Literature Overview
In the first month of Grade 1 literature, students develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills through carefully selected read-aloud books. Each day features a different story with discussion questions that help students identify characters, understand story sequence, and make connections between the story and their own experiences. The read-aloud approach allows students to enjoy rich, complex stories beyond their independent reading level, building their understanding of narrative structure and expanding their knowledge of the world. Students learn that stories reflect realityâreal emotions, real problems, real solutionsâand that thinking carefully about what we read helps us understand both the story and ourselves better.
What Your Student Will Learn (Weeks 1-4)
- Identify main characters, settings, and key events in picture books and simple chapter books
- Retell stories in correct sequence using beginning, middle, and end
- Answer comprehension questions about character feelings, motivations, and actions
- Build vocabulary through context and discussion of new words encountered in stories
Weekly Lesson Plans
Each week contains 5 daily lessons (Monday-Friday), each designed for 15-20 minutes of read-aloud and discussion.
Week 1: Classic Picture Books
Weekly Learning Goal: Students will identify main characters and understand story sequence (beginning, middle, end) in classic picture books.
Students explore timeless picture books with clear characters and simple plots. Each day focuses on a different beloved story, with discussions about who the characters are, what happens, and why events unfold the way they do.
View Week 1 Lessons âWeek 2: American Folk Tales
Weekly Learning Goal: Students will understand traditional American folk tales and discuss the lessons or morals these stories teach.
Students discover American folk heroes and traditional tales that have been passed down for generations. Discussions focus on what makes these stories memorable and what we can learn from the characters' choices and actions.
View Week 2 Lessons âWeek 3: Simple Chapter Books (Multi-Day)
Weekly Learning Goal: Students will follow a longer story over multiple days, track plot development, and make predictions about what will happen next.
Students experience their first chapter book, reading a few pages or one chapter each day. They practice remembering what happened previously, predicting future events, and following a sustained narrative across the entire week.
View Week 3 Lessons âWeek 4: Poetry and Rhyming Books
Weekly Learning Goal: Students will appreciate rhyme, rhythm, and descriptive language in poetry and rhyming picture books, building vocabulary and phonemic awareness.
Students explore the musical quality of language through poems and rhyming stories. They learn to recognize rhyming patterns, act out poems with expression, and discover how authors choose specific words to create vivid images and emotions.
View Week 4 Lessons âGetting Started: Orientation for New Homeschool Teachers
If this is your first time conducting read-alouds at home, here's how to prepare:
Before You Begin
- Choose your book source: Check your local library for the recommended books, or use the YouTube read-aloud links provided as free alternatives.
- Preview the book: Read or watch the story yourself before the lesson so you know what happens and can prepare discussion questions.
- Prepare your space: Create a comfortable reading spot with good lighting. Sit next to your student so they can see the pictures clearly.
- Plan for interruptions: It's natural for young children to ask questions during the story. Pause to answer briefly, then continue reading to maintain the flow.
During Each Read-Aloud
- Read with expression: Use different voices for characters, vary your pace for excitement or suspense, and show enthusiasm for the story.
- Show the pictures: After reading each page, pause to let your student see the illustrations. Pictures provide important context and help with comprehension.
- Follow the discussion questions: Use the provided questions to check understanding and encourage critical thinking. There are no "wrong" answersâfocus on helping your student explain their thinking.
- Keep it enjoyable: Reading should be a pleasant experience. If your student is restless, take a quick stretch break and return to the story.
Book Access Options
Every lesson includes multiple ways to access the books:
- Library: Borrow physical books from your local library (recommended for the best reading experience)
- YouTube: Watch narrated read-alouds online for free (provided links for every book)
- Substitutions: Alternative book suggestions if the primary book is unavailable
No family should be blocked from literature lessons due to book accessâwe provide free alternatives for every title.