Course Description
In first-grade literature, young minds will embark on a captivating literary journey where they will explore the many Christlike virtues found within the various titles, themes and characters of several wonderful children’s books. The entire curriculum is designed to help foster a love of great literature, including classic novels, poetry, scriptures, historical letters, biographies, an introduction to Shakespeare, fiction, non-fiction, short stories, and memorizations. Our literature choices have been carefully selected to reinforce Christian principles while sparking the imagination and encouraging further reading. We will also learn about the lives of some of the authors. By the completion of this course, students will have a stronger foundation in the transformative world of good literature and hopefully an increased desire to make wiser choices, such as those discussed within the literature units studied.
Course objectives include an introduction to the six main types of literature, the seven loves inspired by good literature, personal reflection, self-governance, character development, critical thinking skills, cause and effect, moral discernment, enhanced vocabulary skills, symbolism, annotation, and some basic literary elements.
Course Details
First Grade Literature
Types of Literature
Seven Loves of Literature
Isaac Watts
Robert Louis Stevenson
Virtues within Children’s Literature
Fairy Tales
Bambi, by Felix Salten
William Blake
Charlotte’s Web, by E. B. White
Abigail Adams, by Evelyn Witter
William Shakespeare
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Several children’s stories, from various authors read & discussed throughout the year…
Coming soon.
Salten, Felix, Bambi: A Life in the Woods. (ISBN: 978-1-4424-6745-3)
White, E.B., Charlotte’s Web. (ISBN: 0-590-30271-X)
Witter, Evelyn, Abigail Adams. (ISBN: 0915134-94-2)
Watts, Isaac, “Praise For Creation”
Stevenson, Robert Louis, “The Swing”
Blake, William, “The Lamb”
Fairy Tales
Other children’s book titles (sampling)… Coming Soon (Keisha)
Ms. Keysha Smith
Why do you love teaching at AHS? — Where else can a teacher help students gain a passion and love of learning and remind them of how much their Father in heaven loves them each and every day!?
Life Experience That Prepared me to teach at AHS — When I taught early morning seminary to some pretty tired Freshman and Sophomores, I learned that in order to keep their attention, and to even keep them awake, I had to be passionate about what I was teaching them. My love and passion for the gospel and its teachings helped them to develop their own love and passion for it. I learned the power that the spirit has to reach the heart and how important it is to be well-prepared so one can speak from the heart, look into their eyes, and make it come to life!
What is Unique About AHS? — Our heart and mind approach to education not only opens the windows of success, but it awakens the soul and reminds the students of the greatness they hold within. With God’s help and a very supportive staff, I am encouraged daily to create an atmosphere where knowledge and character development are nurtured, and the exceptional can unfold. AHS is an extraordinary place to teach and learn, but it is also a place with lots of heart-moving memories, outstanding extra-curricular programs, and incredible families.
Education — Bachelor of Arts, Family Science, Brigham Young University
Why Teaching? — I absolutely love what I do! My spirit feels at home when I am learning and teaching. I love my curriculum, what the spirit inspires me to say and do, and what the students teach me. I enjoy seeing things from their perspectives. Teaching requires a lot of dedication and conviction, but it is worth it. I love it when we reason and relate, and there are times when the rewards are truly great.
Why AHS? — The great works of literature, history, language arts, and geography are all wonderful and valuable subjects to teach in and of themselves, but when a teacher is encouraged to reason and relate what the scriptures and prophets have said within each of these subjects it goes from being wonderful to extraordinarily awesome!