On the Banks of Plum Creek Adventure: Week by Week Science Lessons

Here are our Lesson Plans For Science

These lessons were made to go along with ‘On The Banks Of Plum Creek‘ written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We are planning to go through the whole series and I am keeping track of the different topics we are learning about here on my blog. We hope you enjoy these as much as we have!

On weeks where there are several activities listed just choose a couple that interest you the most to work on.

Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter simply push the ‘ctrl’ and the ‘F’ button down together and a small bar will pop up. Type in the week number or chapter number you want and it will take you to it.


Week 1: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:

  • Willow Trees
  • Morning Glories
  • Growing plants
  • Butterflies
  • Lichens
  • Badgers
  • Heat Transfer

2. Learn about the weather and seasons.

  • Seasons

3. Read:

Curiositree: Natural World: A Visual Compendium of Wonders from Nature - Jacket unfolds into a huge wall poster!

4. Extra Activities:

5. Bonus

Look at a sample of pond water under a microscope and compare it to a sample of tap water. Watch this video if you don’t have access to pond water or a microscope.

  • Discuss what you learned.
  • What surprised you the most about this activity?

Week 2: Chapters 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12

1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:

  • Animal Groups
  • Insects
  • Bees
  • Response to Fear

2. Learn about the weather and seasons.

  • Spring

3. Read

Extra Activities:

Fun Express Animal Bingo Game For Kids, Animal Recognition, Educational Games For Classroom


Week 3: Chapters 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18

1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:

  • Crabs
  • Leeches
  • Creek animals

2. Learn about the weather and seasons.

  • Floods

3. Read:

Extra Activities:

Nature Up Close! Light Table Slides


Week 4: Chapters 19, 20, 21, 22 & 23

1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:

  • Fish
  • Blue herons
  • Snipes
  • Waterbirds

2. Learn about the weather and seasons.

  • Seasons
  • Droughts

3. Read:

Extra Activities:


Week 5: Chapters 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28

1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:

  • Grasshoppers
  • Food Chains

2. Learn about the weather and seasons.

  • Water Table
  • Dust Devils
  • Heat Waves

3. Read:

Extra Activities:

bugs &-insects-instant-learning-center-1


Week 6: Chapters 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 & 34

1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:

  • Birds
  • Grasshopper Migration

2. Learn about the weather and seasons.

  • Fall
  • Lightning

3. Read:

Extra Activities:


Week 7: Chapters 35, 36, 37 & 38

1. Pick one or two topics to learn about:

  • Beavers
  • Winter Coats

2. Learn about the weather and seasons.

  • Winter
  • Blizzards

3. Read:

Extra Activities:

Weathers & Seasons - Interactive Science Activities


Week 8: Chapters 39, 40 & 41

1. Go back and review previous topics you may have skipped or want to learn more about.

Watch this video:

2. Learn about the weather and seasons.

  • Clouds

 

3. Read:

Extra Activities:


Week 9: Finishing Up

1. Tests

Make sure to print out the results from online quizzes.

2. Learn about the weather and seasons.

Earth Science by Rock 'N Learn

  • Learn about hurricanes as we have a lot of them here.

3. Read:

Extra Activities:


**BE SURE TO SAVE A FEW SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK FOR YOUR  PORTFOLIO!  TAKE PICTURES OF BIG PROJECTS!

**This post does contain affiliate links to products and/or services that we use. We may earn a teensy weensy small commission (at NO EXTRA cost to you) if a purchase is made through these links. These links help to support our family, our blog, and our homeschooling mission.

 –Thank you!

 

On the Banks of Plum Creek Adventure: Week by Week Math Lessons

Here are our Lesson Plans For Math

These lessons were made to go along with ‘On The Banks Of Plum Creek‘ written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We are planning to go through the whole series and I am keeping track of the different topics we are learning about here on my blog. We hope you enjoy these as much as we have! Continue reading “On the Banks of Plum Creek Adventure: Week by Week Math Lessons”

Little House On The Prairie Adventure Week 7 Lesson Plans

**Although I try to provide as many FREE resources as possible this post may contain affiliate links alt no extra cost to you. We may earn a small commission, if a purchase is made through these links, which helps to support our blog and our family. Thank you!

