Tag: manners

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Here are our Lesson Plans For Life Skills

These lessons were made to go along with ‘The Little House On The Prairie‘ 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!

This page contains our lesson plans for a few different areas that I have included with our ‘Life Skills’. You will find lessons on cooking, cleaning, and organization as well as bible memory work, manners, and character training. All of these will go together to help raise our children into the responsible and caring citizens of tomorrow.

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

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.

Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter or subject 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.

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Week 1: Chapters 1, 2 & 3

1. Following Ma’s Example

Talk about the importance of routines. We will be talking a lot about routines during this unit. Routines are simply a tool that help us to be more successful in our everyday lives. They are a set of steps that we follow on a regular basis to achieve our goals. Routines help everyone to know what is expected of them and when. This can help wi th frustrations that we face in our daily lives.

Ma kept to her routines even though things were very different. One big difference was the way she had to cook meals. This is a good skill to learn whether you like to camp or in the event of an emergency. Answer the questions below:

• What things mentioned were part of their normal routine?
• Why do you think Ma kept to these routines?

Watch this video on why routines are so important to kids:

https://youtu.be/VAZQem3hW50

• Discuss what you have learned.
• What routines help you the most?
• What areas do you think you need better routines for?

We like to use the FlyLady app on our phone to keep track of our routines.

2. Ways to help around the house like Laura

We are going to talk about straightening up around the house.

These basic steps can be used in any room of the house.

How to straighten up a room:

• First we need to pickup the items that don’t belong in the area/room. ex: Shoes, clothes, toys, etc.
  • You can use a laundry basket to pick up stray items and to carry them to where they belong.
• Pick up all the trash in the area.
  • Put the trash where it belongs.
• Check for spills and other messes.
  • Clean up messes as you find them.
• Pick up piles and stacks of papers or books.
  • Put everything where it belongs.
• Carry dirty dishes to the kitchen
  • Put them in the sink or other designated place.
• Straighten DVDs and bookshelves.
  • Everything should be facing out so it can be read easily.
• Fold blankets and put them where they belong.
• Straighten and fluff pillows.
• Straighten anything else that is out of place.
• Wipe down anything that needs cleaned.
  • Ask what cleaner should be used.
• Sweep or vacuum the floor.
• Check the room over before leaving.

Do you know where everything goes? If not, be sure to ask a parent or older sibling to show you where to put everyting.

Watch this quick video and discuss what you learned:

3. Character

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

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

• Obedience means to willfully, promptly, and cheerfully do whatever a person of authority (ex: parents, teachers, or God) asks you to do.

Being obedient. This may not seem like a big deal but there could have been some serious consequences had Laura and Mary not obeyed Ma when crossing the river.

• Why do you think it was so important for Laura and Mary to be obedient?
• Should you be obedient? Why or why not? Read Ephesians 6:1-4.
• What are some ways you can practice obedience?

• Do you have a set of rules for your family?
• If they aren’t printed then maybe you can ask your mom or dad to help you write them out.
• Click HERE for an example of Family Rules.
• Do have trouble being obedient? Did you know that you can ask God for help?
  • Kid’s prayers for obedience
  • Parent’s prayers for obedience
• Click HERE for a really cute coloring page. Or click HERE for some more pages.

4. Manners

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

• Helping people to show that they love them.
• Doing kind things for others.
• Apologizing
• Remember that good manners take practice so don’t stop trying!

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 1: O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens.
• Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.

6. Fun Activities

• Plan a campfire meal or maybe a Weenie Roast.
• Don’t forget the S’mores!
• Try out a twig toothbrush from p. 18 of A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages.
• Research for some fun and easy campfire recipes to try!
• Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.

Cooking On A Stick: Campfire Recipes for Kids

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 3 – Cross Hatch, Cracking Eggs, Garlic/Sauteeing (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.

Camp Out!: The Ultimate Kids’ Guide

And Jacob… lighted upon a certain place, … and he took the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. – Genesis 28:10-11

• Read a book about camping. Record the Title and Author on your Reading Log.
• Don’t have a Reading Log? You can print one HERE.
• You may also want to get a notebook to keep track of all the interesting things you will be learning.
• Camping can be a very fun experience, if you are prepared.

 

Learn about Herbs.

And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. – Genesis 1:29

• You will need a good book about herbs. Record the Title and Author on your Reading Log.
• Don’t have a Reading Log? You can print one HERE.
• You may also want to get a notebook to keep track of all the interesting things you will be learning.

