Use Sound Boxes to Segment and Blend - Push one counter for each sound in a word, then slide them together to blend the whole word; connect the boxes to printed letters. (CCSS RF.K.2e; CA RF.K.2e; MA RF.K.2e; NY KRF.2; VA Kindergarten Reading Foundations (Phonological Awareness); TX §110.2(b) Developing and Sustaining Foundational Language Skills; FL ELA.K.F.1.2 f)

Picture Sorts for Beginning and Ending Sounds - Sort pictures by their starting or ending sounds to strengthen letter‑sound connections. (CCSS RF.K.3a; CA RF.K.3a; MA RF.K.3a; NY KRF.3; VA Kindergarten Reading Foundations (Phonics); TX §110.2(b) Developing and Sustaining Foundational Language Skills; FL ELA.K.F.1.3 a)

Mouth Pictures and Sound Articulation Cues - Use simple mouth diagrams or mirrors to feel and see how sounds are formed; connect articulation to letters. (CCSS RF.K.3a; CA RF.K.3a; MA RF.K.3a; NY KRF.3; VA Kindergarten Reading Foundations (Phonics); TX §110.2(b) Developing and Sustaining Foundational Language Skills; FL ELA.K.F.1.3 a)

Rhyming Odd One Out - Identify which word does not rhyme in a set; generate a rhyme to replace it. (CCSS RF.K.2a; CA RF.K.2a; MA RF.K.2a; NY KRF.2; VA Kindergarten Reading Foundations (Phonological Awareness); TX §110.2(b) Developing and Sustaining Foundational Language Skills; FL ELA.K.F.1.2 b; ELA.K.R.1.4)

Clap and Count Syllables in Names and Words - Segment spoken words into syllables using claps or taps; blend them back together. (CCSS RF.K.2b; CA RF.K.2b; MA RF.K.2b; NY KRF.2; VA Kindergarten Reading Foundations (Phonological Awareness); TX §110.2(b) Developing and Sustaining Foundational Language Skills; FL ELA.K.F.1.2 a)

Ask and Answer Questions About Key Details in Stories - With support, ask and answer questions about important details in stories during discussions and read‑alouds. (CCSS RL.K.1; CA RL.K.1; MA RL.K.1; NY KR1; VA Kindergarten Reading (Comprehension); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; Multiple Genres; Response; FL ELA.K.R.3.2 a)

Retell Familiar Stories With Beginning Middle and End - Retell familiar stories using key details and temporal words to show beginning, middle, and end. (CCSS RL.K.2; CA RL.K.2; MA RL.K.2; NY KR2; VA Kindergarten Reading (Comprehension); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; Response; FL ELA.K.R.3.2 a)

Describe Characters Settings and Major Events - Identify and describe main character or characters, where the story takes place, and what important events happen. (CCSS RL.K.3; CA RL.K.3; MA RL.K.3; NY KR3; VA Kindergarten Reading (Comprehension); TX §110.2(b) Multiple Genres; Author’s Purpose and Craft; FL ELA.K.R.1.1)

Recognize and Talk About Unknown Words in Stories - Ask and answer questions about unfamiliar words in stories; use context and illustrations to clarify meaning. (CCSS RL.K.4; CA RL.K.4; MA RL.K.4; NY KR4; VA Kindergarten Vocabulary (Context); TX §110.2(b) Developing Vocabulary; Author’s Purpose and Craft; FL ELA.K.V.1.2; ELA.K.R.3.1)

Recognize Common Types of Texts - Identify whether a text is a storybook, poem, rhyme, or informational text; explain how we read them differently. (CCSS RL.K.5; CA RL.K.5; MA RL.K.5; NY KR5; VA Kindergarten Reading (Genres); TX §110.2(b) Multiple Genres; FL ELA.K.R.1.4 (poetry rhyme); ELA.K.R.2.1)

