The Grade 1 Reading Strategies Rubric is designed to assess and support early literacy development by providing clear expectations for foundational reading skills. This rubric evaluates key areas such as phonemic awareness; decoding; fluency; comprehension; and engagement with texts. By using this tool; educators can systematically track student progress; identify strengths; and target areas for growth. In phonemic awareness; the rubric measures a student’s ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken words; a critical skill for early reading success. Decoding is assessed through the student’s application of letter-sound relationships to read simple words and sentences. Fluency evaluates the smoothness and pace of oral reading; ensuring students begin to read with appropriate expression and accuracy. Comprehension is a central focus; with the rubric checking whether students can retell stories; answer questions about key details; and make simple connections to their own experiences. Engagement with texts is also considered; encouraging students to demonstrate curiosity and enjoyment while reading. This rubric serves as a valuable instructional tool; helping teachers tailor lessons to meet individual student needs. It provides parents with clear insights into their child’s reading development; fostering collaboration between home and school. By setting measurable goals; the rubric promotes a growth mindset; motivating students to take ownership of their learning. Ultimately; the Grade 1 Reading Strategies Rubric supports a structured approach to literacy instruction; ensuring students build a strong foundation for future academic success. Its clear criteria and focus on skill development make it an essential resource for educators committed to fostering confident; capable readers.