Tag: social studies

On the Banks of Plum Creek Week 1 Lesson Plans

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog3 Comments

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.

The younger kids will also be watching some of these videos while I work with the older ones:

We may also use some of the songs found HERE.

And we will be trying out some relaxing background music with Google.

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.

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

Answer can be found HERE.

Answer Key Password: momsrock

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

(The Door in the Ground, The House in the Ground, Rushes and Flags, Deep Water, Strange Animal, and Wreath of Roses)

Here is our lesson plan for the week:

Language Arts

We plan to use this FREE Lapbook to go along with our study.

Reading:

Read Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6

Discussion Questions:

Chapter One (The Door in the Ground):

  • What four states did they travel through?
  • Why did Mr. Hanson want to sell his place?
  • What did Pa trade for the house?
  • How was this new house different from their old house? Click HERE for pictures.

Chapter Two (The House in the Ground):

  • Why was Laura sad?
  • How was the house made?
  • What did Pa bring back from town?
  • How far away was the town?
  • What new animals did they have? Click HERE for pictures.
  • How did Laura feel about them?

Chapter Three (Rushes and Flags):

  • What are Rushes? Click HERE for pictures.
  • What did Laura learn that she could do with the Rushes?
  • What are Flags? Click HERE for pictures.
  • What did the girls do with the Flags?
  • What did Ma say the girls would turn into?
  • What did Pa warn the girls about?

Chapter Four (Deep Water):

  • Where did Pa take the family?
  • What did they see on the way there? Click HERE for pictures.
  • What did Ma warn Laura about?
  • What happened to Laura when she disobeyed?

Chapter Five (Strange Animal):

  • Where did Laura go? Why?
  • What did Laura see? Click HERE for pictures.
  • How did it make Laura feel? How can you tell?
  • What was Laura’s punishment for being disobedient?

Chapter Six (Wreath of Roses):

  • What did Laura like to watch?
  • Why did she not touch?
  • Who was Johnny? How did Laura describe him?
  • Why couldn’t they talk to him?
  • What did Pa bring home? How did he get it?
  • What important lesson did Laura learn?

Additional Reading:

Older Children:

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

Younger Children:

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

We are also working through All About Reading Level Pre-reading with William as he needed something a little different from what we had been doing.

Vocabulary/Spelling:

Print:  On the Banks of Plum Creek Week One Vocabulary List

Older Kids:

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

Younger Kids:

Handwriting:

Older Kids:

-or-

Younger Kids:

Writing:**

We will be making a journal to record some of our pioneer adventures in. The link to the journal is HERE.

We will be using the Writing Activity Station Kit from Lakeshore Learning for some of our lessons.

Choose one prompt below:

  • Write about a time that someone in your family traded something to benefit the family.
  • Write about a day in the life of a butterfly.

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

Watch this video on foreshadowing:

Other Activities:**

Group:

Word Fun

Older kids:

Younger kids:

Math

You may find it easier to buy a Math Workbook to work through as you go along with the study.

** For fun you may try ‘ciphering’ on a slate with a slate pencil.

Group:

Rotate through these activities:

MÖBI Kids-The Numerical Tile Game for Kids in a Whale Pouch with Included Activity Booklet

Older Kids:

Younger Kids:

Geography and History

Memorize the Continents and Oceans using the videos below to help:

 

1. State Study

  • Print out this map HERE or this one HERE. You can color in the states as you learn them and track Laura’s journeys.
  • This week we will study Minnesota.
  • Complete your notebooking pages.
  • Older kids can write a report about the state.

  • Mark the route that the family may have taken on your map.

2. Landforms & Mapping

Maps:

Landforms:

You can print out a lapbook  HERE.

  • Plateaus (tableland p.22)

  • Valleys

3. Bonus

Research Dugout homes

  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • What are the pros and cons of a dugout home?
  • Compare this to your home. Make a Venn Diagram to compare/contrast the two.

Extra:

We will also be using this People Long Ago Resource Box from Lakeshore Learning to go with our lessons.

People Long Ago Resource Box&nbsp;- Gr.&nbsp;<span style="white-space: nowrap;">1-3</span>

There are also some other resources available here:

Science

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?