Name the Author and Illustrator and Explain Their Roles - Explain that the author writes the words and the illustrator creates the pictures; recognize when one person does both. (CCSS RL.K.6; CA RL.K.6; MA RL.K.6; NY KR6; VA Kindergarten Reading (Craft and Structure); TX §110.2(b) Author’s Purpose and Craft; FL ELA.K.R.1.3)

Use Illustrations to Support Understanding of Story Events - Describe how pictures add details about characters, setting, and events and help readers understand the story. (CCSS RL.K.7; CA RL.K.7; MA RL.K.7; NY KR7; VA Kindergarten Reading (Integration of Knowledge and Ideas); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; Response; FL ELA.K.R.1.1; ELA.K.R.3.2 a)

Compare Characters’ Adventures and Experiences - Tell how characters’ experiences are alike and different across stories or within one story. (CCSS RL.K.9; CA RL.K.9; MA RL.K.9; NY KR9; VA Kindergarten Reading (Integration of Knowledge and Ideas); TX §110.2(b) Multiple Genres; Comprehension; FL ELA.K.R.3.3)

Actively Engage in Group Reading of Literary Texts - Participate in shared reading, echo reading, or choral reading with purpose and understanding. (CCSS RL.K.10; CA RL.K.10; MA RL.K.10; NY KR10; VA Kindergarten Reading (Range and Complexity); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; Response; FL ELA.K12.EE.2.1; ELA.K.F.1.4)

Use Picture Story Maps to Retell - Organize characters, setting, and the sequence of events on a picture story map; use it to retell the story orally and in writing. (CCSS RL.K.2; RL.K.3; CA RL.K.2; RL.K.3; MA RL.K.2; RL.K.3; NY KR2; KR3; VA Kindergarten Reading (Comprehension); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; Response; FL ELA.K.R.3.2 a)

Sequence Story Cards - Arrange illustrated cards to show beginning, middle, and end; explain why the order matters. (CCSS RL.K.2; CA RL.K.2; MA RL.K.2; NY KR2; VA Kindergarten Reading (Comprehension); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; FL ELA.K.R.3.2 a)

Act Out Stories With Dialogue and Actions - Dramatize a scene to show how characters feel and what they do; use illustrations as prompts. (CCSS RL.K.3; CA RL.K.3; MA RL.K.3; NY KR3; VA Kindergarten Reading (Comprehension); TX §110.2(b) Response; FL ELA.K.R.1.1)

Ask and Answer Questions About Key Details in Informational Texts - With support, ask and answer questions to understand important facts and ideas in informational texts. (CCSS RI.K.1; CA RI.K.1; MA RI.K.1; NY KR1; VA Kindergarten Reading (Comprehension); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; FL ELA.K.R.3.2 b)

Identify the Topic and Key Details - Name the topic of a text and tell several important details about it. (CCSS RI.K.2; CA RI.K.2; MA RI.K.2; NY KR2; VA Kindergarten Reading (Comprehension); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; FL ELA.K.R.2.2)

Describe Connections Between People Events or Ideas - Explain how two individuals, events, or ideas are connected in a text, using picture clues and words. (CCSS RI.K.3; CA RI.K.3; MA RI.K.3; NY KR3; VA Kindergarten Reading (Comprehension); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; FL ELA.K.R.2.2)

Ask and Answer Questions About Unknown Words in Informational Texts - Use context, pictures, and questions to clarify the meaning of unfamiliar words. (CCSS RI.K.4; CA RI.K.4; MA RI.K.4; NY KR4; VA Kindergarten Vocabulary (Context); TX §110.2(b) Author’s Purpose and Craft; Vocabulary; FL ELA.K.V.1.2; ELA.K.R.3.1)

Use Text Features: Covers Title Page Headings and Illustrations - Identify the front cover, back cover, and title page; use titles, headings, and pictures to predict and confirm the topic. (CCSS RI.K.5; CA RI.K.5; MA RI.K.5; NY KR5; VA Kindergarten Reading (Text Features); TX §110.2(b) Multiple Genres; FL ELA.K.F.1.1 d; ELA.K.R.2.1)

