LESSONS

Fiction

The Prohuman Grade 1 curriculum is aligned to two sets of standards: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Character and Social Emotional Development (CSED) National Guidelines. The full collection of units introduces all nine of the prohuman character strengths: optimism, grit, gratitude, curiosity, courage, compassion, fairness, understanding, and humanity. Unit 3, Lesson 1, “Learning Gratitude from Literature,” reinforces the vocabulary word gratitude. Students will learn examples of gratitude from a contemporary work of children’s literature. Additionally, students will create their own sentences that demonstrate their comprehension of the word gratitude. Finally, students will practice their reading and conversation skills by sharing sentences with classmates. SUGGESTED TIME: 20 minutes RELATED SUBJECT: English Language Arts 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 gratitude Compose sentences that demonstrate comprehension of the word gratitude 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: Poem: “Dear Sky” by Naomi Shihab Nye and/or Video: Read aloud of "Dear Sky" (~1 min) Prohuman Grade 1 Unit 3 Worksheet 1: Learning Gratitude from Literature VOCABULARY: Gratitude: I am thankful for many things, big and small. 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.1.4 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). CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET Moral Character A6 Understand what gratitude is (the ability to recognize and express appreciation) and why practicing gratitude is a character strength Moral Character B4 Share an example of when you practiced gratitude as a character strength 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 A6 Be able to tell stories and listen to stories told by others 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 gratitude. Write gratitude on the board. Ask students to spell gratitude on their worksheets. Tell students that gratitude means that we are thankful for many things, both big and small. Have students read the poem “Dear Sky” by Naomi Shihab Nye (printed on their worksheet) and/or play the video of poem (~1 min) Ask students how the author of the poem showed gratitude Discuss how the words in the poem suggest feelings and appeal to the senses (e.g., How do the colors of the sky reflect feelings?) Activity: Take students outside to look at the sky and write about what type of clouds they see. Describe the color and shape of the clouds. Describe the rest of the environment as well—the trees, ground, playground, buildings, etc. Let’s work on some writing about gratitude. Ask students to write one sentence on their worksheet that explains how the author of the poem showed gratitude. Ask students to write one sentence on their worksheet that explains how the author of the poem’s gratitude helped her and others. Ask students to write one sentence on their worksheet that explains a time when they showed gratitude. Ask students to read their sentences to a partner. EXTENSION ACTIVITIES - SUGGESTIONS Talk with your students about times that you have seen examples of people demonstrating gratitude. 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 gratitude, despite hardships. GRADE 1 UNIT 3 WORKSHEET 1: LEARNING GRATITUDE FROM LITERATURE Gratitude: I am thankful for many things, big and small. Write the word gratitude: Dear Sky by Naomi Shihab Nye Dear Sky, Thank you for sticking around. I’m a little trapped here, tied to ground by gravity, in a state, a country, but you are the true top of my room. When I stare up, everything feels better. You calm me down. When you are gray, I know you are holding on to rain, doing your job. When you’re blue, everyone loves you. So many styles of clouds drifting quietly . . . best of all, you always change, the way I change getting older. Thank you for showing me how. In your own mysterious way, I think you care. I want to belong to everywhere, the way you do. Kids in Dubai, Kenya, China, Australia, all know you. You are the true world friend. Sky, I thank you every day and night for connecting us. I don’t need any money at all to own your glory. Love, Small Dot on the Earth Source: This poem was originally published in the December 2021/January 2022 issue of Scholastic Storyworks. ACTIVITY: Write 1 sentence that explains how the author of this poem showed gratitude: Write 1 sentence that explains how the author’s gratitude helped her and others: Write 1 sentence that explains a time when you showed gratitude: EXTRA CREDIT: Each day, for the next 30 days, write something for which you are grateful. It should be something different each day. There is a place for you to write on the next page. 30 DAY GRATITUDE CHALLENGE Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Day 15 Day 16 Day 17 Day 18 Day 19 Day 20 Day 21 Day 22 Day 23 Day 24 Day 25 Day 26 Day 27 Day 28 Day 29 Day 30