Mornings:

We Start every morning off with our prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance. Below is a picture of the prayers that we say and a video of the Pledge of Allegiance.

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Not the prettiest example but that’s what we’ve been using for the past few years.

Don’t have a flag? Grab one HEREand print it out to put up somewhere… you could even let the kids make a flag to proudly display. Amazon also has some little ones like this one HERE and HERE.

After this we have our calendar time also where we go over such things as the Days of the Week, the months, and some basic math.

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This one came from Lakeshore Learning.

We also like to use this song during our ‘Morning Time’ to help the kids learn the 50 States. 


Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter or topic simply push the ‘ctrl’ and the ‘F’ button down together and a small bar will pop up. Type in the week number or chapter number you want and it will take you to it.


Week 7: Chapters 19, 20 & 21 (Mr. Edwards Meets Santa Claus, A Scream in the Night, Indian Jamboree )

Here is our lesson plan for the week:


Language Arts

Reading:

Read Chapters 19, 20 & 21

Discussion Questions:

Chapter Nineteen:

  • What holiday was coming up?
  • What did Pa bring Christmas dinner?
  • Why did the girls think Santa couldn’t come?
  • Who did Mr. Edwards say he had saw? What had he sent for the girls?
  • What did the girls find in their stockings?

Chapter Twenty:

  • What games did the girls play with Baby Carrie?
  • What did they hear? Who did Pa think it was?
  • What was really screaming?
  • Who killed the panther?

Chapter Twenty-One:

  • How long was Pa gone?
  • What did Pa trade the furs for?
  • Why did Pa give Mary her package first? What had he brought for them?
  • How did the Indians feel about the settlers?

Additional Reading:

Each child would complete a reading lesson from our McGuffey Primer Books or other reading materials that we chose for the day.

Younger kids will also be doing one lesson a day from Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.

Vocabulary/Spelling:

Older Kids:

Parents click HERE for the answer key.**see instructions at the top of the page.

Younger Kids:

Handwriting:

Using  Spencerian Penmanship go over the instructions on p. 11-13

Writing:**

  • Describe a favorite holiday meal that you had with your family.
  • Continue working in your workbook.

Other Activity:

Group:

Older kids:

Younger kids:


Math

Week 7: Chapters 19, 20 & 21

You can work on a lesson in your Ray’s Arithmetic Books or other math workbook. (The lessons below reflect what we worked on.)

Group:

Rotate through these activities:

Older Kids:

Younger Kids:

 


Geography and History

Week 7: Chapters 19, 20 & 21

1. State Study

  • This week we will study Nebraska.
  • Complete your notebooking pages.
  • Older kids can write a report about the state.

2. Continue to Research Native American Indian Tribes

  • Do some independent research.
  • Be sure to take notes for your report.
  • Watch this video about some interesting facts:

3. Take a tour of a Prairie homestead


Science

Week 7: Chapters 19, 20 & 21

1. Continue to Research Prairie Animals.

  • Discuss what you learned.

Listen to these sounds:

  • How would that make you feel?

2. Continue learning about simple machines.

We will be using Explore Simple Machines!: With 25 Great Projects for this study.

What are wedges? Not the shoes.

  • Read pages 57-62 of your book.
  • Write down these words and their definitions:
    • ravine
    • caravan
  • Can you name four uses of wedges? p.59 Write them down.
  • Do one of the activities on pages 63-67.

Watch this video for more information:

  • Discuss what you learned.

3. Get to know your galaxy.

  • Discuss what you learned.

Extra:


Life Skills

Week 7: Chapters 19, 20 & 21

1. Just like the settlers the Indians also had routines for their lives.

  • Name some of the things they may have had routines for.
  • Some routines are flexible while others need to be completed in a step by step order.
  • Watch this video on how they tanned the hides:
  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Name three things they may have used the hides for.
  • Write out a Sequencing Worksheet for the tanning routine.
  • What would happen if someone did the steps out of order or forgot a step?

