Rooted in Reading: 1st Grade Reading Curriculum Backed by Research, Built for Comprehension

Teaching first-grade reading is no small task. It’s a year when students take major steps in decoding, start connecting deeply with text, and begin developing the comprehension skills that will serve them for years to come. But finding a 1st grade reading curriculum that’s both engaging and research-backed can be a challenge.

Rooted in Reading for 1st Grade was created to make teaching reading intentional, effective, and joyful. It brings together literature-rich instruction, targeted comprehension skills, and consistent routines—all backed by best reading comprehension practices.

Struggling With Disconnected Tools and Shallow Comprehension?

Many teachers find themselves patching together lessons from various sources, which creates some common struggles:

• Comprehension instruction feels shallow or disconnected from the texts.
• Vocabulary and language instruction are hard to integrate into the reading block.
• Students aren’t engaging deeply with the content or remembering key concepts.
• Teachers are spending hours planning and prepping multiple pieces.

Without a structure grounded in how kids actually learn to comprehend text, reading instruction can fall short—especially for students who need more modeling and support.

A Science-Backed Solution: Rooted in Reading

Rooted in Reading isn’t just a set of reading activities—it’s a comprehension-centered framework built on research. According to Scarborough’s Reading Rope, language comprehension is one half of skilled reading. That’s exactly where Rooted in Reading focuses—with targeted support for:

• Background knowledge
• Vocabulary
• Language structures (syntax and grammar)
• Verbal reasoning
• Literacy knowledge

Rooted in Reading does not teach the skills in isolation. The read-aloud serves as a mentor text throughout the week. Students are analyzing the text, making connections, and digging deeper with comprehension.

What’s Included in the 1st Grade Reading Curriculum

Each week of instruction includes:

• A carefully selected read-aloud that becomes the anchor for all comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing about reading work.
• Explicit comprehension lessons targeting key skills like retelling, comparing characters, identifying plot elements, making predictions, and drawing conclusions.
• Tiered vocabulary instruction designed to expand students’ oral and written language.
• Grammar and language structure practice that supports understanding how sentences work.
• Meaningful response activities—no fluff, no filler.
• Print-and-go tools like anchor charts, vocabulary cards, graphic organizers, and student pages.

These components support teachers in modeling reading strategies out loud, just as the research recommends.

“The most effective read-alouds are those in which children are actively involved in asking and answering questions and making predictions.”

David Dickinson, Harvard University

From our research, we know that reading aloud builds a bridge between language and reading. It shows students how language works in context, enriching their learning experience.

Real Impact: What Teachers Are Saying

“Several students were reading on a 2.0 grade level. Now my students are reading 3.5–5.5.” – 1st Grade Teacher

“Yes! We have seen growth in vocabulary and comprehension! Our principals have been impressed with the rigor of the questions and how much our first graders are learning.” – Teacher Survey Response

“My students genuinely enjoy reading now. Rooted in Reading exposes them to so many different stories that they begin reaching for similar books.” – 1st Grade Teacher

“At the beginning of the year, I had 20% Tier 1 students. Now I have almost 50% Tier 1 students.” – Teacher Survey Response

This is more than anecdotal. Classrooms across the country report measurable gains in reading comprehension and vocabulary—especially in schools serving English Language Learners and students with limited background knowledge.

Get the Full Curriculum

You can get the complete Rooted in Reading for 1st Grade bundle here:

This bundle provides you with everything you need to teach comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing—all through one connected system.

Try It for Free!

Want to see how it fits your classroom? Download a free sample week of Rooted in Reading for 1st Grade.

You’ll get a full week of plans, vocabulary, comprehension lessons, and printables to explore firsthand.

Why Choose Rooted in Reading for 1st Grade Reading Comprehension?

When you use Rooted in Reading, you’re not just delivering engaging lessons—you’re supporting the exact components of reading comprehension emphasized by the Science of Reading and Scarborough’s Reading Rope. From rich discussions and vocabulary building to comprehension strategy instruction and writing about text, this curriculum helps teachers deliver what research says works.

It’s a resource you can trust—and a routine your students will love. Ready to learn more? Check out the full details!