Nonfiction

The Prohuman Grade 1 curriculum is aligned to two sets of standards: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Character and Social Emotional Development (CSED) National Guidelines. The full collection of units introduces all nine of the prohuman character strengths: optimism, grit, gratitude, curiosity, courage, compassion, fairness, understanding, and humanity. Unit 3, Lesson 2, “Learning Gratitude from a Nonfiction Text,” reinforces the vocabulary word gratitude. Students will learn examples of gratitude from a nonfiction text. Additionally, students will practice their reading comprehension skills by hearing a reading from the teacher. Finally, students will create their own sentences that demonstrate their reading comprehension. SUGGESTED TIME: 20 minutes RELATED SUBJECT: English Language Arts LEARNING OUTCOMES: Listen to a read aloud to develop reading comprehension skills Spell, define, and give an example of gratitude Compose 2 sentences that demonstrate comprehension of the word gratitude Demonstrate understanding of standard English sentence structure and grammar Practice reading and conversation skills by sharing sentences with classmates VOCABULARY: Gratitude: I am thankful for many things, big and small. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Book: We Are Grateful | Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorel or Video: Read aloud of We Are Grateful | Otsaliheliga by the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning (~5 min) Prohuman Grade 1 Unit 3 Worksheet 2: Learning Gratitude from a Nonfiction Text 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.RF.1.4.C Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary. 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.1.1.G Use frequently occurring conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or, so, because). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2.B Use end punctuation for sentences. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2.E Spell untaught words phonetically, drawing on phonemic awareness and spelling conventions. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.4 Ask and answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 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.1.1.B Build on others' talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1.C Ask questions to clear up any confusion 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 Moral Character A6 Understand what gratitude is (the ability to recognize and express appreciation) and why practicing gratitude is a character strength 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 A6 Be able to tell stories and listen to stories told by others 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 continue to learn about gratitude. Write gratitude on the board. Ask students to spell gratitude on their worksheets. Ask students what we learned about gratitude from the last lesson. Activity: guide students around a (quiet) tour of the school and have them look for three things they see that they are grateful for. Bring students back to the classroom and ask them what they saw that they are grateful for. Read the book: We Are Grateful | Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorel or play the video: Read aloud of We Are Grateful | Otsaliheliga by the Carnegie Center for Literacy & Learning (~5 min). Ask students how the Cherokee people in the book showed gratitude, then have them write their sentences on their worksheets. Have students take turns sharing their sentences with a partner. GRADE 1 UNIT 3 WORKSHEET 2: LEARNING GRATITUDE FROM A NONFICTION TEXT Gratitude: I am thankful for many things, big and small. Write the word gratitude: ACTIVITY: Write 2 sentences that explain 2 things for which the Cherokee people show gratitude.

