• Home
  • About
  • Featured Reviews
  • Request a Review
  • Advertising
  • Subscribe

The Curriculum Choice

Making homeschool decisions easy

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • About
  • Blog
  • How To Homeschool
    • By Review Team
    • Encouragement
    • New to Homeschooling
    • Organization
  • Reviews by Grade
    • Elementary
    • High School
    • Middle School
    • Preschool
  • Reviews by Subject
    • Bible
    • Economics
    • Fine Arts
      • Art
      • Music
    • Foreign Language
    • Highschool
    • History & Geography
      • Geography
      • History
    • Home Economics
    • Language Arts
      • Grammar
      • Handwriting
      • Literature
      • Phonics
      • Reading
      • Spelling
      • Vocabulary
      • Writing
    • Logic
    • Math
    • Science & Technology
      • Science
      • Technology
        • Apps

in Classical· Grammar· Handwriting· kindegarten· Language Arts· Poetry· Writing

First Language Lessons for the Well-Trained Mind (Levels 1 and 2)

When it comes to English studies for homeschoolers, First Language Lessons for The Well-Trained Mind is an excellent foundation in grammar and beginning writing.

First Language Lessons for The Well-Trained Mind Levels 1 and 2 are scripted English curriculum books based in the Classical Education style of learning. A review from The Curriculum Choice

I pulled an old friend off the shelf today. I’m starting First Language Lessons with my third child. Having studied English with my 6th grade son and 4th grade daughter using this resource, I am confident that it will be an excellent introduction for my 2nd grade son as well.

First Language Lessons for The Well Trained Mind

First Language Lessons was written by Jessie Wise, the co-author of The Well-Trained Mind.

First Language Lessons for The Well-Trained Mind Levels 1 and 2 are scripted English curriculum books based in the Classical Education style of learning. A review from The Curriculum Choice

FLL Level 1 text contains 100 lessons designed to be used during the first and second grades. Because  FLL Level 2  does not review the concepts taught in Level 1, students in both first and second grade should start here. Students who complete Level 1 in 1st grade should move on to Level 2 in 2nd grade; students who complete Level 1 in 2nd grade may move on to  FLL Level 3.

The book uses a “Four Strand Approach” to teach grammar rules, usage, and beginning writing. The “Four Strands” are:

  1. Memory work
  2. Copying and dictation
  3. Narration
  4. Grammar

**Note: In Level 1 and Level 2, student responses are primarily oral and require only the teacher’s book. Students don’t need any books for Levels 1 or 2; only the teacher needs one.**

What I Love About FLL

So what is it about this book that keeps me coming back?

Ease of Use – The lessons are scripted. That is something that people generally love or hate, and as a general rule I don’t like scripted lessons because they tend to sound unnatural. But I like these. Even though the lessons are short and simple, the students learn and retain so much. The scripts include reminders to review poems, as well as provide review within the lessons. See sample lesson below:

First Language Lessons for The Well-Trained Mind Levels 1 and 2 are scripted English curriculum books based in the Classical Education style of learning. A review from The Curriculum Choice

Content – A student completing this text will have memorized the definitions of all the parts of speech, lists of helping verbs and prepositions, as well as ten poems.  He will have practiced narrating short stories and completed regular copy work and dictation exercises.  All of this provides a terrific foundation for further study of grammar and composition.

Oral lessons – This book provides a great opportunity to have some one-on-one time with your student. The lessons are mostly oral, with the exception of the copy work and dictation. Because of that, the book can be used for students for whom writing is a struggle. I used the book for kindergarten and first grade with my two older children because they were both ready for it. Although it is not necessary for the child to be reading well (most of the reading is done by the parent), it is important to decide if the time spent might be better used in reading practice. That’s why I chose to wait to use this with my 2nd grade son until now. He has struggled to learn how to read, so reading has been our primary focus in his schooling up to this point.

Because of First Language Lessons I am looking forward to our English study this year! I recommend this program to anyone who is interested in teaching English to a first or second grade student.

Purchase First Language Lessons

To learn more about First Language Lessons check them all out at TheWell-TrainedMind.com

Also of note if you purchase from Amazon they have a Kindle Edition which I thought was cool for these first two levels because they do not require student writing so you can easily use the Kindle Edition to teach from!

More Classical Education Resources

A Guide to Classical Homeschooling - what is classical education, how you can implement in your homeschool, and tons of resources!

More First Language Lesson Reviews

  • First Language Lessons 3: Learning Grammar and Poems
  • First Language Lessons and Language Lessons for the Very Young 1: A Comparison
  • A Little Classical Teamwork: First Language Lessons and Writing with Ease
  • First Language Lessons for The Well-Trained Mind by Jessie Wise

Originally published September 2009, written by Kristen – A Classical Homeschool Mom of 4

Filed Under: Classical, Grammar, Handwriting, kindegarten, Language Arts, Poetry, Writing Tagged With: Elementary, Grammar, updated by Heidi C, well-trained mind, Written by Kristen

Previous Post: « Evan-Moor Science Series – All About Plants
Next Post: #SonlightScience Kindergarten Curriculum »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Bekah H. says

    September 10, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    I’m glad you posted about this book, Kristen. I’ve been considering when/how to teach grammar to my 1st grade daughter; this just may be my answer. Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Brenda says

    September 10, 2009 at 9:00 pm

    I don’t like scripted lessons….especially if I intend to use the same book for all of my children. But, sometimes it is necessary. I liked Shurley grammar and it is scripted. I’ve never used FLL, but I know A LOT of people that LOVE it.
    .-= Brenda´s last blog ..Sunday pancake breakfasts =-.

    Reply
  3. Angela Mills says

    September 24, 2009 at 1:41 am

    I am using FFL with my first grader, and I love the lessons. I am not a big fan of scripted lessons, either, but I am a fan of this book! My daughter loves to have her language lesson, and is especially enjoying the one on one time. Sometimes we are at the table and use a whiteboard, but often we can sit on the couch and chat about nouns, etc. I am so very happy I found this book, and even better I got it for FREE at a used book sale. What a blessing 🙂
    .-= Angela Mills´s last blog ..Two Words I Can’t Stop Saying =-.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

We are a veteran group of home educators with a mission – to spread the word about our favorite curricula and help YOU make informed decisions for your homeschool. Meet the review authors and browse the homeschooling tips they share!

Subscribe For Free Choosing Homeschool Curriculum Guide

Success! Please check your email and confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

Sponsors and Affiliates

Homeschoolinghomeschool

Our Sister Websites

 


Follow Curriculum Choice's board Homeschool Reviews by The Curriculum Choice on Pinterest.

Recent Comments

  • Terry on Magic Tree House Curriculum
  • Thara on How To Make An Overall Plan for The Year
  • The Best Winter Nature Books for Cozy Homeschooling - Homeschool Nature Study on Homeschool Outdoor Hour Challenges using The Handbook of Nature Study
  • Tara Fortener on Why Can’t My Child Learn Multiplication?
  • Sherrie Davidson on Using the CAT Test for Homeschool Testing
  • Advertising
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Philosophies
  • Request a Review

Copyright © 2025 · The Curriculum Choice, a Southern Hodgepodge, L.L.C. site.