CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1a

ELA1st GradeComprehension and Collaboration

The Standard

Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others with care, speaking one at a time about the topics and texts under discussion).

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students follow simple class rules when talking with others. They listen carefully, wait for their turn, and speak about the shared topic or text.
What Mastery Looks Like: Students wait until the speaker finishes, listen with attention, and take their own turn. They make a comment or ask a question that stays connected to the shared topic or text.
Common Misconceptions: Students may think listening means staying quiet, even if they are not paying attention. They may interrupt, speak off topic, or repeat an idea without responding to the previous speaker.
How to Assess It: Show a picture and ask groups of three to discuss what is happening for two minutes. Use a checklist to record whether each student listens, waits for a turn, and speaks about the picture.

Lesson moves

Give pairs a talking stick and picture card, then have them take turns sharing one observation while the listener faces the speaker.
Read a short page aloud, then ask, "What did your partner say, and what can you add?"
Play Turn-Taking Circle, where each student adds one relevant sentence before passing a beanbag to the next speaker.
Discuss when people take turns speaking at home, during games, or at a doctor's office, and why the rule helps.

Free download

A ready-to-print activity worksheet aligned to CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.1.1a, with an answer key for the teacher on its own page. No account needed.

PDF, US Letter, prints cleanly in black and white.

Learning progression

If students are struggling here, check these first.

Mastery here sets students up for these next.

Keep exploring

Grade, subject, topic, and the complete standard are prefilled. Create one free, no account needed.