English Level 1 (Prep)
Learning focus
As students work towards the achievement of Level 1 standards in English, they draw on a range of experiences and skills with texts and language used at home and in the community when speaking, listening, reading and writing to establish a foundation for English learning in the school context.
Students learn to read simple, predictable texts that have familiar content. Texts at this level have simple sentences and predominantly oral language patterns, and include repetition of phrases and illustrations that represent the main ideas such as picture books. Students learn that print text maintains a constant message, and they use title, illustrations and knowledge of a text topic to predict meaning in texts.
They explore the purpose, formation and conventions of print and develop a working understanding of how sounds are represented alphabetically. To make meaning they use context and information about words, letters, combinations of letters and the sounds associated with them. They expand their vocabulary and use illustrations to extend meaning. With support they select their own reading material from a small range of familiar texts.
Students begin to compose simple texts about personally significant topics for their own purposes and audiences. When writing words and simple sentences they draw on their knowledge of the alphabet and its relationship with the sound system, conventional letters, groups of letters and some simple punctuation such as full stops and capital letters to communicate meaning. They begin to recognise that writing is used to convey ideas, feelings and information, and they discuss the purposes of their writing and the sources of their ideas. They learn to form letters correctly and to use a range of writing implements.
Students regularly make brief presentations on a specified topic to small groups or the whole class, learning to speak at an appropriate volume and pace for listeners’ needs. They practise sequencing main events and ideas coherently and self-correct by rephrasing when meaning is not clear. They contribute ideas during class and group discussion, and follow simple instructions. They learn to retell what they have heard and ask and answer simple questions for information and clarification.
Students learn and practise the skills of being attentive listeners in formal and informal classroom situations. They listen and respond to a range of simple texts, including books read aloud, audio tapes and films, and to brief spoken texts that deal with familiar ideas and information. Students begin to adjust their speaking and listening to suit context, purpose and audience in order to communicate meaning and to understand others. When sharing and responding to ideas and information in print, visual and electronic texts, students make connections with their own experiences and ideas.
Standards
Reading
At Level 1, students match print and spoken text in their immediate environment. They recognise how sounds are represented alphabetically and identify some sound-letter relationships. They read aloud simple print and electronic texts that include some frequently used words and predominantly oral language structures. They read from left to right with return sweep, and from top to bottom. They use title, illustrations and knowledge of a text topic to predict meaning. They use context and information about words, letters, combinations of letters and the sounds associated with them to make meaning, and use illustrations to extend meaning.
Writing
At Level 1, students write personal recounts and simple texts about familiar topics to convey ideas or messages. In their writing, they use conventional letters, groups of letters, and simple punctuation such as full stops and capital letters. Students are aware of the sound system and the relationships between letters and sounds in words when spelling. They form letters correctly, and use a range of writing implements and software.
Speaking and listening
At Level 1, students use spoken language appropriately in a variety of classroom contexts. They ask and answer simple questions for information and clarification, contribute relevant ideas during class or group discussion, and follow simple instructions.
They listen to and produce brief spoken texts that deal with familiar ideas and information. They sequence main events and ideas coherently in speech, and speak at an appropriate volume and pace for listeners’ needs. They self-correct by rephrasing a statement or question when meaning is not clear.
Downloads
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English booklet (
PDF - 255KB) - English standards table (Doc - 51KB)
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Victorian Essential Learning Standards Level 1 ( PDF - 702KB)
