Kindergarten: Skills Strand
Rating: 
http://www.engageny.org/sites/default/files/resource/attachments/ckla_gk_u1_tg.pdf
Common Core Standards
Reading Foundational Skills
RF.K.1(a) Follow words from left to right, top to bottom, and page by page.
RF.K.2 Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes).
Speaking and Listening
SL.K.6 Speak audibly and express thoughts, feelings, and ideas clearly.
Language
L.K.1(e) Use the most frequently occurring prepositions (e.g., to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with).
Description of Unit
This Kindergarten unit titled "Skills Strand" from engageny.org is intended to be completed in ten 1-hour lessons of ELA/literacy skill instruction at the start of the school year. Each lesson is divided equally between auditory exercises and pre-writing exercises. The auditory exercises are intended to increase students’ awareness of environmental noises and/or words, and the pre-writing exercises are intended to prepare students to write letters, words, and sentences.
Cautions
Connecticut teachers should be cautioned that the Common Core language standard that is listed is only marginally addressed, if at all. The formative and summative assessments that are included in this unit are not fully developed to address all of the standards listed and do not include CCSS-aligned scoring rubrics.
Rationale for Selection
This unit is a good example of a progression of learning activities where concepts and skills advance and deepen over time. Each lesson includes a clear and explicit purpose for instruction. Lessons provide detailed activities for skill instruction, as well as additional scaffolding for students who are ELL or who have skill deficiencies. All materials needed for instruction and remediation are included.