I believe one of the most rewarding works my hands have been blessed to do as a mom has been holding a book open to read to my children. In my very unprofessional opinion, reading to a child in our laps or sitting beside us gives opportunity for physical closeness and quality time together, making it a wonderful way to bond with that child. I have always loved reading with my kids, and, like many of you mamas, would have done so regardless of homeschooling.
Today I’d like to share my favorite early literature guide for children. First Favorites by Veritas Press has a very special place in this mama’s heart. It was the tool that helped expand the subject of reading into a love for literature in my kids through the gift of classic children’s books.
I was introduced to First Favorites in a homeschool co-op my girls and I were a part of in our early years of homeschooling. My younger daughter was in a literature class that worked through First Favorites Comprehension Guide Volume One. I thought it was the sweetest thing ever so I followed up at home the next year with the second volume. I later used both volumes for my son as well.
Each volume follows a collection of children’s classics, several of which are Caldecott Honors Books. The guides offer activities and exercises for reading comprehension, creative writing, penmanship, grammar, and art.
First Favorites Volume One Collection:
Curious George
Caps for Sale
Corduroy
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
Blueberries for Sal
The Little Engine That Could
Floss
A Chair for my Mother
Harry the Dirty Dog
Billy and Blaze
Bread and Jam for Francis
Dr. DeSoto
Frog and Toad are Friends
Frog and Toad All Year
*****
First Favorites Volume Two Collection:
Madeline
Nate the Great
Nate the Great and the Lost List
Miss Nelson is Missing!
The Biggest Bear
A New Coat for Anna
Stone Soup
Mr. Putter and Tabby Pour the Tea
Henry and Mudge
Little Bear
Little Bear’s Friend
Amelia Bedelia
Peter Rabbit
*****
I’m adding a few photos of some of the workbook pages just to give you an idea, but this is a very small fraction of the exercises included. Each story offered anywhere from 6-12 activities so we usually spent 1 to 2 weeks on each book and just took our time to enjoy it. You could pick and choose which books and activities you want to use if you didn’t feel the need to follow the entire guide.
The First Favorite Comprehension Guides do cover a lot of books altogether, but that doesn’t have to break the bank. You can borrow or check them out from the library. I went ahead and purchased most of ours with online book sales because I loved First Favorites so much and wanted to keep them as a collection even after my children were finished using them. I have them packed up with the guides for future use if we join another co-op and I volunteer to teach, or when little friends, nieces, and nephews come to our house (and dare I say grandchildren one day?).
If you are local you are welcome to borrow from my collection any time! Happy reading!
I spent many a year in the classroom with all those treasured books! We did wonderful extend – the – story activities with hands on centers, activities, cooking projects, outdoor fun, picnics, and the list goes on. Math, science, and language arts could even be incorporated. These books, plus others, are rich in language, beautiful in illustrations, and comforting in spirit. Children’s literature is not just for kids, but adults as well! Some of these treasures are even included in my yearly reading rotations…not to mention the valuable lessons I’ve received from them. The Ingalls taught me that one can get by in life with a lot less material wealth. From Charlotte’s Web comes the beautiful story of deep abiding friendship, and Because of Winn Dixie reveals that often when life is difficult, one’s pet and quirky friends can give us hope and help us handle the difficult. Oh my….let me get off my soapbox! I feel the need to go read a good piece of children’s literature!
Yes, great lessons and memories for all ages!