Name the Author and Illustrator and Explain Roles in Informational Texts - Explain that authors write the words and illustrators create the pictures; discuss how each contributes to meaning. (CCSS RI.K.6; CA RI.K.6; MA RI.K.6; NY KR6; VA Kindergarten Reading (Craft and Structure); TX §110.2(b) Author’s Purpose and Craft; FL ELA.K.R.2.3)

Describe How Pictures and Words Work Together to Teach - Tell how photographs, diagrams, and labels add information to the words in a text. (CCSS RI.K.7; CA RI.K.7; MA RI.K.7; NY KR7; VA Kindergarten Reading (Integration of Knowledge and Ideas); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; FL ELA.K.R.2.1; ELA.K.R.2.2)

Identify Reasons an Author Gives to Support Points - Point out reasons the author gives to support what they are saying about a topic. (CCSS RI.K.8; CA RI.K.8; MA RI.K.8; NY KR8; VA Kindergarten Reading (Arguments and Claims); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; Author’s Purpose and Craft; FL ELA.K.R.2.4)

Compare Two Texts on the Same Topic - Identify basic similarities and differences between two texts on the same topic (e.g., facts presented, pictures used). (CCSS RI.K.9; CA RI.K.9; MA RI.K.9; NY KR9; VA Kindergarten Reading (Integration of Knowledge and Ideas); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; FL ELA.K.R.3.3)

Actively Engage in Group Reading of Informational Texts - Participate in shared reading and discussion of informational texts with purpose and understanding. (CCSS RI.K.10; CA RI.K.10; MA RI.K.10; NY KR10; VA Kindergarten Reading (Range and Complexity); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; FL ELA.K12.EE.2.1)

Use Diagrams Labels and Captions to Learn New Facts - Study pictures, diagrams, and captions to gain information; point to the part of the text that supports each idea. (CCSS RI.K.7; CA RI.K.7; MA RI.K.7; NY KR7; VA Kindergarten Reading (Integration of Knowledge and Ideas); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; FL ELA.K.R.2.1)

Sort Photographs and Drawings to Tell Fiction from Nonfiction - Sort images and simple texts to decide whether they are about real information or make‑believe stories; explain why. (CCSS RI.K.5; RL.K.5; CA RI.K.5; RL.K.5; MA RI.K.5; RL.K.5; NY KR5; VA Kindergarten Reading (Genres); TX §110.2(b) Multiple Genres; FL ELA.K.R.2.1)

Follow Steps in a How To Text - Use pictures and words to follow the steps in a simple procedural text; explain what comes first, next, and last. (CCSS RI.K.3; CA RI.K.3; MA RI.K.3; NY KR3; VA Kindergarten Reading (Comprehension); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; FL ELA.K.R.2.2)

Ask Who What When Where Why and How Questions - During read‑alouds, ask and answer question words to clarify and deepen understanding of informational texts. (CCSS RI.K.1; L.K.1d; CA RI.K.1; L.K.1d; MA RI.K.1; L.K.1d; NY KR1; VA Kindergarten Reading and Language (Questions); TX §110.2(b) Comprehension; FL ELA.K.R.3.2 b; ELA.K.V.1.2)

Opinion Writing With Drawing Dictating and Writing - Using a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing, state an opinion about a topic or book and give at least one reason. (CCSS W.K.1; CA W.K.1; MA W.K.1; NY KW1; VA Kindergarten Writing (Composition); TX §110.2(b) Composition; FL ELA.K.C.1.3)

Informative Writing With Drawing Dictating and Writing - Using a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing, name a topic and supply facts to teach others about it. (CCSS W.K.2; CA W.K.2; MA W.K.2; NY KW2; VA Kindergarten Writing (Composition); TX §110.2(b) Composition; FL ELA.K.C.1.4)

