South Dakota ELA K.L.1.c

ELAKindergartenLanguage

The Standard

K.L.1: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when speaking.

Use question words in complete sentences.

South Dakota English Language Arts Standards (2025)

Teacher's field guide

What Students Need to Do: Students use words like who, what, where, when, why, and how to ask questions. They say or write the whole question, not just a word or short phrase.
What Mastery Looks Like: A student picks a question word that fits what they want to know. They ask, 'Where is my mitten?' instead of 'Where mitten?'
Common Misconceptions: Some children ask, 'Where my coat?' and leave out a needed word. Others use who to ask about a place, or give only a question word instead of a full sentence.
How to Assess It: Show a picture of a wrapped gift. Ask each child to say or write one complete question about it that begins with what.

Lesson moves

Hide a toy bear under a cup. Have partners ask a complete where question before lifting the cup.
Show a picture of a muddy dog. Ask partners to make a full question beginning with why, then share it aloud.
Draw a who, where, or what card, then ask a full question about a classroom picture.
Before a class walk, have children ask the teacher, 'Where are we going?' or 'When do we leave?'

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