Life Skills

We will be discussing some of the character qualities that are displayed in the book but if you would like to do a separate character study lesson you can download one HERE.

1. Memory Verse

We will be memorizing Psalm 51 during this unit study. Print it HERE.

psalm-51.png

  • Work on memorizing two verses during the week for a special prize.
    • Verse 1: Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
    • Verse 2: Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.
  • Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.

2. Character

Complaining:

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. – Philippians 2:14-15

  • What did Laura complain about?

– Being honest. God hates lying.

  • Read this lesson HERE.
  • Why do you think Laura needed to tell Pa about her adventure?
  • Should you be honest?

  • Laura’s punishment was that she had to be watched, she had lost her freedom.
  • Do you think Laura like losing her freedom?

3. Manners

– Read the intro page through page 21 of Emily Post’s Table Manners for Kids and discuss the manners used in each situation below:

  • How should you come to the table?
  • What do you do before you begin eating?
  • What happens as you are getting started eating?
  • What are the rules for bread?
  • How do you eat soup?
  • How do you eat salad?
  • How do you eat cherry tomatoes?
  • Practice these manners when you eat.

Emily Post's Table Manners for Kids

4. Fun Activities

  • Watch this video about the pioneers:

Bugs Floor: 24 Jumbo Pieces

5. 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.

Emergency Preparedness

Kids Cook Real Food 

Skill Trek

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

Back to the Basics

Learn and practice some traditional skills from the book.

  • Read pages 10-11
  • Discuss what you learned.

Herb Study

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

Dog Training

We are using Lucky Dog Lessons: Train Your Dog in 7 Days as a guide for training our puppy.

  • What are the seven basic commands?
  • How many does your dog know?

  • Discuss what you have learned
  • Practice the techniques with your puppy this week.

Also watch this video:

We will also be using:

PE, Health & Safety

1. Water Purification Safety

Drinking unpurified water can sometimes make you very sick.

The Magic School Bus At The Waterworks

  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • Research some diseases and illnesses that you could get from unpurified water.
  • Play a Magic School Bus Game

2. Games/Outdoor Play

Music, Arts & Crafts

Crafts:

Art:**

Music:

You can check out my Pinterest page Little House on the Prairie Crafts for even more crafts and 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!

Little House On The Prairie Adventure Week 10 Lesson Plans

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog2 Comments

**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 10: Finishing Up

Here is our lesson plan for the week:

Language Arts

Week 10: Finishing Up

Reading:

Finish up any reading. 

Optional: Read Chapter 2 from Laura Ingalls Wilder Country ‘Kansas Prairie Country’.

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. 18-19

Writing:

  • Continue working in your workbook.

Other Activity:

Group:

Older kids:

Younger kids:

Bonus Activity:

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

 

Math

Week 10: Finishing Up

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:

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

Geography and History

Week 10: Finishing Up

1. State Study

  • Write a report about the state and include at least 3 interesting facts about the state.
  • This week we will study Utah.
  • Complete your notebooking pages.
  • Older kids can write a report about the state.

2. Finish up your report and your Lapbook on Native American Indians.

3. Plan an Indian Party.

Fun things to do:

 

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

Science

Week 10: Finishing Up

1. Free Choice

  • Pick out a previous topic to research more and write a report about it.
  • Go to Mystery Science and learn about something you are interested in.

2. Continue learning about simple machines. Pick a project to do.

3. A constellation guide.

Extra:

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

 

Life Skills

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

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.

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

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!

PE, Health & Safety

Week 10: Finishing Up

1. Vehicle Safety

At the end of the book the family was moving again. I’m sure they didn’t have seatbelts but Ma and Pa made sure the girls knew what they needed to do to stay safe while traveling. What safety rules should you follow when in a vehicle?

  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • Go over the safety rules for the vehicle.
  • Practice these rules every time you go somewhere.

2. Games/Outdoor Play

Riding in the wagon was probably pretty boring at times and I’m sure the girls needed something to keep them occupied. Have you ever played Rock, Paper, Scissors with your friends? If not you can learn how to play this game and many other skills at SkillTrekker.com. How about this modified version:

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

Music, Arts & Crafts

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

Week 10: Finishing Up

Crafts:**

Make some crafts for your Indian Party. Check out these ideas HERE on Amazon. You can also check out my Pinterest board HERE.

