Kindergarten

Reading

• Recognizes letters and connects letters to sounds.

• Looks at pictures and text to understand meaning.

• Listens to stories and talks about characters and events.

Foundational Skills (Phonics & Early Reading)

• Knows most letter names and sounds.

• Blends sounds to read simple words (ex: map, mad).

• Begins reading short, decodable books.

• Understands that we read left to right, top to bottom.

• Practices correct pencil grip and letter formation.

Writing

• Draws or writes to share ideas.

• Uses letters to label pictures and create simple words/sentences.

• Practices forming uppercase and lowercase letters correctly.

Speaking & Listening

• Listens while others speak and takes turns talking.

• Retells stories in order (beginning, middle, end).

Language

• Uses simple complete sentences.

• Learns common high-frequency words (ex: the, is, and).

• Grows vocabulary through conversation and read-alouds.

1st Grade

Reading

• Reads simple books independently.

• Answers questions about key details in stories and informational texts.

Foundational Skills (Phonics, Word Recognition, Fluency)

• Uses sound-spelling patterns to read words (ex: ship, chat, stick).

• Recognizes common sight words automatically.

• Reads aloud with increasing accuracy and smoothness.

• Practices decoding strategies (tapping out, chunking sounds).

• Writes letters neatly and fluently.

Writing

• Writes multiple sentences on a topic.

• Uses capitals, punctuation, and spacing.

• Writes opinion, narrative, and informational pieces.

Speaking & Listening

• Participates respectfully in group discussions.

• Retells events or stories clearly.

Language

• Uses nouns, verbs, and adjectives correctly.

• Begins learning spelling patterns.

2nd Grade

Reading

• Reads grade-level books with accuracy and expression.

• Identifies main ideas and key details in texts.

Foundational Skills (Word Analysis & Fluency)

• Uses vowel teams (ai, ee, oe), blends, digraphs, and word chunks to read words.

• Recognizes and reads sight words automatically.

• Begins decoding multisyllabic words (ex: picnic, window).

• Reads aloud with appropriate speed and phrasing.

Writing

• Writes organized paragraphs with clear ideas.

• Revises and edits writing for clarity.

• Uses capitals and punctuation accurately.

Speaking & Listening

• Shares ideas clearly in discussions and presentations.

Language

• Uses prefixes and suffixes to determine word meaning.

• Applies more advanced spelling patterns.

3rd Grade

Reading

• Reads longer texts independently and summarizes key ideas.

• Draws inferences and supports thinking with evidence.

Foundational Skills (Advanced Word Recognition & Fluency)

• Breaks words into syllables to read longer words (ex: com-pu-ter, bi-cy-cle).

• Reads grade-level text with appropriate accuracy, pacing, and expression.

• Uses context clues and word parts (prefixes, suffixes, roots) to determine meaning.

Writing

• Writes organized paragraphs with topic sentences and supporting details.

• Revises writing to improve clarity and organization.

Speaking & Listening

• Builds on others’ ideas in structured conversations.

• Gives oral presentations clearly and confidently.

Language

• Uses correct grammar, spelling patterns, and vocabulary in communication.

4th Grade

Reading

• Reads and understands grade-level fiction and nonfiction.

• Determines themes, main ideas, and key evidence.

Foundational Skills (Fluency & Word Analysis)

• Reads multisyllabic words using syllable patterns and word analysis strategies.

• Reads aloud with strong fluency and intonation to support comprehension.

• Uses Greek and Latin roots to determine meaning (ex: tele-, geo-, micro-).

Writing

• Writes multi-paragraph essays with well-organized ideas.

• Supports thinking with facts, details, and examples.

Speaking & Listening

• Participates in discussions respectfully and thoughtfully.

• Presents information using visuals or media when appropriate.

Language

• Applies grammar and spelling rules correctly.

• Uses more precise and academic vocabulary.

5th Grade

Reading

• Reads and analyzes a variety of complex texts independently.

• Identifies themes and explains how they are supported in the text.

Foundational Skills (Fluency & Word Study to Support Comprehension)

• Reads multisyllabic and unfamiliar words using knowledge of word parts.

• Reads aloud smoothly with expression that shows understanding.

• Applies Greek and Latin roots, prefixes, and suffixes to define new vocabulary.

• Uses context clues to confirm or self-correct word meaning while reading.

Writing

• Writes multi-paragraph informational, narrative, and opinion pieces.

• Plans, drafts, revises, edits, and publishes writing.

• Uses clear and precise language.

Speaking & Listening

• Engages in collaborative discussions, building on others’ ideas.

• Gives organized presentations, speaking clearly and confidently.

Language

• Uses a wide range of sentence structures and vocabulary.

• Demonstrates command of grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

6th Grade

Reading

• Cites textual evidence to support analysis.

• Identifies themes, arguments, and author techniques.

• Compares texts and evaluates claims.

• Reads grade-appropriate literature and nonfiction independently.

Writing

• Writes arguments, explanatory texts, and narratives.

• Uses clear organizational structures and strong transitions.

• Conducts research and summarizes from multiple sources.

Speaking & Listening

• Participates in academic discussions effectively.

• Delivers presentations with multimedia support.

Language

• Applies grade-level grammar conventions.

• Uses vocabulary strategically for clarity and tone.

7th Grade

Reading

• Analyzes how authors develop characters, themes, and ideas.

• Evaluates sources and credibility.

• Makes inferences and supports them with evidence.

Writing

• Develops logical arguments supported with reliable evidence.

• Writes clear, structured essays and narratives.

• Conducts research across multiple texts and digital sources.

Speaking & Listening

• Leads and contributes thoughtfully to discussions.

• Presents claims with supporting evidence and clear delivery.

Language

• Uses varied sentence structures for effect.

• Determines word meaning using roots, context, and reference materials.

8th Grade

Reading

• Analyzes complex text structures, perspectives, and arguments.

• Draws evidence-based conclusions.

• Synthesizes information across multiple texts.

Writing

• Writes well-supported arguments and polished informative texts.

• Revises writing for clarity, organization, and style.

• Conducts research using multiple sources and cites appropriately.

Speaking & Listening

• Uses reasoning and evidence in discussions and presentations.

• Adapts speech for audience, purpose, and setting.

Language

• Uses sophisticated vocabulary and correct grammar.

• Understands nuance, figurative language, and connotation.