First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind (Curriculum Review)

First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind is the grammar book I use with my first grader. Today I share with you our review on the material.

What is The Well Trained Mind?

Previously “Peace Hill Press,” The Well Trained Mind produces books and curricula for classical education. They are also the company behind one of my favorite books about homeschooling called “The Well Trained Mind,” and the history books that we use called The Story of the World (my review for that here.) 

Learn more about how we blend Classical Education + Charlotte Mason’s method in the way we homeschool.

What is First Language Lessons?

From their website: “First Language Lessons is an easy-to-use four-year grammar curriculum for the early elementary years.”

I think it’s important to note that this is a book for grammar, and is NOT a book to be used for teaching phonics, reading or writing.

What We Love About It:

For a while, I hesitated getting First Language Lessons because I read comments from others that their kids thought it was “boring.” But I’m so glad I pushed through with it because what other kids may have found boring, my eldest absolutely loved. 😀

Here are some things we love about it:

• Fully scripted: I appreciate fully scripted lessons because it requires little to no prep on my part.
• Sound content: Covers topics appropriate for the level. It also does NOT talk down to children (major plus points!)
• Lessons progress well: The pacing was perfect, not too easy and not too hard at once. Good progression.
• Repetitive (in a good way): They review previous lessons regularly, which I think is very important for mastery.
• Short lessons: Very quick lessons and can be done in 5-10 minutes!
• Only one book: No teacher’s guide, no student’s book, etc. I LOVE that it’s simple and everything is in just one book.

I wouldn’t exactly describe this material as “fun,” but my son begs to differ. He actually HAS, in fact, described it as “fun!” 😉 He enjoys doing the poems and thinks that the activities, like writing your address (haha,) are fun to do.

Things to Note:

Mentioning below some things that you may want to know before getting the book.

• Mostly oral exercises: And this is intentional! Their first two books are meant to be read aloud by the teacher and the student is expected to answer aloud as well.
• It does not contain worksheets: No drawing or coloring activities, no games or mazes.
• No colorful pictures or illustrations: If this is something that concerns you, you should note that the book is entirely in black and white format and text heavy.

Personally, I don’t really care much for worksheets and my son has never thrived on worksheets. So, having no written activities or colorful pictures wasn’t a deal breaker for me.

On a related note though, if you prefer more activities and colorful illustrations, you may wanna check out MasterBooks’ Language Lessons for a Living Education (Click here for my review on it)

How We Use First Language Lessons

We started using First Language Lessons when my eldest was around 5 and a half, near the latter part of his Kindergarten years. I’ve read that it is actually recommended to be used for First Graders, though not strictly, as it also depends on the learning level of the child. I felt however, that my son was already ready at that time.

I schedule around 2-3 lessons a week only.

We read a lot of good books so that the children will be exposed to good literature (Charlotte Mason way of learning grammar during the early years) but I still believe in the importance of learning grammar early (Classical model). I believe in this because I would like for it not be a hindrance when he starts writing and transcribing his own thoughts.

(Again, if you would like to learn more about how I homeschool, I’m sharing here how we blend Classical Education + Charlotte Mason’s method in the way we homeschool.)

How We Do Language Arts

As mentioned, this book is for teaching grammar only. Here’s what we do for the others:

Reading: Luke is already well-versed in reading so I just make him read aloud short books weekly to improve his skills. We don’t have a workbook or curriculum for reading/phonics anymore.

Writing: Luke does 1 copywork sheet a day. He uses the sheets I make for him which is a mix of hymns, Bible verses, quotes and more. You can get them also on my printables shop: Wise Kids Printables

To know more about the different curricula we use, check this out: Year 1 Curriculum Picks for Luke: 2021-2022

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• For more curriculum reviews, click this link: Curriculum Reviews
• For more recommendations, visit my Amazon Storefront.

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RELATED POSTS:

• Language Lessons for a Living Education (Curriculum Review)
• Year 1 Curriculum Picks for Luke: 2021-2022
• Kindergarten Curriculum Picks for Luke: 2020-2021
• List of Free Living Books for Kids
• Blending Classical Method + Charlotte Mason