  1. INDIAN CRAFTS FOR KIDS: Ideas to Make Native American Indians with Easy arts and crafts for children, preschoolers, teens
  2. Make a Spoon Doll p. 14 Pioneer Crafts for Kids
  3. Make a Pioneer Doll p. 32 Pioneer Crafts for Kids
  4. Make a Pioneer Life Diorama p. 51 Pioneer Crafts for Kids

Art:

  1. Choose a previous project that you haven’t done yet.
  2. Free Choice

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 9 Lesson Plans

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog2 Comments

**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 9: Chapters 25 & 26 (Soldiers, Going Out)

Here is our lesson plan for the week:

Language Arts

Week 9: Chapters 25 & 26

Reading:

Read Chapters 25 & 26 

  • You can read it or let the kids help to read it aloud.
  • You can also access an audio version:

Discussion Questions:

Chapter Twenty-Five:

  • What were they busy doing?
  • What did they plant in their garden?
  • Why did Pa say they had to leave?
  • Who did he give the cow to and why?
  • What did they eat for dinner?

Chapter Twenty-Six:

  • What item couldn’t they take with them?
  • Who did they find? What had happened?
  • How did Pa offer to help?
  • What were they taking with them that they didn’t bring with them?
  • Where do you think the family is going?
  • Who did Pa say would eat the garden?

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. 16-17

Writing:**

  • Write about what you would plant in your garden and why?
  • Continue working in your workbook.

Other Activity:

Group:

Older kids:

Younger kids:

 

Math

Week 9: Chapters 25 & 26

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 9: Chapters 25 & 26

1. State Study

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

 

2. Research about the Osage Diminished Reserve.

  • Click HERE to learn about the differences between the Great Plains then and now.
  • How did this affect the Indians?
  • How did this affect the settlers?
  • Do you think this may have had an impact on why Pa decided to move?

Extra:

Science

Week 9: Chapters 25 & 26

1. Free Choice

  • Pick out a previous topic to research more and write a report about it.
  • Go to Mystery Science and learn about something you are interested in.

2. Continue learning about simple machines.

3. Planets in our Solar System.

  • Discuss what you have learned.

4. Read about how to start plants indoors like Ma did.

  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • What plants would you like to start?
  • Make a list of materials you would need.

Extra:

 

Life Skills

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:

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

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.

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

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

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

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

 

PE, Health & Safety

Week 9: Chapters 25 & 26

1. Tobacco Safety

The story mentions several time that Pa used his tobacco pipe. Do you know what tobacco is and how harmful it could be to you?

  • Discuss what you learned.
  • List 3 different side effects of tobacco use.

2. Games/Outdoor Play

Check out some of the games that the Native American children may have played with the links below:

Some of these games may be fun to include with your Indian Party.

Music, Arts & Crafts

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

Week 9: Chapters 25 & 26

Crafts:**

1. Make a Covered Wagon p. 37 Pioneer Crafts for Kids

2. Indian Headdress

 

Amscan Thanksgiving Make Your Own Headband

Amscan Thanksgiving Make Your Own Headband

 

Art:

  1. Choose a previous project that you haven’t done yet.
  2. Indian Headdress Coloring Page
  3. Native American Dancing coloring page
  4. Free Choice

Music:

  • Experiment with making music around the house.

Westco Sounds of Nature Kit Musical Instrument Toy

 

 

**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 8 Lesson Plans

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog2 Comments

**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 8: Chapters 22, 23 & 24 (Prairie Fire, Indian War Cry, Indians Ride Away)

Here is our lesson plan for the week:

Language Arts

Week 8: Chapters 22, 23 & 24

Reading:

Read Chapters 22, 23 & 24

Discussion Questions:

Chapter Twenty-Two:

  • What did Pa like so much about the land?
  • Why did they keep their food hidden and locked up?
  • What scary thing happened? How did they handle it?
  • Where did Ma say they would’ve went if Pa had been in town?
  • What were some things that could have caused the fire?