2. Ways to help around the house like Laura

Dusting is a necessary chore as dust can build up quickly around the house. I always loved it when my Mom-mom let me help dust. I was always so very careful with all of the knick knacks she had because I didn’t want to break anything.

Below we will also learn about wiping up smudges which can be done at the same time as dusting.

How to dust:

  • Gather your supplies:
    • Duster, mitt, cloth, or other tool
    • Dusting spray
  • Spray the dusting tool with spray.
    • Be careful not to spray yourself or someone else
  • Dust each item carefully but thoroughly.
  • Items you can dust:
    • coffee table
    • end tables
    • lamps
    • booshelf
    • TV
    • Window sills
    • pictures
    • other items as directed by your parents.
  • Check the room to see if you missed anything.
  • Put away your supplies.

Smudges happen a lot in our home. It seems like no sooner do we clean them up then I see even more here and there. We go through the house about once a week, after we dust, and wipe down the furniture, light switches, and door knobs. This helps to keep everything looking nice and clean.

How to wipe smudges

  • Gather the items needed:
  • Spray a small amount of cleaner on your rag.
  • Gently but thoroughly clean items with smudges:
    • telephones
    • TVs
    • remotes
    • light switches
    • knick knacks
    • doorknobs
    • handles
    • mirrors
    • other shiny surfaces
  • Check to see if you missed any spots.
  • Move from one item to the next.
  • Put away the supplies when you are finished.

3. Character

We will be focusing on OBEDIENCE this unit. If you don’t have the book we used you can go HERE and download a lesson plan guide to use in your home.

MemorizeChildren, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. – Colossians 3:20

We will be studying obedience during this unit. What is obedience?

  • Review what we have learned.
  • Have there been times over the past week when it was hard to obey but Jesus helped you?
  • Have you been remembering to pray?

Watch this video about someone who disobeyed God:

  • What did Samuel tell Saul that God wanted him to do?
  • Did Saul obey?
  • Did his disobedience make God happy?
  • Did Saul repent?
  • What happened to Saul because he disobeyed?
  • God wants us to obey Him. He also wants children to obey their parents.
  • Pray for God’s help to obey.

4.Manners

Continue to practice your good manners everywhere you go.

Print out a list of Important Manners HERE. Post it somewhere you can see everyday.

 

5. Memory Verse

We will be memorizing Psalm 8 during this unit study. Print it HERE.

  • Work on memorizing a verse during the week for a special prize.
    • Verse 7: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;
  • Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.

6. Fun Activities

  • Help plan a holiday meal and make a grocery list to go with it.
  • Show someone how you are good neighbor by doing something nice for them.
  • We read the word ‘bootjack’ in this section. Do you know what a bootjack is?

7. Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on

Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to another new skill.

Kids Cook Real Food 

  • Work on: Bonus Lesson: Potato Salad

  • Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.

Skill Trek:

  • Work on at least one task a week.
  • Practice your new skill this week.

Memorize the books of the Bible:

  • Try it now without the teaching:

Learn about camping.

  • Learn how to build a campfire and give it a try, with your parent’s permission.
  • You will need to gather your own tinder.
  • Build and light your fire with supervision. NEVER light a fire without an adult present!
  • Extra Points for building two or more different types of fires.

Here’s a video to get you started:

Learn about Herbs.

Mullein: The Ear and Lung Herb

  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Be sure to jot down some notes.
  • Research some herbs that the Indians may have used in their cooking.

PE, Health & Safety

Week 7: Chapters 19, 20 & 21

1. Wild Animal Safety

When they heard the scream at night Pa thought it may have been a neighbor needing help. He soon realized it was a panther and came back home quickly.

  • Wild animals can be dangerous. Do you know what to do to stay safe if you encounter a wild animal?
  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • What kinds of wild animals could you encounter where you live?
  • How will you keep yourself safe?

2. Games/Outdoor Play

Laura and Mary played games with each other and Baby Carrie. Try any of the games listed below or choose your favorite game to play. These would be really good games for when you are stuck inside the house.

