CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.1.5b

ELA1st GradeVocabulary Acquisition and Use

The Standard

Define words by category and by one or more key attributes (e.g., a duck is a bird that swims; a tiger is a large cat with stripes).

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

What This Standard Means

Students need to sort words into groups and explain why a word belongs there. They also need to name details that make the word clear. For example, they should move past “a dog is an animal” toward “a dog is an animal with fur that barks.”

Mastery looks like a student naming the category first, then adding one or two true features. Students often get stuck by giving only an example, saying “it is nice,” or naming a feature that does not separate the word from others. Picture support helps them be more precise.

Ways to Teach It

Hands-on activity: Give pairs picture cards of animals, foods, and vehicles, then have them sort and say the group name plus one feature.
Discussion prompt: Ask, “What is a bicycle?” and guide students to answer with a category and two details.
Quick assessment: Show a picture of a penguin and ask students to complete, “A penguin is a _____ that _____.”
Real-world connection: During snack, have students describe one food by naming its food group and one attribute, such as shape, taste, or texture.