Chapter Twenty-Three:

  • What made the family so uneasy?
  • What woke Laura up?
  • What did Pa do at the table? Why?
  • What did the Osage Indian tell Pa?

Chapter Twenty-Four:

  • What did Laura finally get to see?
  • Who was the first Indian in the procession?
  • What did Laura want Pa to get for her?
  • What did Pa have to do to Jack? 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.

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. 14 – 15

Writing:**

  • Write about a time when you were scared and what happened.
  • Continue working in your workbook.

Other Activity:

Group:

Older kids:

Younger kids:

 

Math

Week 8: Chapters 22, 23 & 24

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 8: Chapters 22, 23 & 24

1. State Study

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

2. Continue to Research Native Indian Tribes

  • Learn about ways that the Native Indians communicated.
  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • Complete this Lapbook piece HERE on pictogaphs.
  • Learn about war dances.
  • Go outside and give it a try after you watch this video:
  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • How would this have made you feel if you had heard it in the middle of the night?
  • Complete this Lapbook piece HERE.
  • Explore the Native Americans Resource Box from Lakeshore Learning

3. Read about settler children who were adbucted by Native Americans.

  • Watch this video about children who were kidnapped.
  • Why do you think this happened?
  • Why do you think that some of the children didn’t want to go home?

Extra:

Science

Week 8: Chapters 22, 23 & 24

1. Research Wild Fires.

  • Discuss what you learned.

How we fight wildfires:

  • Discuss what you learned.
  • How do these methods compare/contrast with the methods used by Pa and Ma?

2. Continue learning about simple machines.

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

Can you be an inventor?

  • Read pages 80-83 of your book.
  • Write down these words and their definitions:
    • engineering design process
    • construct
  • What five types of inventors are there?
  • What would you invent?
  • Do one of the activities on pages 84-85.

Watch this video for more information:

  • Discuss what you learned.

3. Navigating the night sky.

  • Discuss what you learned.

Extra:

 

Life Skills

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:

  • 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:

School’s Facebook post about kids’ ideal bedtimes draws cheers, jeers

  • 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

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.

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:

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

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

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

 

PE, Health & Safety

Week 8: Chapters 22, 23 & 24

1. How are diseases spread?

We learned about how the Fever n’ Ague was spread by mosquitoes but do you know how other diseases are spread?

  • Discuss what you have learned.

2. Diseases spread to the Indians

We have read and researched about the Indians. Did you know that many Indians died from diseases that were brought by the newcomers? Let’s learn about some of these diseases.

  • Watch this video to learn about some of the diseases spread to the Indians by settlers:
  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • What diseases have you heard of? Which ones have you never heard of?
  • Are these diseases still around today?
  • Older kids can choose a disease to research further and write a report about.

3. Importance of Sleep

In this section of the book the family had trouble sleeping. Do you remember why? Do you know why sleep is so important?

  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • Talk about a time when you didn’t get enough rest. How did you feel?

4. Games/Outdoor Play

Music, Arts & Crafts

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

Week 8: Chapters 22, 23 & 24

Crafts:**

  1. Choose a Frog Craft

Smiling Wisdom - Jumping Hop Frog Origami Game - Holiday Favors, Classroom - 50 Colorful Origami Frogs - Children's Paper Game - Holiday Party Activity Ideas for Boys & Girls - Multicolored

Smiling Wisdom – Jumping Hop Frog Origami Game

2. Buffalo Crafts

3. Indian Papoose Craft

Art:

  1. Buffalo coloring pages
  2. Native American Hunter coloring page

Music:

  1. The Gum Tree Canoe p. 117Laura Ingalls Wilder Songbook

 

**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 3 Lesson Plans

Published on by Susie @ Pollywog's Place Blog2 Comments

**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 3: Chapters 7, 8 & 9 (The Wolf-Pack, Two Stout Doors, A Fire In The Hearth)

Here is our lesson plan for the week:

Language Arts

Reading:

Read Chapters 7, 8 & 9

Discussion Questions:

Chapter Seven:

  • How long did it take Pa and Mr. Edwards to build the stable?
  • What wonderful thing did they find in the morning?
  • Why did Pa come back home in a hurry?
  • How did Pa get away from the wolves?
  • What scary thing happened that night?

