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.

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 participate in literary circles to analyze characters, critique writing, discuss events, and  story elements.  In this literary circles instructional activity, students take responsibility for their learning as a...