Narrative Writing About a Single Event - Using a combination of drawing, dictating, and writing, tell about a single event in order using words such as first, next, and last. (CCSS W.K.3; CA W.K.3; MA W.K.3; NY KW3; VA Kindergarten Writing (Composition); TX §110.2(b) Composition; FL ELA.K.C.1.2)

Revise and Add Details With Guidance - With adult support, respond to questions and suggestions from peers and add details to strengthen writing. (CCSS W.K.5; CA W.K.5; MA W.K.5; NY KW5; VA Kindergarten Writing (Improving Writing); TX §110.2(b) Composition; FL ELA.K.C.1.5)

Use Digital Tools to Produce and Publish - With guidance, use classroom technology to draw, type, or record and to share writing with others. (CCSS W.K.6; CA W.K.6; MA W.K.6; NY KW6; VA Kindergarten Communication (Technology in Communication); TX §110.2(b) Composition; FL ELA.K.C.5.2)

Participate in Shared Research and Writing Projects - Work with classmates and the teacher on simple research and writing projects about a topic of interest. (CCSS W.K.7; CA W.K.7; MA W.K.7; NY KW6; VA Kindergarten Research (Researching and Using Information); TX §110.2(b) Inquiry and Research; FL ELA.K.C.4.1)

Recall Information From Experiences or Provided Sources - With support, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question. (CCSS W.K.8; CA W.K.8; MA W.K.8; NY KW6; VA Kindergarten Research (Researching and Using Information); TX §110.2(b) Inquiry and Research; FL ELA.K.C.4.1)

Label and Caption Drawings to Communicate Ideas - Add labels and simple captions to drawings to clarify the message; use invented spelling and high‑frequency words. (CCSS W.K.2; L.K.2; CA W.K.2; L.K.2; MA W.K.2; L.K.2; NY KW2; VA Kindergarten Writing (Conventions); TX §110.2(b) Composition; FL ELA.K.C.1.4; ELA.K.C.1.5)

Handwriting: Print Many Uppercase and Lowercase Letters - Form many letters using correct pencil grip and starting points; attend to spacing between letters and words. (CCSS L.K.1a; CA L.K.1a; MA L.K.1a; NY KL1; VA Kindergarten Conventions (Handwriting); TX §110.2(b) Composition; Conventions; FL ELA.K.C.1.1)

Use Spaces Between Words - Practice leaving a finger‑space between each word when writing to improve readability. (CCSS L.K.2; CA L.K.2; MA L.K.2; NY KL2; VA Kindergarten Conventions; TX §110.2(b) Composition; Conventions; FL ELA.K.C.3.1)

Capitalize the First Word and the Pronoun I - Begin sentences with a capital letter and always capitalize the pronoun I. (CCSS L.K.2a; CA L.K.2a; MA L.K.2a; NY KL2; VA Kindergarten Conventions; TX §110.2(b) Conventions; FL ELA.K.C.3.1)

Recognize and Name End Punctuation - Identify and begin to use periods, question marks, and exclamation points in writing. (CCSS L.K.2b; CA L.K.2b; MA L.K.2b; NY KL2; VA Kindergarten Conventions; TX §110.2(b) Conventions; FL ELA.K.C.3.1)

Spell Simple Words Phonetically - Write a letter or letters for most consonant and short‑vowel sounds to spell simple words phonetically. (CCSS L.K.2c–d; CA L.K.2c–d; MA L.K.2c–d; NY KL2; VA Kindergarten Conventions; TX §110.2(b) Conventions; FL ELA.K.F.1.3 d; ELA.K.C.3.1)

Use Sentence Frames to Produce Complete Sentences - With support, produce and expand complete sentences during shared language activities. (CCSS L.K.1f; CA L.K.1f; MA L.K.1f; NY KL1; VA Kindergarten Knowledge of Language; TX §110.2(b) Composition; Oral Language; FL ELA.K.C.2.1)

