Week 4 links via We Love The Prairie Primer
Reading:
Monday: chapters 28-29
Tuesday: chapters 30-31
Wednesday: chapters 32- 33, finishes the book
Thursday...if you have the book Laura Ingalls Wilder Country, ready The Long Winter, chapter 6
What did Pa get angry with (pg 288)?
What made Pa mind the weather more than usual? What was Laura's solution?
Had they prayed for Almanzo and Cap? What made it ok intheir eyes to pray for them?
Who did the town's people look to for wisdom?
What was Pa's argument?
What dide Almanzo notice about Pa (pg 308)?
Discuss: Proverbs 1:19, 15:27, Amos 5:9, Matthew 5:9, 4:4 in light of these chapters
Learn about the nutritional differences between whole wheat flour and non-enriched white flour. What vitamins does white flour lack? What vitamins did the Ingalls receive by eating whole wheat instead of white?
How was God's Provision better than Laura's desire for white bread? How is God's Will better than our own will for our lives? Name an instance where God's Will proved much better than your own will.
God provided for the Ingalls...consider the verses Philippians 4:11, 13, 19, Psalm 146:7, 37:25, Matthew 6:8-13
learn some songs from Laura's time, lyrics from some of Pa's songs here
What is Chinook, and what differences did it bring? read about the Legend of The Chinook Wind here, learn how the Chinook winds work here and here
Apply Proverbs 17:22 and 16:24 to the story
Pa called Ma 'Nebuchadnezzar' when she suggested eating greens. Read the story of Nebuchadnezzar from Daniel 4 or Daniel 5 (or here at History World). Who was he? Why did he eat grass?
Learn about the wind and how wind is caused by temperature differences and the rotation of the Earth
The last of the wheat was used the day the train arrived in town. Read more stories in your Bible of how God's Provision lasted only as long as was needed (The Israelites and manna, the widow woman and the oil, etc.)
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Friday, November 11, 2011
LHOP: Long Winter, week 3 notes
Our We Love the Prairie Primer notes this week
Notes:
frostbite
differences in flour, white flour vs wheat flour
Livingstone's Africa text online here at Google books, the Primer also suggests the movie Stanley and Livingstone, with Spencer Tracy, 1939 Netflix has Forbidden Territory: Stanley's Search for Livingstone (1997) but I have not viewed this movie
Reading:
Monday: chapters 19-20
Tuesday: chapters 21-22
Wednesday: chapters 23-25
Thursday: chapters 26-27
Friday: catch up and review
What good character attribute did Laura show in this chapter?
How did Ma grind the wheat?
What did Ma think to use instead of kerosene for light (pg 192)?
What does the common saying "count your chickens before they are hatched" mean?
Narrate/Dictate/Copywork: tell what happened on the antelope hunt
On page 193 Pa makes a statement about modern conveniences. List some modern conveniences/luxuries we have grown dependent on
make a nutritional chart and place a star on each time you eat something from the chart groupings
make a button lamp
How do you think the town of DeSmet received word the trains would not be running until spring?
Narrate/Dictate: tell the story of the train superintendent
What did they do to lift their spirits?
What did the girls do for fun?
What unique way did Pa make to feed the horses? How did patience and perserverance fit his actions?
Why was the house warmer?
What did Pa find that he could not do?
Who was Paul Revere? a biography is here, Enchanted Learning page here
Read selections from McGuffey's Fifth Reader like Laura did in school at Google Books, Project Gutenberg here is a list of more online vintage Readers
How are Laura's Readers from school different from some of your textbooks today?
Use a Bible Concordance to find mention of Tubal Cain. What did Tubal Cain do?
What did ma say about complaining? What does God say about complaining?
Why was killing Ellen and the heifer calf a last resort?
How did Pa get food? How were the weather and lack of food affecting the family?
What was Almanzo thinking about doing?
Which of Almanzo's parents' saying is better (pg 258)?
Based on earlier events in the book, what arte the dangers Almanzo faces on his mission?
Apply the verses Philippians 2:14-15 and Psalm 111:5 to the story and your life.
Copywork: copy out some verses about complaining, such as Numbers 11:1
Memorize your favorite poem from McGuffey's Fifth Reader
Apply Proverbs 29:7 to chapter 25
What image of a blizzard does the word 'scouring' give?
Narrate/Dictate: describe the work Pa had to do to get hay to the house so they would not freeze to death.
What special joke did Pa and Grace share (pg 261)?
What did Pa do for entertainment (pg 261)?
When was Almanzo not glad he was free and independent? What do you think he might miss about living at home?
What did Almanzo like about mornings?
Why did Almanzo like Cap?
Was Anderson happy to see the boys? How long had it been since he had seen someone?
What was the most convicting argument for him to sell the wheat?
From where did Almanzo get the courage to face the elements?