Social Studies

The Prohuman Grade 1 curriculum is aligned to two sets of standards: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Character and Social Emotional Development (CSED) National Guidelines. The full collection of units introduces all nine of the prohuman character strengths: optimism, grit, gratitude, curiosity, courage, compassion, fairness, understanding, and humanity. Unit 3, Lesson 3, “Writing an Opinion Piece About Gratitude,” reinforces the vocabulary word gratitude. Students will write an opinion piece in which they introduce the topic, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure. SUGGESTED TIME: 20 minutes RELATED SUBJECT: English Language Arts LEARNING OUTCOMES: Demonstrate comprehension of the word gratitude. Write an opinion piece that introduces the topic, states an opinion, supplies a reason for the opinion, and provides some sense of closure. Demonstrate understanding of standard English sentence structure and grammar VOCABULARY: Gratitude: I am thankful for many things, big and small. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Prohuman Grade 1 Unit 3 Worksheet 3: Writing an Opinion Piece About Gratitude 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.L.1.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.B Use common, proper, and possessive nouns. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.C Use singular and plural nouns with matching verbs in basic sentences (e.g., He hops; We hop). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.D Use personal, possessive, and indefinite pronouns (e.g., I, me, my; they, them, their, anyone, everything). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1.G Use frequently occurring conjunctions (e.g., and, but, or, so, because). CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2.B Use end punctuation for sentences. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.2.E Spell untaught words phonetically, drawing on phonemic awareness and spelling conventions. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.6 Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.1 Write opinion pieces in which they introduce the topic or name the book they are writing about, state an opinion, supply a reason for the opinion, and provide some sense of closure. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.1.8 With guidance and support from adults, recall information from experiences or gather information from provided sources to answer a question. CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET Moral Character A6 Understand what gratitude is (the ability to recognize and express appreciation) and why practicing gratitude is a character strength Moral Character B Apply and demonstrate the character strengths of honesty and integrity, caring and compassion, gratitude, and the courage to take initiative Social-Awareness A3 Demonstrate the ability to listen carefully and intentionally to others 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 write an opinion piece about gratitude. An opinion piece introduces the topic, states your opinion on the topic, supplies a reason for the opinion, and provides some sense of closure. Write gratitude on the board. Here is an example of an opinion piece about gratitude. Write on the board: Topic: Gratitude is the ability to say thank you for many things in our life, both big and small. Opinion: I think it is important to show gratitude, especially about things I take for granted like having water to drink. Reason: Showing gratitude makes me happier. Closure: I will keep finding things for which I am grateful. Now each student will write their own opinion piece on their worksheet. NOTE: Collect and keep the worksheet on the following page for the next day’s lesson in which students will share their opinion pieces with a partner. GRADE 1 UNIT 3 WORKSHEET 3: WRITING AN OPINION PIECE ABOUT GRATITUDE Gratitude: I am thankful for many things, big and small. Write the word gratitude: ACTIVITY: Write an opinion piece about gratitude: Topic: Opinion: Reason: Closure:

The Prohuman Grade 1 curriculum is aligned to two sets of standards: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Character and Social Emotional Development (CSED) National Guidelines. The full collection of units introduces all nine of the prohuman character strengths: optimism, grit, gratitude, curiosity, courage, compassion, fairness, understanding, and humanity. Unit 3, Lesson 4, “Sharing Opinion Pieces About Gratitude,” reinforces the vocabulary word gratitude. Students will practice their reading skills by reading their opinion pieces to a partner and their listening skills by listening to their partner’s opinion pieces. Finally, students will write two complete sentences in which they share two things for which they are grateful. SUGGESTED TIME: 20 minutes RELATED SUBJECT: English Language Arts LEARNING OUTCOMES: Read aloud to a partner to support the development of English pronunciation, syntax, and grammar Listen to a partner’s reading to develop active listening skills Participate in a discussion to develop active listening and conversation skills Write complete sentences to practice correct English syntax and grammar VOCABULARY: Gratitude: I am thankful for many things, big and small. REQUIRED MATERIALS: Prohuman Grade 1 Unit 3 Worksheet 4: Sharing Opinion Pieces About Gratitude 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.RF.1.4.C Use context to confirm or self-correct word recognition and understanding, rereading as necessary. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.4 Ask and answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about grade 1 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.1.1.B Build on others' talk in conversations by responding to the comments of others through multiple exchanges CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.6 Produce complete sentences when appropriate to task and situation CHARACTER AND SOCIAL EMOTIONAL (CSED) NATIONAL STANDARDS MET Moral Character A6 Understand what gratitude is (the ability to recognize and express appreciation) and why practicing gratitude is a character strength Moral Character B Apply and demonstrate the character strengths of honesty and integrity, caring and compassion, gratitude, and the courage to take initiative 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 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 read our opinion pieces (from the previous lesson’s worksheet) about gratitude with a partner. Circle the room to support the students as they take turns reading their opinion pieces to their partners. (10 min) Finally, we will write on our worksheet two sentences about two things for which our classmates are grateful. GRADE 1 UNIT 3 WORKSHEET 4: SHARING OPINION PIECES ABOUT GRATITUDE Gratitude: I am thankful for many things, big and small. ACTIVITY: Write 2 complete sentences about 2 things for which your classmates are grateful. 1. 2.