Students participate in literary circles to analyze characters, critique writing, discuss events, and  story elements.  In this literary circles lesson, students take responsibility for their learning as a member of the...

First graders read "The Red Racer" by Audrey Wood. They identify choices and consequences present in the story. They identify and evaluate choices, and the consequences of those choices, in everyday life both at school and home.

Students respond the story of Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes and discuss the ways in which she showed respect for herself and for others.

First graders explore the relationships between the choices one makes and the consequences that follow. The importance of choices in context of getting along with others is stressed throughout the lesson.

Students describe factors that influence relationships with family and friends. They write a book about themselves using personal knowledge.