Narrate/Dictate: write a report on frostbite and its effects
Did Almanzo treat his frostbite correctly? What should he have done? When exposed to extreme cold, how can we help prevent frostbite?
Discuss John 15:13 and apply this verse to the story and to your life. Memorize this verse.
Notes:
frostbite
differences in flour, white flour vs wheat flour
Livingstone's Africa text online here at Google books, the Primer also suggests the movie Stanley and Livingstone, with Spencer Tracy, 1939 Netflix has Forbidden Territory: Stanley's Search for Livingstone (1997) but I have not viewed this movie
Reading:
Monday: chapters 19-20
Tuesday: chapters 21-22
Wednesday: chapters 23-25
Thursday: chapters 26-27
Friday: catch up and review
What good character attribute did Laura show in this chapter?
How did Ma grind the wheat?
What did Ma think to use instead of kerosene for light (pg 192)?
What does the common saying "count your chickens before they are hatched" mean?
Narrate/Dictate/Copywork: tell what happened on the antelope hunt
On page 193 Pa makes a statement about modern conveniences. List some modern conveniences/luxuries we have grown dependent on
make a nutritional chart and place a star on each time you eat something from the chart groupings
make a button lamp
How do you think the town of DeSmet received word the trains would not be running until spring?
Narrate/Dictate: tell the story of the train superintendent
What did they do to lift their spirits?
What did the girls do for fun?
What unique way did Pa make to feed the horses? How did patience and perserverance fit his actions?
Why was the house warmer?
What did Pa find that he could not do?
Who was Paul Revere? a biography is here, Enchanted Learning page here
Read selections from McGuffey's Fifth Reader like Laura did in school at Google Books, Project Gutenberg here is a list of more online vintage Readers
How are Laura's Readers from school different from some of your textbooks today?
Use a Bible Concordance to find mention of Tubal Cain. What did Tubal Cain do?
What did ma say about complaining? What does God say about complaining?
Why was killing Ellen and the heifer calf a last resort?
How did Pa get food? How were the weather and lack of food affecting the family?
What was Almanzo thinking about doing?
Which of Almanzo's parents' saying is better (pg 258)?
Based on earlier events in the book, what arte the dangers Almanzo faces on his mission?
Apply the verses Philippians 2:14-15 and Psalm 111:5 to the story and your life.
Copywork: copy out some verses about complaining, such as Numbers 11:1
Memorize your favorite poem from McGuffey's Fifth Reader
Apply Proverbs 29:7 to chapter 25
What image of a blizzard does the word 'scouring' give?
Narrate/Dictate: describe the work Pa had to do to get hay to the house so they would not freeze to death.
What special joke did Pa and Grace share (pg 261)?
What did Pa do for entertainment (pg 261)?
When was Almanzo not glad he was free and independent? What do you think he might miss about living at home?
What did Almanzo like about mornings?
Why did Almanzo like Cap?
Was Anderson happy to see the boys? How long had it been since he had seen someone?
What was the most convicting argument for him to sell the wheat?
From where did Almanzo get the courage to face the elements?
Narrate/Dictate: write a report on frostbite and its effects
Did Almanzo treat his frostbite correctly? What should he have done? When exposed to extreme cold, how can we help prevent frostbite?
Discuss John 15:13 and apply this verse to the story and to your life. Memorize this verse.
Monday, November 7, 2011
CurrCllick Class: A Pioneeer Christmas
I love CurrClick's resources!
In fitting with our Little House on the Prairie study, I wanted to pass this notice along for a one day online class CurrClick and Lessons Worth Learning are offering.
Here's the info...go check it out and get registered:
Schedule
Starts
|
December 5, 2011 |  |
|---|---|---|
Sessions
|
1 | |
Meets
|
Monday | |
At
|
2:00 pm Central Time (UTC-6) | |
| 2:00 pm your time | ||
For
|
90 minutes |
Description
A Pioneer Christmas in America is a live class all about pioneer life in America and how they celebrated Christmas. Monday December 5th at 2 pm Central Time
Come share an old-fashioned Christmas with me!
I will send out a project pack of ideas before class begins. These can be used for follow up after the class, or to share in class with us by emailing a picture of a completed project.
*A project is not required. You can just join us to enjoy the class.
Check out my other seasonal classes, also!!
Date of Class
This class will meet at 2 pm Central Time on Monday, December 5. Plan for a about a 1 1/2 hour class. This should give us time for class participation as well.
What You Need
The class will meet in the virtual classroom. It is suggested that you have a headset with microphone for best results. You can use the computer speakers for the whole family to participate. You can also use the chat box to participate in class.
This is a special price. You pay only once for the whole family to enjoy!
If you enjoyed my Pioneer Christmas class last year, you will still enjoy this one. I always add new things each year.