You can find more games and activities in this book:

Pioneer days: Discover the past with fun projects, games, activities, and recipes (American kids in history)


Music, Arts & Crafts

You can find more Native American crafts and activities HERE , HERE, HERE and a FREE printable coloring book HERE.

Week 7: Chapters 19, 20 & 21

Crafts:

1. Make musical instruments:

 

2. Christmas

Art:

  1. Santa Claus coloring page
  2. Christmas coloring page

Music:

Some more Plains Indian Music:

 

 


**BE SURE TO SAVE A FEW SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK FOR YOUR  PORTFOLIO!  TAKE PICTURES OF BIG PROJECTS!

Little House On The Prairie Adventure Week 5 Lesson Plans

**Although I try to provide as many FREE resources as possible this post may contain affiliate links alt no extra cost to you. We may earn a small commission, if a purchase is made through these links, which helps to support our blog and our family. Thank you!

Mornings:

We Start every morning off with our prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance. Below is a picture of the prayers that we say and a video of the Pledge of Allegiance.

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Not the prettiest example but that’s what we’ve been using for the past few years.

 

 

 

 

 

Don’t have a flag? Grab one HEREand print it out to put up somewhere… you could even let the kids make a flag to proudly display. Amazon also has some little ones like this one HERE and HERE.

After this we have our calendar time also where we go over such things as the Days of the Week, the months, and some basic math.

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This one came from Lakeshore Learning.

We also like to use this song during our ‘Morning Time’ to help the kids learn the 50 States. 

 


Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter or topic simply push the ‘ctrl’ and the ‘F’ button down together and a small bar will pop up. Type in the week number or chapter number you want and it will take you to it.


Week 5: Chapters 13, 14 & 15 (Texas Longhorns, Indian Camp, Fever ‘N Ague)

Here is our lesson plan for the week:


Language Arts

Reading:

Read Chapters 13, 14 & 15

Discussion Questions:

Chapter Thirteen:

  • Why did the cowboys need Pa’s help?
  • How would they pay him?
  • What did Laura want to be?
  • What did Pa bring home?
  • What did they let Baby Carrie have?

Chapter Fourteen:

  • What time of year did Ma say it was?
  • Where did Pa take the girls?
  • What did they find?
  • What did the girls make with their beads? Who did they give it too?

Chapter Fifteen:

  • What did the Laura help Ma pick? What did they do with them?
  • What did Mary do while Laura was helping Ma?
  • How did they keep the mosquitos away?
  • Who came to help when the family was sick? How did they help?
  • What was different about the Doctor?
  •  What did Mrs. Scott say caused the sickness? What really caused the sickness?

Additional Reading:

Each child would complete a reading lesson from our McGuffey Primer Books or other reading materials that we chose for the day.

Younger kids will also be doing one lesson a day from Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons.

Vocabulary/Spelling:**

Older Kids:

Parents click HERE for the answer key.**see instructions at the top of the page.

Younger Kids:

Handwriting:

Using  Spencerian Penmanship go over the instructions on p. 8-9

Writing:

Choose one prompt below:

  • Write a story about when you were not feeling well. Tell about who helped you and what made you feel better.
  • Continue working in your workbook.

**Remember to use the thesaurus to come up with different words.

Other Activity:

Group:

Older kids:

Younger kids:


Math

You can work on a lesson in your Ray’s Arithmetic Books or other math workbook. (The lessons below reflect what we worked on.)

Group:

Rotate through these activities:

Older Kids:

Check out this video on multiplication:

Younger Kids:

 

 

 

 


Geography and History

1. State Study

  • This week we will study Kansas.
  • Complete your notebooking pages.
  • Older kids can write a report about the state.

2. Continue to Research Native American Indian Tribes

  • Click HERE to learn more about Indian Family life.

What did the Indians eat?

  • You can read about Indian diets HERE and then watch the video below.
  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Complete this Lapbook piece HERE on foods that the Indians may have eaten.

3. Research Cowboys

  • Watch this video about a cattle drive.

Extra:


Science

1. Continue to study Prairie Animals.

  • Watch a video and older kids can do some independent research.
  • Discuss what you learned.

