Honesty w/ Aesop!

Hi Readers,

I am a fan of  “A Well-TrainedMind" by Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise. After reading the book, I decided to remix the way I taught reading to my first grader, Peanut. Since everything is (or can be) centered around reading, I wanted him to learn more than just a story or how to summarize. I wanted to add reading fluency, comprehension, lessons, Christian principles, illustrations, imagination, ideas, and create a love for reading.

I know that sounds like a heavy-duty list--but it worked!

My son and I were conversing more, he was using his imagination, applying his character and Scripture to every day life, and especially during our reading time. He thrived in reading and he was anxious to see what the next fable was about and figure out the moral..

As a homeschool mom, I am constantly searching for ways to combine two (or more) subjects together. In my quest to teach character, I discovered that Aesop covered many values I desired for my son to study and we could read at the same time! And thus, "Character w/ Aesop" was born! I am working behind the scenes to compile more studies together, but in the mean time I have one ready for you to download for free today!

I am not a theme-based guru, but I do appreciate them and they seem to work well with elementary-aged children, so I welcome them. A few weeks ago, we began the series with a unit in Honesty. We kicked the “reading text” to the curb and we started with some awesome fables from Aesop that, in my opinion, spoke well of being honest and expecting honesty from others. I added in some Scripture copywork so we could discuss what God expects from us in the area of honesty. It was very important for me to teach my son just how consistent God is. So, I added stories and Scriptures that taught Peanut how to be honest but also how to protect against being deceived.
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The "Character with Aesop" unit study is designed for homeschoolers 1st-3rd grade in mind, but children K-5th could easily benefit. The series will teach students about character through the famous morals of Aesop, reading, and Scripture copywork. (Note: There is a non-Biblical version if you desire the study without the Scriptures.) 

How we did it: (This is listed on the "Directions" page of the unit download.)

Length: 2 weeks (1 fable per day, Monday-Thursday)

1. Read the Story

We alternated reading stories, so sometimes he read to me and I read to him. In the “You Read to Me…” book we always took turns with the colored paragraphs. P.S. I normally read the stories from “Aesop’s Fables” because the language is a bit harder.

2. Discuss the Moral or Lesson

This was a basic discussion about what the lesson meant. I wanted to see if he could figure out the lesson before we read it together at the bottom of the page. Then, I had him explain why the lesson shows honesty and how could it help/hurt others.

3. Narration

I had Peanut retell me the story in his own words. I prompted him with questions to assist in reinforcement. As he retold, I wrote down what he said I my “best handwriting” on handwriting paper. Then, I gave it to him and he read his narration. (I made sure he was satisfied with his summary.)

Peanut's retelling: Th Boy Who Cried Wolf

Peanut's retelling: Rooster and the Fox

4. Illustration 

Peanut drew and colored a picture of what the fable was about. He had to include the title of the story and the moral somewhere on his illustration. (We glued his illustration to the back of his handwriting paper and stored it in his Reading Notebook.)

This is one of my favorites of his! A perfect illustration of "The Rooster and the Fox!"



Peanut's version of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf!"

5. Record

Peanut recorded the fable, its author, and the date read of each fable after reading it.

6. Copywork (They are a part of the download!)

This was such an exciting way to teach reading.  He thought it as “so cool” to see the Bible applied to a simple story and he feel in love with ME doing the writing portion of his narrating. (Little does he know, I am merely modeling for him. He will have to do his own narration next year!)

Click HERE to download!

Stay Tuned!

I have more character w/ Aesop units coming on:  

• Being a Good Worker
• Friendship
• Safety
• Pride 

…And More!

Joyice Harris
"The Writing Enhancer"