Chapter Eight:

  • What did they see outside the next morning?
  • What did Pa plan to make for the house? Why?
  • What did he need? Did he let it stop him or did he find a way to get the job finished?
  • What was Pa’s next project for the house?

Chapter Nine:

  • What did Pa need to get for the fireplace?
  • Describe the process that Pa used to build the fireplace.
  • What did Ma put on the mantel?
  • What did Pa warn Ma about?

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. 6

Writing:**

  • Complete this worksheet HERE and use some of your vocabulary words for the bottom part.
  • Practice brainstorming for upcoming reports with this worksheet HERE.

*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 Rhode Island.
  • Complete your notebooking pages.
  • Older kids can write a report about the state.

2. Research the Osage Indians

  • Watch this video:
  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Write down 5 interesting facts.

Here is a video about some of the most famous Native Americans:

3. Continue to research Native American Indian Tribes

  • Do some independent research.
  • Here is an interesting video to watch also:
  • Take notes about what you learned.

Extra:

Science

1. What are mules?

  • Learn about mules and how they are different from horses.
  • Mules are hybrids. Learn more about this here:
  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Name four ways that mules are different from horses.
  • Name two more hybrid animals.

2. Continue to study Prairie Animals.

  • Older kids can also work on a report. The report needs to include behavior, habitat, and diet.

 

  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Name one interesting fact about wolves that you didn’t know before.

Listen to these sounds:

  • How would these sounds make you feel?

3. Why do animals eyes glow in the dark?

  • Find out why animals eyes glow in the dark.
  • Discuss what you have learned.

4. Continue learning about simple machines.

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

What are screws?

  • Read pages 46-52 of your book.
  • Write down these words and their definitions:
    • thread
    • pitch
    • design
    • bolt
    • worm gear
    • spur gear
    • drill bit
  • What are some different ways that screws are used? How could these have helped Pa?
  • Do one of the activities on pages 53-56.

Watch this video for more information:

  • Discuss what you learned.
  • Play Simple Machines Game
  • Check out this video to see how this talented used screws to create pictures:

5. Research plants on the prairie.

We have been looking at prairie animals but what about the plants?

  • Discuss what you have learned.

6. Constellations

  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • Check out these neat constellation cards on this page HERE. Look for ‘constellations.pdf’ under History and Geography.
  • Or try this really neat craft HERE (I might try this with small flashlights.) or HERE.

Life Skills

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

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.

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

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.
  • 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.

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.

PE, Health & Safety

1. Fireplace Safety

  • The Ingalls’ family used their fireplace not only to cook but also to keep warm. This means it was essential to use almost everyday. They kids learned how to stay safe around the fireplace and you can too.
  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • List 5 things you should do to stay safe around a fireplace.

2. Heater Safety

  • The Ingalls family used their fireplace to keep warm but many of us don’t have fireplaces. Sometimes people use heaters to keep warm. Let’s learn how to stay safe.
  • Sometimes people use things like BBQ grills to heat their home when they can’t use a heater. Do you know why this can be dangerous?
  • Discuss what you have learned.
  • Make a safety checklist for heating your home.

3. Games/Outdoor Play

Laura enjoyed watching all of the animals on the prairie and mentioned the many different types of birds she saw. You can take turns naming the birds while playing this game.

Music, Arts & Crafts

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

Crafts:

  1. Build a log cabin with Lincoln Logs
  2. Make a Log Cabin Photo Frame p. 36 Pioneer Crafts for Kids
  3. Use My Book of Little House Paper Dolls: The Big Woods Collection to reenact and retell the story to someone.
  4. Make a Flower Mask p. 16 Pioneer Crafts for Kids
  5. Build a Pretzel Log Cabin

Art: 

  1. Color some prairie flowers
  2. Draw a rock fireplace as Laura descibed it.
  3. Draw a log cabin.

Or you can try to draw a wolf:

Music:

Listen to the natural songs made by wolves:

 

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