2. Is there anything good about mosquitoes?

  • Watch a video and older kids can do some independent research.
  • Discuss what you learned.

3. What are parasites?

  • Discuss what you learned.

4. Research blood.

  • Discuss what you learned.

5. Continue learning about simple machines.

We will be using Explore Simple Machines!: With 25 Great Projects for this study.

What are wheels and axles?

  • Read pages 34-40 of your book.
  • Write down these words and their definitions:
    • crank
    • Mesopotamia
    • sledge
    • spokes
    • artifact
    • radiocarbon dating
    • carbon
  • What did people use to move things before wheels were invented?
  • Do one of the activities on pages 41-45.

Watch this video for more information:

Extras:

Play one of these games:


Life Skills

1. Following Ma’s Example

Routines, like manners, can be used anywhere and everywhere even when we go outside.

The family was all sick during this section of the book. Do you think they kept up with their routines while they were sick? They seemed like they were all too sick to care about routines.

What happens when your mom and dad get sick? Does everyone know the daily routine well enough to keep the house running smoothly?

What do you think are some ideas for a good outside routine? Here are some ideas that could be incorporated into your routine:

  • Put on shoes
  • Put away shoes, jackets
  • Put on Bug Spray
  • Put on Sunscreen
  • Put on a hat, if needed
  • Cleaning up inside toys
  • Ask permission to go outside
  • Cleaning up outside toys
  • Put on outerwear, depending on the weather
  • Washing hands

Can you think of anything else?

  • Add your own ideas to this list.
  • Put the tasks in order from what you should start with.
  • How could this routine have helped keep the family from getting sick?

2. Ways to help around the house like Laura

We are going to learn how to mop. Mopping can be done a couple of ways. Some people prefer to use a mop and bucket of soapy water, others like myself like to use a steam mop, and some people use disposable mops like Swiffers.

However you mop if up to you but you need to make sure it is done properly. Sometimes we need to hand scrub areas of the floor too and we will learn about that next week.

How to Mop:

  • Floors need to be swept well before mopping.
  • Move anything that can be moved to make mopping easier.
  • You need to find your mop and whatever supplies you will need.
  • For steam mops you usually only need to fill the tank with water.
    • Ask for a parent’s help.
  • For Swiffer type mops, you just need the mop and disposable pad.
  • For mops and buckets you need:
    • a mop
    • a bucket filled halfway with hot water and cleaner added to it.
    • each time you put the mop in the bucket you will need to wring it out well before putting it on the floor.
  • Begin mopping in one corner of the area and work your way around.
  • Pay attention to areas that may be extra dirty.
  • Check to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
  • When finished you need to pour out the dirty water, if a mop and bucket was used. We usually pour it in the toilet when we use this method.
  • Rinse out the bucket.
  • Clean out your mop, throw away any disposable pads, or put the washable pads in the hamper.
  • Put away your tools.
  • Replace anything you moved before you started mopping.

3. Character

We will be focusing on OBEDIENCE this unit. If you don’t have the book we used you can go HERE and download a lesson plan guide to use in your home.

MemorizeChildren, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. – Colossians 3:20

We will be studying obedience during this unit. What is obedience?

Watch this video about obeying your parents:

  • Discuss what you learned.
  • How can you apply this to your life?
  • Be sure to keep praying for God’s help to be obedient even when it is hard.

4. Manners

– Read through the next four pages of Emily’s Everyday Manners and discuss the manners shown in the pictures:

  • Good manners are important when you go to school
  • Good manners help you make friends and get along with others
  • Good manners help you keep friends too.
  • Good manners are important whether you are the host, or the guest.

5. Memory Verse

We will be memorizing Psalm 8 during this unit study. Print it HERE.

  • Work on memorizing a verse during the week for a special prize.
    • Verse 5: For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.
  • Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.

6. Fun Activities

  • Watch this video about cowboy cooking:
  • Plan and make an Indian meal using what you learned this week.

7. Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on

Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to another new skill.

Kids Cook Real Food 

  • Work on: Class 7 – Salads, Tortillas, Chickpea Wraps (Beginner)

  • Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.