A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages

• We will be studying out herbs. A person who seriously studies plants and/or herbs for healing is called a herbalist.
• Plants are our friends. We need them to survive! Watch this quick video about what plants provide for us:

• Discuss what you learned.
• Jot down notes in your notebook.
• Check out this link HERE for an Herbal Encyclopedia.
• Does it surprise you that there are so many herbs?
• Bonus points if you find a herbalist in your community.

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Week 2: Chapters 4, 5 & 6

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

Memorize: Children, 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.

https://youtu.be/o1WJnbJDTS0

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

• Taste some Molasses and compare it with honey and/or sugar, if possible.
• What do you think?
• We use a lot of molasses here in our home, how about you?
• Make some Molasses Cookies, need a recipe? Click HERE.
• Or try out some Popcorn Balls made with molasses from p. 216 of The Little House Cookbook: Frontier Foods from Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Classic Stories.
• Or try one of my favorites Shoofly Pie from p. 342 of The Amish Cook’s Family Favorite Recipes by Lovina Eicher (There are also some more really yummy molasses recipes in this book.)
• Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.

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.

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Week 3: Chapters 7, 8 & 9

1. Following Ma’s Example

House Cleaning Routine

Ma kept a neat and tidy home. They may not have had the nicest home, and we know from the story that they had dirt floors for a while, but it was always ‘pleasant’. Do you think that Ma had a cleaning routine? Do you remember her routine from the previous book we read?

Wash on Monday,
Iron on Tuesday,
Mend on Wednesday,
Churn on Thursday,
Clean on Friday,
Bake on Saturday,
Rest on Sunday

This is an example of a routine. Do you have a cleaning routine?

We have a daily, weekly, monthly and yearly routine that we use here. This is something that did take a little bit of work to put together and we are constantly tweaking it to fit our life.

Our daily cleaning routine includes things like making the beds, washing the dishes, cleaning the kitchen, cleaning the bathroom and laundry. We also make sure to sweep the floors, wipe the table and counters as well as to pick up our shoes and put away the toys throughout the day. This helps to keep our house neat and tidy.

We also have routines for things that need to get completed once or twice a week, once a month, and once a year. Our routines help keep everything running smoothly and help us to remember things that need done.

Here’s another video about routines:

• What routines do you have set in place to keep your home pleasant?
• Who is responsible for what?
• What things could you add to your cleaning routine?

FlyLady also has some great ideas to help you set up a cleaning routine that works for you and your family as well as other routines. She also has a ton of great tools on Amazon to help keep your house tidy and organized. We love to pair her tools with natural cleaners from Grove Collaborators.

2. Ways to help around the house like Laura

This week we are going to practice sweeping. Sweeping is probably one of the most frequently performed tasks. It needs to be done before mopping.

How to Sweep a floor:

• You need to get your broom and dustpan.
• Move things that can be moved like trash cans, rugs, etc. before sweeping.
• Start sweeping in one corner and work your way around the room.
• Sweep the dirt into piles.
  • Check the piles for important things like coins and valuables.
• Sweep the piles into the dustpan.
• Empty the dustpan into the trashcan.
• Check the floor again for anything missed.
• Put back anything you moved to start with.
• Put the broom and dustpan back where you got them from.

Check out this video to see how to properly sweep a floor:

3. Character

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

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

• Have you been praying for God’s help with being obedient?
• How have you done so far?
• Have you remembered to thank God for helping you?

Watch these videos about Moses:

• What did God ask Moses to do?
• Did Moses obey like Abraham? Why or why not?
• Did Moses want to obey? Did he obey?
• What happened because Moses obeyed God?
• We need to pray for obedient hearts that don’t argue back.
• Pray for help to obey even when you don’t want to obey.

‘Obedience is not always pleasant, but it is still very necessary. Obedience always brings a blessing.’

4.Manners

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

• Some manners get used a lot
• Some only get used once or twice
• Some are used only on special occasions

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 3: When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
• Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.

6. Fun Activities

• See if you can get or borrow a sewing kit. Start practicing the sewing skills listed on pages 6-11 of My Little House Sewing Book.
• Play a fun board game like Checkers.
• Did you know that plants have feeling? Read about this in The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tompkins and Christopher O. Bird.
• Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.

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 5 – Dry Beans, Rice (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.

• Research about campfire safety.

https://youtu.be/mAuhoT-K5gI

• Write down these terms and what they mean:
  • Tinder: Dry twigs, pine needles, pine cones and other flammable material that is not very thick
  • Kindling: Small branches and materials for burning
  • Fuel: Can range from branches or logs for keeping your fire burning
  • Firebreak: a barrier of cleared ground to prevent the spread of the fire

Learn about Herbs.

• Did you know that herbs have stories written about them? These stories are called herbal lore.

https://youtu.be/TXeag2-o66E

• Read about the benefits of He Shou Wu in this article HERE.
• Read pages 31-37 of A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages for another story.
• Research the following herbs:
  • Snapdragon
  • Lily of the Valley
  • Calendula
  • Rose
  • Lavender
  • Ginger
  • Chamomile
  • Lemon balm leaves
  • Sunflower seeds
• Write down the benefits and uses of each in your notebook.
• Did any of these surprise you? Which ones?

Goldenrod was mentioned in this section. Here is a quick video on its uses:

• Discuss what you learned.
• Be sure to jot down some notes.

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Week 4: Chapters 10, 11 & 12

1. Following Ma’s Example

Throughout this book we have seen that Ma has routines for many areas of her life. The family has morning routines where they get up, get dressed, eat breakfast, and clean up. Each person knows what they need to help with. It is important that each person do what is expected of them to keep things running smoothly.

Our morning routines include getting up, getting dresses, fixing our hair, putting on our glasses if we wear glasses, eating breakfast and brushing our teeth. These and parts of our cleaning routine get completed EVERY morning before we being our schoolwork. When we make sure we get up and get ready for the day we can be prepared for anything that might happen.

Watch this video about some morning routines:

https://youtu.be/HLkTuUZzab0

• Do you remember the steps in the routine?
• Do you have a morning routine?
• How does yours compare to this one?
• Write down a good morning routine to help you get your day started right.

Here’s a little video for younger kids:

2. Ways to help around the house like Laura

Dust mopping may not be something you do in your home but it can be an easy way to keep your floors looking nice.

How to Dust Mop:

• Gather your supplies:
  • dust mop
  • spray cleaner
  • dust pan
  • broom
• Move anything that needs moved to make the process easier and quicker.
• Spray the dust mop with cleaner.
  • Be careful not to spray yourself or anyone else.
• Start mopping the floor in one corner and working your way around.
• Push any dirt into a pile.
• Sweep up the dirt.
• Empty the dustpan into the trash can.
• Check for missed spots.
• Move the items back that you moved before you started.
• Take the dust mop outside and shake it out.
• Put away your supplies.

3. Character

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

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

• Have you been obedient? Cheerful? Willing? Prompt?
• What areas do you need to work on?

Watch this video about Jesus:

• Did Jesus obey God?
• Did he do something wrong?
• What did he say when his parents wanted him to come back home with them?
• Did he talk back to them? (It is important to NEVER talk back even if someone thinks you are doing something wrong but you aren’t. God knows your heart and will take care of the situation.)
• What was the reward of Jesus’ obedience? Read Luke 24:52

4.Manners

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

• Practice good table manners whether you are at home or eating out
• Use the right utensils for food
• Make a list of good table manners to use at your home.
• Check out this fun activity: Table Setting Paper Craft
• Or check out this Table Manners Game.

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 4: What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him?
• Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.

6. Fun Activities

• Make a sunbonnet with the instructions and pattern HERE.
• Try this Little House on the Prairie Puzzle.
• Make some Natural Root Beer from p. 27 of A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages.
• Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.

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 6 – Pouring, Flipping, Eggs (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.

• Start planning out a camping trip.
• Plan what supplies you will need.
• Add to your plan as you learn more through this lesson.
• Write them down in your book.

• What else would you add to these suggestions?
• Make a checklist for your trip.

Check out these camping hacks:

Learn about Herbs.

Herbal Lore

Not all herbs are safe to eat. Just like the snakes that the girls encountered some plants are poisonous and some can cause skin irritations. ALWAYS GET PERMISSION BEFORE EATING ANYTHING NEW.

• Discuss what you learned.
• Jot down notes in your notebook.
• Research some herbs that might be useful in treating a sunburn.

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Week 5: Chapters 13, 14 & 15

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

Memorize: Children, 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 you have learned about obedience.
• Read Phillipians 4:13.

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.
• Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.

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

• Let’s look at Lemon Balm HERE.
• You can also download a Lemon Balm ebook HERE.
• Read pages 42-48 of A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages for information and a story about Lemon Balm.
• Bonus points if you make a recipe using Lemon Balm or Lemon Balm Oil.

https://youtu.be/sjgY3wQUU1A

• 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?

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Week 6: Chapters 16, 17 & 18

1. Following Pa’s Example

In this section the family is talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas. Pa went out hunting and found some turkeys. He knew where they would be when the holidays came up so he was thinking ahead and preparing for the holidays in advance.

These events could also benefit from a yearly routine. In our home we keep a Holiday & Party Binder. This helps us prepare for holiday events and party events that we may have coming up.

Every time we host a party we jot down notes and follow the routine we have written down. There are notes telling us how far in advance we need to order things to make sure we get the items we need. This helps to keep everything going smoothly and easily. It also helps us to enjoy the party when the day comes and to spend time with our family and friends while making great memories.

Does your family have a routine for handling holidays?

• Make a list of things that you normally do for Thanksgiving or Christmas.
• Jot down some things that you would like to do but never have time for.
• Work with a parent to decide when and what you need to work on to get prepared for the big day.
• Think about things that may need done around the house before the holiday as well like:
  • cleaning
  • decorating
  • yard work

Flylady has a Cruising Through The Holidays section that can help if you need ideas.

2. Ways to help around the house like Laura

Sometimes you may not have a mop or the floor may just need a good cleaning that can only be done by hand scrubbing. This would be using what we might hear as ‘elbow grease’.

How to hand scrub a floor:

• Sweep the floor well before hand scrubbing.
• Move anything that can be moved to make the job easier.
• Gather your supplies:
  • bucket
  • hot water
  • cleaner
  • scrub sponge or scrub brush
  • gloves, optional
  • old towels
• Measure the cleaner into the bucket.
• Add hot water until half full.
• Start in one corner and begin scrubbing in a circular motion, working your way around the room going towards the door.
• Rinse out your scrubber as needed.
• You may want to use an old towel to wipe up extra water.
• Check the floor for any missed spots.
• Empty the bucket.
• Rinse the bucket and scrubbers.
• Put away your supplies.
• When the floor is dry you can put back any items you moved before you started.

3. Character

Memorize: Children, 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 to learn about Philippians 2:5-11.

• What do you think this scripture means?
• If Jesus humbled himself we should too. verse 7
• Verse 8 says he humbled himself and became obedient. It is humbling to be obedient but Jesus wants us to be humble.
• Do you know what the opposite of humble is? Pride
• How was Jesus rewarded for his obedience? He was exalted and honored.
• Ask God to help you be obedient and humble like Jesus was.

4. Manners

-Finish reading Emily’s Everyday Manners and discuss the manners shown in the pictures.

• There are different manners for different places.
• What you say can make others feel good.
• Always be:
  • Respectful
  • Considerate
  • Honest
  • Courteous

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 6: Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
• 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.
• Make your own marshmallows from p. 27 of A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages.
• Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.

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 8 – Rolls, Browning Beef, Cheese Sauce/Steaming (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.

• There are different types of fires. Learn a little about each of these and write what you learned in your notebook.
  • Log Cabin Fire
  • Teepee Fire
  • Upside Down Fire
  • Lean To Fire
  • Star Fire

• Here is another type of fire:

Learn about Herbs.

Fennel: The Food-Herb that heals

• Let’s look at Fennel HERE.
• You can also color page 12 of the Herbs Coloring Book.
• Read pages 51- 57 of A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages for information and a story about Fennel.
• Bonus points if you make a recipe using Fennel or Fennel Oil.

Here’s a video about Fennel Seeds:

https://youtu.be/3LuyOq5dUTw

• Discuss what you learned.
• Be sure to jot down some notes.
• Research some herbs that you might use when cooking a holiday meal.

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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:
  • cleaning cloth
  • spray cleaner
• 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

Memorize: Children, 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.

• Which ones do you need to work on?
• Play ‘What Should You Do? A game of Consequences’ to practice making good choices.

 

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?
  • Click HERE to see one.
• Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.

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

• Let’s look at Mullein HERE.
• You can also check out this link HERE for more information.
• Read pages 58- 66 of A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages for information and a story about Mullein.
• Bonus points if you make a recipe using Mulleinor Mullein Oil.

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

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Week 8: Chapters 22, 23 & 24

1. Following Ma’s Example

During this section we read about how the family’s bed time routine got disrupted. This affected everyone in many ways. Can remember a few things Laura mentioned? What happened to Pa at the table?

Bedtime routines are important for everyone so they can get enough rest. When you are well rested it can help you have a more productive day.

Watch this video on Bedtime Routines:

https://youtu.be/l2uKEMY-bfw

• These kids are young but they know their routine. Do you have a bedtime routine?
• What are the steps in their routine?
• What are the steps in your routine?

Look at the chart below and find your recommended bedtime:

• What is your suggested bedtime?
• What time do you normally go to bed?
• What time do you normally wake up?
• What changes should you make in your bedtime to make sure you are getting enough sleep?

2. Ways to help around the house like Laura

When we sweep and mop we always pick up any throw rugs that we have on the floor. One child is usually responsible for picking them up, taking then outside, and shaking them out. We will usually leave them hanging on the porch railing for a bit to air out as well.

How to shake out a rug:

• Carefully roll up the rugs that need to be shaken out.
• Take the rugs outside
• Shake them well and either hang them over the rail or lay them somewhere safe for a moment.
• Sweep the floor and mop, if needed.
• Bring the rugs back in and put in place.

This is a pretty simple task to do just make sure that you don’t get any dirt in your eyes, or anyone else’s, when you are shaking the rugs.

3. Character

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

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

• The 5th commandment tells us to Honor Thy Father and Mother:

• Why is this commandment so important?
• Remember to pray for God’s help in being obedient.
• Parents: Check out this Easy Object Lesson to teach Prayer, Obedience, Follow the Prophet

4. Manners

Watch this video about the importance of manners:

• What did you think about it?
• What bad manners did you see?
• What good manners did you see?

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 8: The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas
• Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.

6. Fun Activities

• Check out the links below for some information on pictographs and use pictographs to write a short story.
  • Native American symbols
  • Symbols and Meanings
• Do this Buffalo Puzzle or this one HERE.

• Make some chamomile tea to try. There is a recipe on p. 88 of A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages.
• Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.

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: Healthy Snacks

• 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.

• Research about purifying water to drink.
• Practice boiling water on a campfire.

Here’s a video to get you started:

Learn about Herbs.

Chamomile: The Calm Child Herb

• Let’s look at Chamomile HERE.
• Read pages 84-92 of A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages for information and a story about Chamomile.
• Do you think this could have been helpful for the Ingalls family when they couldn’t sleep?
• Bonus points if you make a recipe using Chamomile or Chamomile Oil.

• Discuss what you learned.
• Be sure to jot down some notes.
• Check out this post HERE for a great handmade gift idea!

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Week 9: Chapters 25 & 26

1. Following Ma’s Example

Make a sample routine

Do you have trouble getting things done on time? Why not make a routine to help with your problems?

Use the questions below to help you get started.

• What do you need a routine for?
• What do you need to get completed?
• When do you need to do this?
• How often do you need to do these tasks?
• Is there anything else you can think of that would help you be prepared?
• Show your sample routine to a parent.
• Bonus points if you can start using your routine consistently.

Watch this video for some sample routines for kids:

https://youtu.be/atM52LqTSMA

Sometimes keeping our routines visible can help us to remember what we need to do and help us to be more responsible. Watch this video below for an example that you might want to try in your home:

2. Ways to help around the house like Laura

Vacuuming is something we don’t do a lot of and I’m sure that Laura and her family didn’t either. However in order to keep our homes nice and neat we do need to know how to vacuum properly.

When we do vacuum we only move the large furniture once or twice a year to get behind it. Other than that we just clean around and under everything as we go.

How to Vacuum:

• Get the vacuum.
• Check to see if the bag/canister needs replaced/cleaned
• Straighten the room like we learned in Week 1
• Plug in the vacuum
• Turn on the vacuum
• Begin to vacuum in one corner and work your way around the room.
• Work the vacuum back and forth, slow and steady.
• Move small items as needed
• Check the room for any missed spots.
• Turn off the vacuum.
• Unplug the vacuum.
• Wind up the cord
• Check to see if the bag/canister needs replaced/cleaned
• Put the vacuum back in its place.

