Classical Writing Literature for Primer

Primer (and beyond) Literature Selections

Reading the ideas and observations of great men and women through the ages in worthy books gives students raw material for writing. The ideas, characters, and language in good books will feed your students' minds and hearts and help set them on the road to clear, persuasive, and virtuous communication. Reading excellent books—aloud and alone—accomplishes much in the education of your students, and should be considered the centerpiece of a classical education from the earliest possible age.

It is impossible to overemphasize the importance of reading aloud to your students. They will effortlessly internalize complex language patterns and correct pronunciation from a young age. Make reading aloud a routine with your students. Students also need to read independently as they become able, and at advancing levels of challenge. This helps them build vocabulary, spelling, and grammar skills as they continually see the example of well-crafted words in front of them. Reading aloud and reading alone are both necessary components of writing instruction.

Select worthy books with lovely illustrations. There are so many marvelous classic children’s books. Do not waste time reading ‘twaddle’—books that are shallow and condescending to children, as unfortunately many modern children’s books are. Be discerning in your choices. Just as setting healthy eating patterns early in life can create lifelong healthy habits, so the reading tastes you encourage in your students in their early years can help train their appetites for great books in later years.

The first section of books listed below includes the books needed for the narration lessons in the Primer series. The second section includes books from which we drew the copywork lessons in the Primer series. The sections after that are just general recommendations of books we have loved and enjoyed with our own students. We did not add much commentary here so that we could pack the page with books. These books, particularly the chapter books, are not only for 1st through 4th graders but can and should be enjoyed by students of all ages. As C.S. Lewis said, "No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally worth reading at the age of fifty."

A note to parents: Good books shared with your children will give you a common 'culture' and 'language', and give you countless opportunities for discussion. Prioritize reading aloud as a family—it is one of the best investments you can make in your chidren's educations as well as in your relationships with them. Choose books both you and your children will enjoy, and do not forget to reread favorites. Even as your children grow into teens and young adults, you will find that this tried-and-true list can provide inspiration and enjoyment for your family read-aloud time.

Books needed for the Primer series

The Aesop for Children, illustrated by Milo Winter

Needed with Primer—Autumn. Purchase a hard copy of the book with the link above or read and print online here.

Fifty Famous Stories Retold, by James Baldwin

Needed with Primer—Winter. Purchase a hard copy of the book with the link above or read and print online here.

The Adventures of Danny Meadow Mouse, by Thornton Burgess

Needed with Primer—Spring. Purchase a hard copy of the book with the link above or read and print online here.

Resources for Copywork in Primer series

This section contains some of the books we used for our copywork selections. Each of these books is highly recommended on every book list we have ever seen for children. We believe they belong on every child's bookshelf.

Books used for copywork selections in Primer—Autumn: