Lesson
1
:

Learning Humanity from Literature

Grade

Grade 1

UNIT

9

Humanity

Last Updated:

June 3, 2025

Unit 9, Lesson 1, “Learning Humanity from Literature,” reinforces the vocabulary word humanity. Students will learn examples of humanity from a poem. Additionally, students will create their own sentences that demonstrate their comprehension of the word humanity. Finally, students will practice their reading and conversation skills by sharing sentences with classmates.

SUGGESTED TIME:

20 minutes

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

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

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

VOCABULARY:

  • Humanity: I see that every person is special. People are more alike than unalike. We all need to work together to make our lives better.

ELA COMMON CORE STANDARDS MET

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.1

Demonstrate understanding of the organization and basic features of print.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.1.A

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

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.2

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

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.3

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

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RF.1.4

Read with sufficient accuracy and fluency to support comprehension.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.1

Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4

Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.10

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

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1

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

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2

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

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.

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).

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.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.6

Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation

CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET

Civic Character A

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

Civic Character A1

Understand why it is important to share, take turns, and follow rules (of a game, at home or school)

Civic Character A1

Understand why it is important to share, take turns, and follow rules (of a game, at home or school)

Civic Character B1

Demonstrate the ability to share, take turns and follow rules (of a game, at home or school)

Civic Character B2

Demonstrate the ability to be respectful, courteous and polite

Self-Awareness A2

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

Social-Awareness A

Demonstrate the ability to empathize and take the perspective of others, including demonstrating awareness of cultural differences and respect for human dignity

Social-Awareness A3

Demonstrate the ability to listen carefully and intentionally to others

Social-Awareness A4

Describe ways in which people are similar and different

Interpersonal/ Relationship Skills 1

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

Interpersonal/ Relationship Skills 7

Play games and appropriately participate in small group classroom activities

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)

LESSON PROCEDURE

Today we will learn about humanity. 

  1. Write humanity on the board. 
  2. Ask students to spell humanity on their worksheet.
  3. Read the poem “Human Family” by Maya Angelou and/or play the video Read aloud of “Human Family” recited by a student in the 2018 Dr. Roger F. Harris Oratorical Society at Boston Renaissance Charter School (~2 min)
  4. Ask students how the poem shows the meaning of humanity.
  5. Have students complete the sentences on their worksheets. 
  6. Ask students to read their sentences to a partner.
  7. Activity: Let’s draw our class family. Have each student draw a picture of one of the other students on a large sheet of paper for a class family portrait. 

EXTENSION ACTIVITIES - SUGGESTIONS

  • Talk with your students about times that you have seen examples of people demonstrating humanity. 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 humanity, despite hardships.

GRADE 1 UNIT 9 WORKSHEET 1: LEARNING HUMANITY FROM LITERATURE

Humanity: I see that every person is special. People are more alike than unalike. We all need to work together to make our lives better. 

Write the word humanity: 

_________________________________________________________________________

ACTIVITY: 

Write 1 sentence that explains how the poem “Human Family” shows the meaning of humanity.

Write 1 sentence that explains a time when you showed humanity.

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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