Some vacuums have special attachments for furniture and such. You may need to ask your mom or dad to show you how to use these attachments so you can help clean the couches and other items in your home.

There are also smaller hand held vacuums that can be used to clean up smaller messes. These can also be very handy when cleaning out a vehicle. If you have one of these ask your mom or dad to show you how to work it. Just remember that a vacuum is not a toy!

3. Character

Memorize: Children, 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 you have learned.
• When your parents ask you to do something and how to do it, is it OK to do it a different way as long as you get it done?

Watch the videos below:

• Who disobeyed God? How?
• Did his disobedience affect others? We never know who we may hurt with our disobedience.
• We need to remember to pray to be obedient so that we don’t hurt others.

4. Manners

https://youtu.be/5Fm8HHoVvto

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 9:  O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
• Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.
• Work on saying everything you have memorized.

6. Fun Activities

• Make a Nine Patch pillow using blocks like Laura and Mary were working using the instructions on pages 16-21 of My Little House Sewing Book.
• Make Paper Dolls from the book Little House on the Prairie Paper Dolls.
• Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.

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: Healthy Breakfast

• 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.

• Practice cooking on a campfire.

• Here is a tip for cleaning up after cooking:

Learn about Herbs.

Garlic: The Cold and Flu Spice

• Let’s look at Garlic HERE.
• You can also download a Garlic ebook HERE.
• Read pages 67-74 of A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages for information and a story about Garlic.
• Bonus points if you make a recipe using Garlic or Garlic Oil.

https://youtu.be/YDL9E5mNAjE

• Discuss what you learned.
• Be sure to jot down some notes.
• Name your three favorite dishes that have Garlic as an ingredient.

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Week 10: Finishing Up

1. Following Ma’s Example

In this unit we have learned why routines are so important. Below are some of the reason:

• Routines help us to be more responsible
• Routines help us to be more successful
• Routines help us to be more productive
• Routines help us to be more efficient

They can also help prevent a lot of frustration and stress from not being prepared for things that happen in our lives.

• Have you been able to use your routine from last week?
• How has it helped you?
• What do you need to change?

Keep up the good work and find more ways to use routines to help make your life easier.

2. Ways to help around the house like Laura

One chore that my littler kids love to help with is watering the plants. You need to check with your parents before doing this as some plants don’t need as much water as others do.

How to water the plants.

• Get the watering can.
• Fill the can halfway with cold water.
• Slowly tip the spout of the can into the pot and water as needed.
  • Don’t over water the plant or it will make a mess.
• Look at the plant and remove any dead leaves or foliage.
• Rotate the plant a little bit so it can get even sunlight
• Move around the room and water each plant that needs watered.
• Throw dead leaves in the trash can.
• Pour unused water into the sink.
• Return the watering can to its place.

3. Character

Memorize: Children, 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 Jonah:

• Can anyone hide from God?
• The men on the ship didn’t know that Jonah had been disobedient to God until he told them just as your parents don’t always know right away when you have been disobedient. God always knows.
• How did Jonah’s disobedience affect the others?
• What happened when Jonah repented?
• What did Jonah do when God told him what to do the next time?
• We need to pray for grace to be obedient.

4. Manners

Watch this video about manners:

5. Memory Verse

We should have memorized Psalm 8 during this unit study.

• Work on saying everything you have memorized.

6. Fun Activities

• Try one or two of these fun Mason Jar Crafts.
• Play a board game.
• Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.

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: Review and practice any skills you need to improve on.

• 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.

• Go on a camping trip with your family.
• Show off the skills you have learned.
  • Practice good camping manners.
  • Set up your tent.
  • Gather, build, and start a campfire.
  • Cook at least one dish on the campfire.
• Be sure to clean your campsite when you leave.
• Add or take off items from your checklist.
• Write a story about your experience.
  • Write an imaginary story if you aren’t really able to go.
• Draw a picture to go with it.
• Bonus points for a new hack you may have learned.

Learn about Herbs.

• Take some time to review the herbs you have learned about.
• Pick out the one you think is the most interesting and write a report about it.
• Draw a picture of the plant to go along with your report.
• Keep your notebook safe because we will need it again soon!
• Bonus points if you use your herb in a recipe for everyone to try!

**BE SURE TO SAVE A FEW SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK FOR YOUR  

PORTFOLIO!  TAKE PICTURES OF BIG PROJECTS!