Participate in Collaborative Conversations - Engage in conversations with peers and adults in small and large groups; listen, take turns, and stay on topic with support. (CCSS SL.K.1; CA SL.K.1; MA SL.K.1; NY KSL1; VA Kindergarten Oral Communication; TX §110.2(b) Oral Language; FL ELA.K.C.2.1; ELA.K12.EE.4.1)

Confirm Understanding of Read Alouds and Presentations - Ask and answer questions about key details from a text read aloud or information presented orally or visually. (CCSS SL.K.2; CA SL.K.2; MA SL.K.2; NY KSL2; VA Kindergarten Oral Communication; TX §110.2(b) Oral Language; Comprehension; FL ELA.K.C.2.1)

Ask and Answer Questions to Seek Help and Clarify - Use question words to request help, get information, or clarify something not understood. (CCSS SL.K.3; CA SL.K.3; MA SL.K.3; NY KSL3; VA Kindergarten Oral Communication; TX §110.2(b) Oral Language; FL ELA.K.C.2.1)

Describe Familiar People Places Things and Events - Describe familiar topics with relevant details; speak audibly in complete sentences. (CCSS SL.K.4; SL.K.6; CA SL.K.4; SL.K.6; MA SL.K.4; SL.K.6; NY KSL4; KSL6; VA Kindergarten Oral Communication; TX §110.2(b) Oral Language; FL ELA.K.C.2.1)

Add Drawings or Visuals to Oral Explanations - Use drawings or other visual displays to support descriptions and clarify ideas during speaking. (CCSS SL.K.5; CA SL.K.5; MA SL.K.5; NY KSL5; VA Kindergarten Oral Communication; TX §110.2(b) Oral Language; FL ELA.K.C.2.1)

Practice Turn Taking and Listening Norms - Learn classroom discussion norms such as eyes on the speaker, listening quietly, and building on others’ ideas. (CCSS SL.K.1; CA SL.K.1; MA SL.K.1; NY KSL1; VA Kindergarten Oral Communication; TX §110.2(b) Oral Language; FL ELA.K.C.2.1)

Use Conversation Starters and Response Stems - Use simple sentence starters like “I think…”, “I agree because…”, and “I wonder…” to share ideas and respond. (CCSS SL.K.1; L.K.1f; CA SL.K.1; L.K.1f; MA SL.K.1; L.K.1f; NY KSL1; VA Kindergarten Oral Communication; TX §110.2(b) Oral Language; FL ELA.K.C.2.1)

Follow One Step and Two Step Oral Directions - Listen to and follow single‑step and two‑step directions during classroom tasks and play. (CCSS SL.K.2; CA SL.K.2; MA SL.K.2; NY KSL2; VA Kindergarten Oral Communication; TX §110.2(b) Oral Language; FL ELA.K.C.2.1)

Use Frequently Occurring Nouns and Verbs - Speak and write using common nouns and verbs accurately in sentences. (CCSS L.K.1b; CA L.K.1b; MA L.K.1b; NY KL1; VA Kindergarten Knowledge of Language; TX §110.2(b) Oral Language; Conventions; FL ELA.K.C.3.1)

Form Regular Plural Nouns Orally by Adding s or es - Use regular plurals in speaking and early writing, demonstrating understanding of number. (CCSS L.K.1c; CA L.K.1c; MA L.K.1c; NY KL1; VA Kindergarten Knowledge of Language; TX §110.2(b) Conventions; FL ELA.K.C.3.1)

Use Question Words in Speech and Writing - Use who, what, where, when, why, and how appropriately in questions and responses. (CCSS L.K.1d; CA L.K.1d; MA L.K.1d; NY KL1; VA Kindergarten Knowledge of Language; TX §110.2(b) Oral Language; Conventions; FL ELA.K.C.2.1)

Use Common Prepositions - Use frequently occurring prepositions (to, from, in, out, on, off, for, of, by, with) in speech and writing. (CCSS L.K.1e; CA L.K.1e; MA L.K.1e; NY KL1; VA Kindergarten Knowledge of Language; TX §110.2(b) Oral Language; Conventions; FL ELA.K.C.3.1)

