The Early Reader:
Uses pictures for clues
Retells a simple story which is read to them
Recalls some details
Knows names of letters
Identifies consonant sounds at beginning and end of words
Uses configuration as clue to identify words
Reads by rote
Reads one word at a time - choppy
Selects simple repetitious books
Reads favorite books over and over
Silent sustained reading 5-10 minutes
Has the desire to be a fluent reader
Enjoys retelling stories!

The Developing Reader

Sequences events in a story
Tells main idea
Makes predictions
Identifies main characters
Identifies setting
Differentiates between fact and fiction
Identifies high frequency words
Some awareness of medial vowel sounds
Uses context clues
Begins to self correct
Understands the meaning of . and ! and ?
Pauses and uses appropriate inflection for punctuation
Reads phrases
Selects a variety of books
Silent sustained reading 10-15 minutes
Begins to feel confident when reading silently or orally!