you the same and different from your friends?
  • Do you look like anyone else in your family? Who?
  • The girl in the story describes her eye by saying they "crinkle into crescent moons and sparkle like the stars." She says her lashes "curve like the swords of warriors." How would you describe your eyes?
  • The family love is strong in this book. What are some different ways families show love?
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​This book is available at the Alexandria Public Library, Hooray for Books (20% discount if you mention you're from ACDS) and elsewhere.
3.  Just Right Books (3 or more)
Read:  Some books at your "just right" level. (Your teacher will provide your level before the school year ends.) Then enter the following information in the journal for each book:
  • Title of the Book
  • Author's Name
  • Draw a picture of a favorite character or part of the book.
4.  Book of Your Choice (1 or more)
Read: One book of your choice. Please select a book that you have not read before.
Select a book of interest to you. It can be any book-- fiction, nonfiction, biography, graphic novel, any book at any level, with your parents approval.

  • Write:   The title of the book and the name of the author
  • Draw:  A picture from your favorite scene. 
 
Looking for ideas? Here are some great sources for book recommendations.

Optional Entries (Complete as many as you would like)

Students are encouraged to try some of the suggested optional entries, ideas from the Summer Ideas Blog, or to use the rest of the journal to pursue other projects of interest. Be sure to click on the hyperlink in each task to see the specific reflection questions to inspire your answers. The reflection questions are a guide to help format your answers-- you may address other questions that interest you instead or as well. ​