Whether you're an educator, caregiver or parent, use these helpful posts, activities and book lists to help your student(s) meet and exceed the South Carolina Education Standards. Organized by grade, subject matter and standard, our team has assembled a collection of easy-to-follow and accessible resources for all families in Richland County.

Questions or need help with a specific standard? Give us a call at 803-799-9084 or Ask-a-Librarian. 

 

Alba Series. Book 1, Lost
Alba Series. Book 2, The Plan
Staff Picks

Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Alba Series

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, May 16
This 12-book series follows the adventures of the feisty and determined Anna. She uses her super-sleuthing and problem-solving skills to battle the mighty superbugs who threaten to destroy her father’s scientific work. 
The Clam
Crabs!
Staff Picks

Level 1 Decodable Chapter Books: Magic Belt Series

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, May 16
Looking for action and adventure? The Magic Belt series follows Zak’s quest to save his grandfather’s life. He sets out on a magical quest to collect hidden gems that will unlock the cure for grandfather illness. Zak races against time as he hurdles through obstacle after obstacle. 
Attack at Nightfall
A Cry in the Dark
Staff Picks

Decodable Chapter Books: Talisman Series

  • Emily J.
  • Tuesday, May 16
The night before his 14th birthday, Zak has a strange dream. A mysterious lady appears before him bearing an important message: "The Dark Master is creating a new talisman, even more powerful than the first. All of mankind is at risk. You must resume your quest and stop him!" she tells him. Together with Mim and a skinny, old mule, Zak sets off to Volcano Island to confront the Dark Master. Will he be able to reach him before it is too late? Will he be able to save humanity?
Chasing Henry
Cobweb the Cat
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: All About Reading

  • Emily J.
  • Friday, May 12
All About Reading are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading.
I Am Sam. Emergent Reader 1
Am I Lucky. Emergent Reader 34
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Flyleaf Beginning Readers

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, May 11
Flyleaf Readers are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading.  
Dark Tunnels
Dog Sledding
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books Level 5 & 6

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, May 11
High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 5 and 6 are for new readers ready to tackle multisyllabic words and longer sentences. 
Chase the Wind.
Lost in the Dunes.
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books Level 3 & 4

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, May 11
 High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 3 & 4 build foundational reading skills that will prepare a reader for more challenging concepts in levels 5 & 6. 
Cole and Finn
Get the Vet
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: High Noon Sound-Out Chapter Books for New Readers

  • Emily J.
  • Thursday, May 11
High Noon Chapter Books are designed for new readers who are ready to dive into chapter books. These stories are completely “decodable” meaning they use simple words and short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Levels 1 & 2 build foundational reading skills that will prepare a reader for more challenging concepts in levels 3 & 4. 
The Bad Hiss
The Check-up
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Level 2 Series

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, May 10
Whole Phonics Early Level 2 Series are designed for early readers who are ready to tackle more advanced concepts.  New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic). 
Buzz, Buzz
Get Up!
Staff Picks

Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Level 1 Series

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, May 10
Whole Phonics Early Level 1 Series are designed for students who know all the consonant and short vowel sounds. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic). 
A Cap
The Fab Cab
Staff Picks

First Decodable Readers: Whole Phonics Off We Go Series

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, May 10
Whole Phonics Early Readers are designed for students in the first stages of reading. New readers feel empowered because they can sound-out unfamiliar words without guessing and steadily build their reading skills. These books are completely “decodable” meaning that they use simple words and only short vowel sounds as the first stepping stones into reading. Decodable readers series slowly progress into more complex reading concepts moving from simple one-syllable words (fan) to multisyllabic words (fantastic). 
Blog
Richland Library Main

SC ELA Standards: Reading for Information Part 3

  • Shannon G.
  • Friday, April 30

Reading for information is commonly paired with nonfiction books. However, some fiction books hold good information about nonfiction subjects in a fictional setting. Because storyline is more complex, children can to gather information over time and wonder what will happen next or how the story ends. Helping your second grader learn to read carefully for details increases comprehension, introduces new vocabulary, and opens interest to related topics. 

Blog
Richland Library Main

SC Science Standards: Plant Growth and Survival

  • Emily J.
  • Friday, October 30

Plants tell an important story about the environment. Take time to explore and investigate the plants in the backyard with your kindergartener. Visit local gardens and discuss the types of plants in the area. Ask questions about how the environment provides plants with the resources they need to survive, water and sunlight

Blog
Richland Library Main

SC Science Standards: Exploring Animals and the Environment

  • Emily J.
  • Wednesday, January 20

This kindergarten standard is all about observing animals in nature and how they use their environment to survive. There are many ways to incorporate this standard into your everday life by making observations of animals in yard. Taking a trip to the zoo is the ideal place to closely analyze animal enviroments and behavior. Compare how different animals survive in different environments. How does the lion's environment differ from the gorilla's? How are they the same?