Produce and Expand Complete Sentences - With support, produce and expand complete sentences in shared language activities. (CCSS L.K.1f; CA L.K.1f; MA L.K.1f; NY KL1; VA Kindergarten Knowledge of Language; TX §110.2(b) Oral Language; Composition; FL ELA.K.C.2.1)

Capitalize the First Word in a Sentence and the Pronoun I - Apply capitalization rules for sentence beginnings and the pronoun I in writing. (CCSS L.K.2a; CA L.K.2a; MA L.K.2a; NY KL2; VA Kindergarten Conventions; TX §110.2(b) Conventions; FL ELA.K.C.3.1)

Name and Begin to Use End Punctuation - Recognize and begin to use period, question mark, and exclamation point correctly. (CCSS L.K.2b; CA L.K.2b; MA L.K.2b; NY KL2; VA Kindergarten Conventions; TX §110.2(b) Conventions; FL ELA.K.C.3.1)

Write Letters for Most Sounds in Words - Write a letter or letters for most consonant and short vowel sounds when spelling simple words. (CCSS L.K.2c; CA L.K.2c; MA L.K.2c; NY KL2; VA Kindergarten Conventions; TX §110.2(b) Conventions; FL ELA.K.F.1.3 d; ELA.K.C.3.1)

Determine or Clarify Meanings Using Context and Kindergarten Resources - Use pictures, context, and simple reference tools to determine or clarify meanings of unknown words and phrases. (CCSS L.K.4; CA L.K.4; MA L.K.4; NY KL4; VA Kindergarten Vocabulary; TX §110.2(b) Vocabulary; Author’s Purpose and Craft; FL ELA.K.V.1.2; ELA.K.R.3.1)

Use Inflections and Affixes as Meaning Clues - Use frequently occurring inflections and affixes (e.g., -s, -ed, -ing) as clues to the meaning of unknown words. (CCSS L.K.4b; CA L.K.4b; MA L.K.4b; NY KL4; VA Kindergarten Vocabulary; TX §110.2(b) Vocabulary; FL ELA.K.V.1.2)

Sort Words Into Basic Categories - Sort and name common words into basic categories (e.g., colors, shapes, foods) to build background knowledge. (CCSS L.K.5a; CA L.K.5a; MA L.K.5a; NY KL5; VA Kindergarten Vocabulary; TX §110.2(b) Vocabulary; FL ELA.K.V.1.3)

Relate Verbs and Adjectives to Their Opposites - Demonstrate understanding of verbs and adjectives by relating them to their opposites (hot/cold, push/pull). (CCSS L.K.5b; CA L.K.5b; MA L.K.5b; NY KL5; VA Kindergarten Vocabulary; TX §110.2(b) Vocabulary; FL ELA.K.V.1.3)

Make Real Life Connections Between Words and Their Use - Connect new words to personal experiences and classroom contexts to deepen understanding. (CCSS L.K.5c; CA L.K.5c; MA L.K.5c; NY KL5; VA Kindergarten Vocabulary; TX §110.2(b) Vocabulary; FL ELA.K.V.1.3)

Distinguish Shades of Meaning Among Related Verbs - Act out related verbs (e.g., walk, march, tiptoe) to show different strengths or manners of action. (CCSS L.K.5d; CA L.K.5d; MA L.K.5d; NY KL5; VA Kindergarten Vocabulary; TX §110.2(b) Vocabulary; FL ELA.K.V.1.3)

Acquire and Use Grade Appropriate Conversational and Academic Vocabulary - Use words and phrases learned from conversations, read‑alouds, and responses to texts. (CCSS L.K.6; CA L.K.6; MA L.K.6; NY KL6; VA Kindergarten Vocabulary; TX §110.2(b) Vocabulary; FL ELA.K.V.1.1)