Nebraska English Learning Standards — Grade K

Identify variations in print (e.g., font, size, bold, italic, upper/lower case)

Explain that the purpose of print is to carry information (e.g., environmental print, names)

Demonstrate voice to print match (e.g., student points to print as someone reads)

Demonstrate understanding that words are made up of letters

Identify parts of a book (e.g., cover, pages, title, author, illustrator)

Demonstrate knowledge that print reads from left to right and top to bottom

Identify punctuation (e.g., period, exclamation mark, question mark)

Segment spoken sentences into words

Identify and produce oral rhymes

Blend and segment syllable sounds in spoken words (e.g., cupcake, birthday)

Blend spoken onsets and rimes to form simple words (e.g., v-an, gr-ab)

Segment onsets and rimes orally (e.g., v-an, gr-ab)

Blend phonemes in spoken words (e.g., beginning, middle, and ending sounds; recognize same sounds in different words)

Segment phonemes in spoken words (e.g., beginning, middle, and ending sounds; recognize same sounds in different words)

Identify upper and lower case letters

Match consonant and short vowel sounds to appropriate letters (e.g., matching letters to sounds while writing)

Read at least 25 basic high frequency words from a commonly used list

Use phonetic knowledge to write (e.g., approximated spelling)

Recognize known words in connected text (e.g., big book, environmental print, class list, labels)

Identify similarities and differences in words (e.g., word endings, onset and rime) when spoken or written

Imitate adults expression, reflecting meaning with voice (e.g., pause, stress, phrasing)

Imitate repeating language patterns during reading (e.g., modeled reading, choral reading)

Read familiar text with others, maintaining an appropriate pace

Examine word structure elements and word patterns to determine meaning (e.g., plural forms, simple compounds)

Relate new grade level vocabulary to prior knowledge and use in new situations

Develop awareness of context clues (e.g., predictions, word and sentence clues) and text features (e.g., titles, bold print, illustrations) that may be used to infer the meaning of unknown words

Identify and sort pictures of objects into conceptual categories (e.g., colors, shapes)

Determine word meaning using reference materials and classroom resources (e.g., word wall, picture dictionary, peer(s), teacher)

Explain that the author and illustrator create books

Identify elements of the story including setting, character, and events

Retell information from narrative text including characters, setting, and events

Indicate that authors use words in different ways (e.g., rhythm, repeating line, simile, alliteration, onomatopoeia, sensory details)

Retell main ideas from informational text

Identify text features in informational text (e.g., titles, bold print, illustrations)

Demonstrate a basic knowledge of familiar narrative and informational text genres (e.g., fairy tales, nursery rhymes, picture books, how-to-books)

Make connections between characters or events in narrative and informational text, to own life or other cultures

Generate and/or answer clarifying questions (who, what, when, where, why, how), supporting answers using prior knowledge and information from the text

Identify different purposes for reading (e.g., information, pleasure)

Build and activate prior knowledge in order to identify text to self, text to text, and text to world connections before, during, and after reading

Make predictions about a text using prior knowledge, pictures, and titles

Respond to text verbally, in writing, or artistically

Demonstrate that writing communicates thoughts and ideas

Apply prewriting activities to generate ideas (e.g., brainstorming, discussions, drawing, literature, personal/classroom experiences)

Generate representations of ideas (e.g., pictures, labels, letter strings, words, simple sentences); select and organize ideas relevant to a topic

Revise writing by adding details

Edit writing for format and conventions (e.g., correct spelling of frequently used words, basic punctuation such as period, exclamation mark, question mark)

Publish a legible document (e.g., handwritten)

Print all uppercase and lowercase letters, attending to the form of the letters

Write for a specific purpose (e.g., lists, alphabet book, story with picture, label objects in classroom)

Write to known audience or specific reader (e.g., letter to a familiar person, note to teacher, thank you note)

Communicate ideas orally in daily classroom activities and routines

Demonstrate listening skills needed for multiple situations and modalities (e.g., stories, songs, conversations, student sharing, teacher presentation)

Complete a task after listening for information

Listen and retell main ideas of information

Demonstrate awareness of and sensitivity to the use of words (e.g., helpful and hurtful words)

Demonstrate conversation strategies (e.g., face the speaker, listen while others are talking, take turns talking, eye contact)

Participate in learning situations (e.g., small groups, show and share, cooperative problem solving, play)

Identify resources to find information (e.g., print, electronic)

Demonstrate understanding of authorship of print and online resources

Demonstrate awareness of safe behaviors when communicating and interacting with others (e.g. rules for internet use)

Engage in activities with learners from a variety of cultures through electronic means (e.g., podcasts, video chats, distance learning)

Gather and share information and opinions as a result of communication with others (e.g., computer applications, teacher controlled internet downloads, multimedia presentations)