Why *Little House on the Prairie* for Homeschooling?
The scent of freshly baked bread, the crackle of a fire in the hearth, and the gentle sway of a prairie wagon – these are the evocative images that come to mind when we think of *Little House on the Prairie*. For generations, Laura Ingalls Wilder’s stories have transported readers to a time of hardship, adventure, and enduring family love. But beyond the heartwarming tales, the *Little House* books offer a treasure trove of educational opportunities. This guide delves into how you can transform these beloved stories into a captivating and enriching homeschool curriculum, bringing the prairie to life in your own home.
The appeal of *Little House on the Prairie* is undeniable. It resonates with readers of all ages, offering a window into a bygone era and the values that shaped it. When considering *homeschooling*, the series provides a strong foundation for learning, offering a unique blend of historical context, engaging storytelling, and the opportunity for hands-on projects that will captivate young learners.
One of the greatest strengths of the series lies in its powerful portrayal of family. The Ingalls family faced adversity with unwavering determination, demonstrating the importance of love, resilience, and working together. This focus on family provides a wonderful framework for teaching valuable life lessons and fostering a strong sense of community within your *homeschool*.
Beyond the emotional connection, *Little House on the Prairie* is an exceptional tool for learning. The rich historical context, descriptive language, and carefully crafted narratives are ideal for providing engaging lessons in core subjects. For any family looking to create a curriculum that blends entertainment with education, the series presents the perfect opportunity.
Firstly, the books immerse children in the world of pioneer life, providing a vivid picture of the American West during the 19th century. Students will learn about westward expansion, the challenges of settling new lands, and the interactions between settlers and Native American tribes. This historical lens is incredibly important for understanding the growth of the country.
Secondly, *Little House on the Prairie* is a masterclass in storytelling. Analyzing Laura Ingalls Wilder’s writing style, characters, and themes offers fantastic opportunities for developing reading comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills. Children can explore the use of descriptive language, understand the power of figurative language, and learn how to construct their own narratives.
Thirdly, the series seamlessly integrates geography into the curriculum. As the Ingalls family moves from place to place, students can explore different locations such as Wisconsin, Kansas, Minnesota, and South Dakota, and then learn the geographical features, climate, and resources of each area.
Fourthly, science takes center stage, as students learn about farming, animal care, and natural phenomena like weather patterns and the changing seasons. The books offer plenty of opportunities to discuss the science of survival, the importance of agriculture, and the natural world around them.
Fifthly, the series’ focus on arts and crafts lends itself to hands-on activities. Learning about cooking, sewing, and making toys provides a tangible connection to the past and allows children to develop practical skills.
Finally, *Little House on the Prairie* naturally lends itself to hands-on learning. The engaging nature of the book series encourages projects, crafts, and activities, enriching the learning experience, and improving retention. Children remember what they experience, so the more activities you can incorporate, the better.
Core Subjects and Curriculum Ideas
Now let’s dive into how to integrate the series into your *homeschool* curriculum, subject by subject.
Reading and Language Arts
Begin your journey by selecting the *Little House* books themselves. Start with *Little House in the Big Woods* and continue chronologically through *These Happy Golden Years*. There are many excellent illustrated editions and audiobooks to choose from.
For reading comprehension, create questions and activities around each chapter. Ask students to identify main characters, settings, and key events. Encourage them to summarize the chapter in their own words. Discuss the themes and morals presented, such as perseverance, generosity, and the importance of family. Use writing prompts to explore deeper understanding of the text. Students can write about what they like, or dislike, from a chapter. Students can also write alternative endings, or develop different plot lines.
Building vocabulary is essential. Focus on words and phrases related to the setting, pioneer life, and the themes of the books. Define unfamiliar terms and encourage students to use them in their own writing and speech.
Writing activities are a fantastic way to consolidate learning. Have students write diary entries from the perspective of Laura, Mary, or Pa. Encourage them to describe their daily lives, the challenges they face, and their feelings. They can also write letters to fictional characters, or write creative stories inspired by the books. Encourage the children to incorporate their own feelings, and thoughts.
