Setting Reading Goals Around the BIG 5

 Developing a love for reading at an early age is one of the greatest gifts you can give a child. Reading not only enhances vocabulary and comprehension but also fosters creativity and critical thinking. Setting achievable reading goals can motivate young children, build their confidence, and instill a lifelong love of books. Here’s how you can set effective reading goals for young children:

1. Give the Right Assessments 

I teach first grade and always start with giving a phonics core reading screener, a benchmark phonological awareness screener, and Primary Spelling Inventory.  These three assessments are usually my go-to and give me a great idea of what my students needs are as a beginning reader. 

I have added the assessments I use here.

2. Where Did They Struggle?

After administering the assessments you can use this BIG 5 table below to determine what area you think your student falls in. Think of it as a continuum with phonological awareness and phonics being the first needs in order to have obtain word recognition.  This is followed up by fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, which fall under Language Comprehension.  


3: Identify the Measurable Goal

  • Specific (simple, sensible, significant).

  • Measurable (meaningful, motivating).

  • Achievable (agreed, attainable).

  • Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).

  • Time bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).

  • Goals can be written in the following format in order to make sure they have all the criteria:

  • By (date), and given (materials, support), my child will be able to (action) with (degree of accuracy).

Example: By the end of 2nd trimester, and given a grade-level nonfiction text, Sally will be able to answer multiple choice reading comprehension questions with at least 8 out of 10 correct or 80% accuracy. 

I have added lots of resources including this Google Slide that houses interventions to match each of the BIG 5 reading components.  These videos and links to PDF pintables are all FREE and hopefully can help guide your instruction.  Click the image below to take you directly to the resource hub. 


Click the image below to get a direct link to resources!

Some of my favorite teaching websites for interventions are Florida Center for Reading Research, Dyslexic Logic, ESL (perfect for decoding, blending, and word sorts), UFLI, ReadWorks, and Diffit. Each of these platforms is packed with incredible resources to support diverse learning needs. From research-based strategies and interactive tools to engaging reading passages and customizable materials, they offer something for every educator. If you haven’t explored these amazing websites yet, this is your sign to dive in and see how they can transform your intervention strategies!

I also share so many videos, free printable resources, and teaching ideas on my Facebook page: The Weekly Hive and on my TIKTOK page The Weekly Hive Teacher.  If you aren't following, you need to be 😜





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