The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder are perfect for teaching American history to grade school students. From kindergarten to eighth grade, Wilder's books have a place in teaching about America's past; how some things have changed while others have stayed the same. A quick search of the internet will provide a plethora of lesson plans for all ages. Following are some that the San Francisco Children's Fiction Examiner likes the best. Watch for future articles in which each of the Little House books are reviewed with ideas for incorporating the books in the class room.
Science Activities
Owls - Little House in the Big Woods
Animal Homes on the Prairie - All titles
Geography
Plot the Ingalls family's journey - All titles
Cooking
Johnny Cakes - Little House in the Big Woods A recipe for this can also be found in The Little House Cookbook by Barbara M. Walker.
Horehound Candy - On the Banks of Plum Creek
Music
Lyrics to songs from Little House in the Big Woods
Lyrics to songs from Little House on the Prairie
Arts/Crafts
Torn Calico Pockets - Little House in the Big Woods
Braided Rug - Little Town on the Prairie
Math
Pack Your Covered Wagon - Little House on the Prairie
Financial Planning - Various episodes from the TV version
Vocabulary and Spelling
Reading/Drama
Readers Theater - Little House on the Prairie
Book Reports - All titles
The Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder can be found at any public library like the ones listed here.
Mono County Free Library
400 Sierra Park Rd.
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Phone: (760) 934-8670
Nevada County Library
980 Helling Way
Nevada City, CA 95959
Phone: (530) 265-1407
Plumas County Library
445 Jackson St.
Quincy, CA 95971
Phone: (530) 283-6310
San Benito County Free Library
470 Fifth St.
Hollister, CA 95023
Phone: (831) 636-4107
San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin St
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: (415) 557-4400
Comments
I just love these mini-teaching units you put together. I grew up on the "Little House" books and adored Laura Ingalls Wilder. This links you provide are very useful in the classroom or for homeschooling.
This is wonderful. A good unit study that homeschoolers will enjoy, too.
I got to the the musical of LHOTP last December with Melissa Gilbert at Ma. It was fabulous and extremely well done with minimalistic props.
We read them aloud when the children were young. Great stories.
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