Skill Trek:

  • Work on at least one task a week.
  • Practice your new skill this week.

Memorize the books of the Bible:

  • Try it now without the teaching:

Learn about camping.

  • Learn how to set up a tent.
  • Practice doing this with a helper and by yourself.

Watch this video:

  • Remember that all tents are different so you will need to know how to set up your own tent.

Learn about Herbs.

As we are learning plants are so much more than what they seem. They each hold a special gift and some of them can be very beneficial to us.

Lemon Balm: The Pleasant Fever Breaking Herb

  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Be sure to jot down some notes.
  • Would this have been useful when the family was sick? Why or why not?

PE, Health & Safety

1.What to do if you get lost.

  • The girls often went exploring but made sure not to wander off. It would probably have been easy to get lost on the big prairie. Would you know what to do if you got lost?
  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • Make a list of all the steps to do if you get lost.
  • Work on memorizing the information you would need if you got lost.
    • name
    • phone number
    • address
  • Click HERE for a FREE printable.

2. Insect Safety

  • When the family got sick they didn’t know what had caused the illness. Mrs. Scott had believed it had come from the watermelon but it had actually came from mosquitoes. How can we protect ourselves from mosquitoes and other insects?
  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • What are some ways that we can prevent bug bites?

3. Calcium for strong bones

  • Ma and the girls were excited to see that Pa had brought home a cow as they hadn’t had any milk for a long time. Why is milk so important in our diets?
  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • Name some of the benefits of drinking milk.
  • Watch this video to learn about how much calcium we need and other sources of calcium.

Click HERE to read about the Plains Indian’s diet.

  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • How does this compare to our diet?

4. Games/Outdoor Play

  • Regular exercise is important for strong bones. Watch this video to learn about what exercises can help increase bone density.
  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Go outside and play 30 minutes and try out some bone strengthening activities.

Bonus:

Did you know that Square Dancing is a good exercise for helping you to have strong bones?

If you haven’t already signed up for classes have your parents check for a local club near you.


Music, Arts & Crafts

You can find more Native American crafts and activities HERE , HERE, HERE and a FREE printable coloring book HERE.

Crafts:

  1. 9 NATIVE AMERICAN CRAFTS FOR KIDS
  2. Indian Necklace Craft
  3. Make a Fringed Vest p. 13 Pioneer Crafts for Kids

Art:

  1. Longhorn coloring pages
  2. Cattle drive coloring page
  3. Three Wigwams coloring page

Look at these Native American Bead Projects HERE or below:

Music:

Listen to some of these old cowboy songs:

 


**BE SURE TO SAVE A FEW SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK FOR YOUR  PORTFOLIO!  TAKE PICTURES OF BIG PROJECTS!

Little House On The Prairie Adventure Week 2 Lesson Plans

**Although I try to provide as many FREE resources as possible this post may contain affiliate links alt no extra cost to you. We may earn a small commission, if a purchase is made through these links, which helps to support our blog and our family. Thank you!

Mornings:

We Start every morning off with our prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance. Below is a picture of the prayers that we say and a video of the Pledge of Allegiance.

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Not the prettiest example but that’s what we’ve been using for the past few years.

 

Don’t have a flag? Grab one HEREand print it out to put up somewhere… you could even let the kids make a flag to proudly display. Amazon also has some little ones like this one HERE and HERE.

After this we have our calendar time also where we go over such things as the Days of the Week, the months, and some basic math.

d3cbca65-c096-4094-b421-827b79058cc5-4019-000000c2ec08e8e6_file

This one came from Lakeshore Learning.

We also like to use this song during our ‘Morning Time’ to help the kids learn the 50 States. 

 

 

 


Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter or topic simply push the ‘ctrl’ and the ‘F’ button down together and a small bar will pop up. Type in the week number or chapter number you want and it will take you to it.


