Lessons

Grade 1

Lesson

1

:

Learning Courage from Literature

Lesson
1
:

Learning Courage from Literature

Grade

Grade 1

UNIT

5

•

Courage

Last Updated:

June 5, 2025

Unit 5, Lesson 1, “Learning Courage from Literature,” reinforces the vocabulary word courage. Students will learn the definition of courage and examples from a contemporary work of children’s literature. Additionally, students will create sentences that demonstrate their comprehension of the word courage. Finally, students will practice reading and conversation skills by sharing sentences with classmates.

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SUGGESTED TIME:

20 minutes

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LEARNING OUTCOMES:

  • Listen to a read aloud to reinforce understanding of English sentence structure, syntax, and grammar
  • Spell, define, and give an example of courage
  • Compose sentences that demonstrate comprehension of the word courage 
  • Demonstrate understanding of standard English sentence structure and grammar in writing and speaking 
  • Practice reading and conversation skills by sharing sentences with classmates

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REQUIRED MATERIALS:

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VOCABULARY:

  • Courage: I do what I think is right even when I am afraid.

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ELA COMMON CORE STANDARDS MET

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.1

Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.1.A

Recognize the distinguishing features of a sentence (e.g., first word, capitalization, ending punctuation).

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.2

Demonstrate understanding of spoken words, syllables, and sounds (phonemes).

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3

Know and apply grade-level phonics and word analysis skills in decoding words.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4

Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1

Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.10

With prompting and support, read prose and poetry of appropriate complexity for grade 1.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2

Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1

Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1.A

Follow agreed-upon rules for discussions (e.g., listening to others and taking turns speaking about the topics and texts under discussion).

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.2

Ask and answer questions about key details in a text read aloud or information presented orally or through other media.

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CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.6

Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation.

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CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET

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Moral Character A

Know, understand, and practice the character strengths of honesty and integrity, caring and compassion, gratitude, and the courage to take initiative

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Moral Character B

Apply and demonstrate the character strengths of honesty and integrity, caring and compassion, gratitude, and the courage to take initiative

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Self-Awareness A2

Identify personal strengths (e.g., honesty, curiosity, listening)

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Self-Management A3

Explain the different ways people respond to problems and challenges (e.g., ask for help, try harder, learn from mistakes)

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Social-Awareness A3

Demonstrate the ability to listen carefully and intentionally to other

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Social-Awareness A6

Be able to tell stories and listen to stories told by others

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Interpersonal/ Relationship Skills 1

Initiate and engage in conversation and social interactions with classmates, peers, and adults

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Interpersonal/ Relationship Skills 7

Play games and appropriately participate in small group classroom activities

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Responsible and Ethical Decision-Making 1

Describe a rule or principle that everyone should strive to live by (e.g., be kind, be honest, try your best)

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Civic Character A

Know, understand, and practice the character strengths of fairness, respect, volunteering and contributing to the common good

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LESSON PROCEDURE

Today we will learn about courage. 

  1. Write courage on the board.
  2. Tell students that courage means we do what is right even if we are afraid. 
  3. Ask students to spell courage on their worksheets.
  4. Read the book Come With Me by Holly McGhee or 
  5. Play the video: Read aloud of Come With Me by First Grade Party (~4 min)
  6. Ask students what the book says about courage.
  7. Activity: Ask students to go around the room and say one way they can show courage on the playground. Take students out to the playground and have them show courage.
  8. Ask students to complete their worksheets. 
  9. Ask students to read their sentences to a partner.

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EXTENSION ACTIVITIES - SUGGESTIONS

  • Talk with your students about times that you have seen examples of people demonstrating courage. You could give examples of family, friends, and/or historical or current public figures.
  • Talk with your students about times in your life that you have demonstrated courage, despite hardships.

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GRADE 1 UNIT 5 WORKSHEET 1: LEARNING COURAGE FROM LITERATURE

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Courage: I do what I think is right even when I am afraid.  

Write the word courage: 

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_________________________________________________________________________

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ACTIVITY: 

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Write 1 sentence that explains how the book explained what courage means:

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Write 1 sentence that explains a time when you showed courage:

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Prohuman K-12 Curriculum © 2025 by Prohuman Foundation is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

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