K.4
The Standard
The student reads grade-appropriate texts independently. The student is expected to self-select text and interact independently with text for increasing periods of time.
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills for English Language Arts and Reading
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students choose a book they can engage with on their own. They stay focused for a growing amount of time by looking closely, turning pages, reading known words, and retelling from pictures.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student selects a manageable book without adult direction and begins promptly. The student remains engaged for the agreed time and can share one detail, event, or favorite page afterward.
Common Misconceptions
- Some students choose a book only by its cover, then abandon it when the words are too hard. Others think they must read every word or finish the whole book, rather than use pictures, known words, and retelling to stay engaged.
How to Assess It
- Set a five-minute independent reading check. Ask each student to choose a book, read alone, then point to a favorite page and tell one detail.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Place familiar books in baskets, and have students choose one, use a bookmark, and read quietly until a five-minute timer rings.
Ask partners to share a favorite page and explain what the picture or words helped them understand.
Play Read and Roll: students read for two minutes, then roll a die and retell, point to a known word, or name a character.
Create a classroom library checkout routine so students select a book to read during arrival time or at home with family.
Keep exploring
Related Standards
- 4.5
The student reads grade-appropriate texts independently. The student is expected to self-select text and read independently for a sustained period of time.
- 5.5
The student reads grade-appropriate texts independently. The student is expected to self-select text and read independently for a sustained period of time.
- 2.5
The student reads grade-appropriate texts independently. The student is expected to self-select text and read independently for a sustained period of time.
- 1.5
The 1st Grade version of this standard.
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