Week 2: Chapters 4, 5 & 6 (Prairie Day, The House on the Prairie, Moving In)

Here is our lesson plan for the week:


Language Arts

Reading:

Read Chapters 4, 5 & 6

Discussion Questions:

Chapter Four:

  • What did they eat for breakfast? Would you like this? Why or why not?
  • What chores did they have?
  • Name three animals that the girls saw while exploring. Name three different animals that Pa saw.
  • What did Laura want to see?
  • What did they have for dinner?

Chapter Five:

  • How did they set up house?
  • What did Pa go to get from the creek bottom?
  • What did Pa do with the logs?
  • How did Ma get hurt?
  • Where was Mr. Edwards from? How did he help them?

Chapter Six:

  • Why did Pa say that they hadn’t seen any Indians in the beginning of the chapter?
  • What did Pa use for the roof?
  • What did Pa use for a door?
  • What did Pa say he wanted? Why?

Additional Reading:

Each child would complete a reading lesson from our McGuffey Primer Books or other reading materials that we chose for the day.

Vocabulary/Spelling:

Older Kids:

Parents click HERE for the answer key.**see instructions at the top of the page.

Younger Kids:

Handwriting:

Using  Spencerian Penmanship go over the instructions on p. 5

Writing:

 

 

Choose one prompt below:

  • Practice writing a friendly letter with this worksheet HERE.
  • Practice some writing with this worksheet HERE(You may need to make a FREE account to print these out.)

**Remember to use the thesaurus to come up with different words.

Other Activities:

Group:

Older kids:

Younger kids:


Math

You can work on a lesson in your Ray’s Arithmetic Books or other math workbook. (The lessons below reflect what we worked on.)

Group:

Rotate through these activities:

Older Kids:

Younger Kids:

 


Geography and History

1. State Study

  • This week we will study New Jersey.
  • Complete your notebooking pages.
  • Older kids can write a report about the state.

2. Learn about the Prairie

  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • How do you think life will be different on the prairie?

3. Research the Pony Express

  • Watch this video:

Or this one:

  • Discuss what you have learned.

4. Research Pioneer Cabins

  • Watch these videos about pioneer cabins:

Here is one close to our home here:

  • Take notes about these videos. You will need them for an activity down below.
  • Explore the People Long Ago Resource Box  from Lakeshore Learning

5. Research Native American Indian Tribes

  • Learn about Teepees HERE.
  • Read more about this HERE and then watch this video:
  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Is this something you would be interested in? Write about why or why not you would be interested.

Here is a video about setting up a teepee:


Science

Week 2: Chapters 4, 5 & 6

1. Read about prairie animals.

  • Older kids can also work on a report about prairie animals. The report needs to include behavior, habitat, and diet.
  • Here are a couple of videos to get you started:

Here is a video about prairie dogs:

And another about Hawks:

  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Choose an animal to study and write a report about. Your report will be due next week.

2. What is the solar system?

  • Discuss what you learned.

3. Continue learning about simple machines.

We will be using Explore Simple Machines!: With 25 Great Projects for this study.

What are levers?

  • Read pages 12-19 of your book.
  • Write down these words and their definitions:
    • fulcrum
    • load
    • effort
    • engineer
    • linkage
    • agriculture
    • defense
    • invent
    • shaduf
    • counterweight
    • irrigation ditch
    • archaeologist
    • catapult
    • trebuchet
  • How many types of levers are mentioned in the book? What are the differences?
  • Do one of the activities on pages 20-25.

Watch this video for more information:

Extra:


Life Skills

1. Following Ma’s Example

Routines are essential for a successful household.

In this section we read about how Ma kept everything running smoothly while they were building the house even when she was hurt. They had a routine for getting moved in and set up as well.

Watch this video to see how one woman moved, built her own cabin, and started her new homesteading life.

  • Discuss what you’ve learned.
  • What steps did she go over?
  • Do you think if others follow her steps that they can homestead too? Why or why not?
  • What does she say about baby steps?
  • She seems very happy, would you like to try this?

2. Ways to help around the house like Laura

Emtpying the trashcans.

How to empty a trash can:

  • Collect all the trash from each room and carry it to the kitchen trash can.
  • Remove the full trash bag and dispose of it properly.
  • Clean out the trash can, if needed.
  • Replace the liner/bag.
  • Take the empty wastebaskets back to where they belong.

