First grade books have pictures which are connected to text. Stories are repetitive and predictable. Children learn about rhyming words through songs and chants. Students meet individually with a reading teacher for a half hour daily. The teacher builds on what the child already knows, and uses this knowledge to teach new skills.
Second graders learn to read for understanding at a more complex level.
Independent reading is developed through 'choice' groups that are lead by the teacher. Students learn to select books at their skill level. Writing letters to pen pals is one way to develop writing skills. Third graders continue to read independently. A reading text introduces different types of literature.