History and Social Studies
History comes alive through *Little House on the Prairie*. Start by creating a timeline of the Ingalls family’s journey, from their time in Wisconsin to their move to the Dakota Territory. This provides a visual representation of their travels and the historical context.
Encourage your children to conduct research on pioneer life, including topics such as transportation, housing, clothing, and food. Delve into the history of westward expansion and the factors that drove settlers to seek new opportunities in the West. This may include finding out how each place was settled, what kinds of problems they faced, and what kinds of food sources were available.
Field trips and virtual tours can greatly enhance learning. Visit a historical society, or museum, that focuses on pioneer life. If this is not feasible, explore online resources, such as the official website of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes. These virtual experiences can help to increase engagement.
Science
*Little House on the Prairie* provides excellent opportunities to learn about science. Explore farming and agriculture, learning about the crops the Ingalls family grew, how they cared for their animals, and the challenges they faced.
Encourage the children to learn about nature. Observe plants, animals, and the natural environment. The books provide detailed descriptions of the seasons and the weather. This is a good time to teach the children how to use a weather chart.
Math
Math can be integrated into many aspects of the *Little House* curriculum. Encourage practical applications by calculating the ingredients for cooking projects, measuring materials for crafts, and understanding the cost of goods.
Use examples from the books to create arithmetic problems. For example, how much did a pound of sugar cost? How much flour did the Ingalls family use to bake a cake?
Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts play a huge role in the stories. You can provide a great lesson on the value of using what you have to survive.
Have students learn basic sewing skills and create simple garments. This can involve creating a pioneer doll, or helping the children to construct their own pioneer clothing.
Encourage the preparation of recipes from the era. Baking bread, making butter, or preparing simple meals provides a tangible connection to the past.
Engage in crafting projects. Making dolls, toys, and other items can provide a hands-on learning experience.
Music
Music is an important part of the stories. Have the students learn and sing traditional songs from the time period. Play the songs, and then help the children to learn and understand the lyrics.
Supplements and Resources
To enrich your *Little House* curriculum, consider incorporating additional resources. There are so many options, that there will be something for everyone.
There are many books and printables. Search for workbooks, activity books, and printables that are related to *Little House on the Prairie*.
Online resources are a treasure trove of information and inspiration. Explore websites, blogs, and educational platforms that offer lesson plans, activities, and historical information.
Watch the television show, or a movie. After reading a chapter, or the whole book, watching the show can provide a great tool for reinforcing learning.
Lesson Planning and Flexibility
Planning a homeschool curriculum is an adventure. The best lessons are carefully planned, but flexible.
Adapt the materials to different age groups. Make sure that you are using materials that are age-appropriate for your children.
Create a daily or weekly schedule. This can provide a framework for your lessons, but don’t be afraid to adjust as needed.
Connect different subjects and activities. This helps the students to see how the subjects overlap.
Encourage exploration and curiosity. Make learning fun and create a positive environment for exploration and discovery.
Hands-on Activities and Projects
The best way to learn is through experiences. Many of these activities are already detailed in the curriculum. Here are some additional ways to enrich your *Little House on the Prairie* lessons.
Preparing pioneer meals is a fun and engaging activity. Choose recipes from the books or find authentic recipes from the time period. Make cornbread, biscuits, or a simple stew.
Have your children participate in craft projects, such as creating a pioneer quilt.
Building a miniature log cabin is a great way to learn about pioneer architecture.
Let the children write diary entries as if they are Laura or Mary Ingalls.
Conclusion
Using *Little House on the Prairie* as a basis for your *homeschool* curriculum is a wonderful way to bring history, literature, and life skills to life. The series’ focus on family, resilience, and the importance of simple living provides valuable lessons for children of all ages. By incorporating the stories into your lessons, you can create an engaging and memorable learning experience.
Embrace the opportunity to create your own prairie adventure. With a little creativity and planning, you can cultivate a love of learning and create lasting memories for your children.
Encourage your friends to share their experiences, ask questions in the comments section, and explore this wonderful series.