Do you know where the trash cans are in each room? Do you know where the trash bags are kept? If not, ask a parent to show you.

3. Character

We will be focusing on OBEDIENCE this unit. If you don’t have the book we used you can go HERE and download a lesson plan guide to use in your home.

MemorizeChildren, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. – Colossians 3:20

We will be studying obedience during this unit. What is obedience?

  • Do you remember what obedience means?
  • Do you remember what your family rules are?
  • Have you been praying for God’s help?

Watch this video about Genesis 22:1-18

  • What did God ask Abraham to do?
  • Did Abraham obey God?
  • How many times did God have to ask him?
  • Did Abraham question God?
  • What did God promise Abraham for his obedience?
  • We need to pray that God will help us to obey the first time we are told just like Abraham did.

4. Manners

– Read through the next four pages of Emily’s Everyday Manners and discuss the manners shown in the pictures:

  • Using the magic words:
    • Please
    • Thank you
    • You’re welcome
    • Excuse me
  • Use your manners everyday with family, friends, and everyone you meet.

5. Memory Verse

We will be memorizing Psalm 8 during this unit study. Print it HERE.

  • Work on memorizing a verse during the week for a special prize.
    • Verse 2: Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.
  • Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.

6. Fun Activities

Golden Barrel Bulk Unsulfured Blackstrap Molasses Jug (128 fl oz)

Golden Barrel Bulk Unsulfured Blackstrap Molasses Jug

The Amish Cook’s Family Favorite Recipes by Lovina Eicher

6. Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on

Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to new skills.

Kids Cook Real Food 

  • Work on: Class 4 – Spice Blends, Muffins, Whole Fruits (Beginner)

  • Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.

Skill Trek:

  • Work on at least one task a week.
  • Practice your new skill this week.

Memorize the books of the Bible:

Learn about camping.

We have learned that manners are always important. Here is a video about camping etiquette.

  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Write down some good camping manners.

Learn about Herbs.

Weeds vs. Herbs

  • Any plant that has medicinal purposes is called a herb. Weeds are usually any plant growing in a place that we don’t want it to grow.
  • All herbs could be seen as weeds but not all weeds are herbs. Do you know the difference?
  • Some herbs are used for medicine. The American Indians learned how to use many plants:
  • Some herbs are used as spices too:
  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Jot down notes in your notebook.
  • What herbs or spices do you use in your home?

Other Uses

  • Not all herbs are eaten. There are many ways that herbs can be used. Check out this website HERE for more information.
  • Write down some of the other ways that herbs can be used.
  • In our home we use a lot of essential oils. Do you know what essential oils are?
  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Jot down notes in your notebook.
  • Research some herbs that may have been useful in treating Ma’s sprained ankle.

 


PE, Health & Safety

1. Outdoor Exploring Safety

  • Laura and Mary had a lot of fun exploring outdoors and you can too. Watch these videos to learn how to stay safe.
  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • Name 5 things you can do to stay safe.

Cool Outdoor Activities: Great Things to Do in the Great Outdoors

2. Sprains

  • Ma got hurt when the log fell and she sprained her ankle. We can get hurt when we are playing and exploring to. Do you know what a sprain is?
  • How do you treat a sprain?
  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • How did the treatment in the video compare/contrast with the way Ma treated her sprain?

3. What is Molasses?

  • Watch how molasses is made:
  • Discuss what you have learned.

4. Games/Outdoor Play

Mr. Edwards did jumping jacks when Pa played the fiddle. Do you know how to do a jumping jack?


Music, Arts & Crafts

You can find more Native American crafts and activities HERE , HERE, HERE and a FREE printable coloring book HERE.

Crafts:**

  1. Try some making some origami animals.

Art:

 

  1. Prairie Dog Coloring Page
  2. How to draw a Prairie Dog
  3. or Free Choice

Music:

**BE SURE TO SAVE A FEW SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK FOR YOUR  PORTFOLIO!  TAKE PICTURES OF BIG PROJECTS!