About the Teacher
Loretta Rhodes is a homeschool mom of 4, ranging in age from 4-18. She has a Bachelor of Science in Education from Athens University, Athens, AL and has been teaching for 20 years, both public and private classes. She loves teaching. Her classes are interactive, meaning that she loves to do Q&A discussions with the students, group work, and interesting projects. "I love to have the children get involved in learning, so that learning becomes an awesome experience for them." You can contact her at lessonsworthlearning@yahoo.com. She would love to hear from you!
All Lessons Worth Learning classes are taught from a Christian worldview perspective.
BlogShare: Deep Space Sparkle
Deep Space Sparkle has some great ideas, PDF lessons, links and more...enjoy!
LHOP: Long Winter, week 2 notes
Another bout of vanishing drafts here at Blogger.
As always, we are following along with our Primer and the great resources available at We Love the Prairie Primer blog, week 2 links here.
Monday: chapters 11-12
Tuesday: chapters 13-15
Wednesday: chapters 16-17
Thursday: chapter 18
Friday: catch up and review
Highlights to study this week:
dietary fat intake
sunrise/sunset times on the longest and shortest days for your area and for South Dakota
Wind chill factor
coal oil and other forms of energy
the eye, cornea and snow blindness
ultraviolet light
the effects of light deprivation
Who returned with Pa? What did the girls remember about him?
What did the Ingalls do for church?
What do you think was the wisest idea for survival, if caught in a blizzard?
What did they do to conserve coal? kerosene?
How did the girls occupy their time during the blizzard?
What is the wind chill factor? Here is the NOAA chart
Compare and discuss: Psalm 119:16, 52 with reading chapter chapter 13
have a family night like Laura's family did
where does kerosene come from? read here from The Secret of Everyday Things at The Baldwyn Project
learn where crude oil comes from, here is one source
Where did Pa go and why (pg 151)? What took him so long (pgs 154-155)?
what did Ma and the girls do that night?
What supplies were low? What was the family out of?
Why were butter and fat meat drippings an important to the Ingalls' diet? Why do we limit these now? Discuss the link between fat intake and cancer, obesity, heart disease,e tc.
Describe how to blacken a stove (pg 171). What purpose did this serve?
What did laura give for Christmas? What special treat did they have for Christmas? What did planning ahead make available for them on Christmas?
discuss snow blindness and how to prevent it
What did Pa invent?
As always, we are following along with our Primer and the great resources available at We Love the Prairie Primer blog, week 2 links here.
Monday: chapters 11-12
Tuesday: chapters 13-15
Wednesday: chapters 16-17
Thursday: chapter 18
Friday: catch up and review
Highlights to study this week:
dietary fat intake
sunrise/sunset times on the longest and shortest days for your area and for South Dakota
Wind chill factor
coal oil and other forms of energy
the eye, cornea and snow blindness
ultraviolet light
the effects of light deprivation
Who returned with Pa? What did the girls remember about him?
What did the Ingalls do for church?
What do you think was the wisest idea for survival, if caught in a blizzard?
What did they do to conserve coal? kerosene?
How did the girls occupy their time during the blizzard?
What is the wind chill factor? Here is the NOAA chart
Compare and discuss: Psalm 119:16, 52 with reading chapter chapter 13
have a family night like Laura's family did
where does kerosene come from? read here from The Secret of Everyday Things at The Baldwyn Project
learn where crude oil comes from, here is one source
Where did Pa go and why (pg 151)? What took him so long (pgs 154-155)?
what did Ma and the girls do that night?
What supplies were low? What was the family out of?
Why were butter and fat meat drippings an important to the Ingalls' diet? Why do we limit these now? Discuss the link between fat intake and cancer, obesity, heart disease,e tc.
Describe how to blacken a stove (pg 171). What purpose did this serve?
What did laura give for Christmas? What special treat did they have for Christmas? What did planning ahead make available for them on Christmas?
discuss snow blindness and how to prevent it
What did Pa invent?
Saturday, October 29, 2011
LHOP: Long Winter week 1
Monday we begin my favorite Little House book, The Long Winter. For our first week, we will look at:
emergency preparedness and winter survival kits winter preparedness coloring book disaster preparedness/Red Cross coloring book emergency preparedness coloring book
Muskrats
Homesteading in the United States in the 1800's
Earth's water cycle coloring book
the Souix and Blackfoot Indians
The Battle of Wounded Knee
Medicinal uses for ginger
Samuel F. B. Morse biography, and the telegraph itself
climate changes (Earth's axis)
Chicken digestive systems
Weekly Reading and Notes:
Monday: chapters 1-2
Tuesday: chapters 3-5
Wednesday: chapters 6-8
Thursday: chapters 9-10
Friday: catch up day :o)
What was Ma's opinion of Laura helping in the field?
What did Mary do to help?
How did Pa know it would be a bad winter?
Discuss what Pa said the difference was between animals and humans? Animals and the weather
What did the girls do wrong, and whose fault was it?
What did Ma surprise Pa with?
Why did Laura not like to sew?
How could Pa find his way to the stable?
Why did they have to be careful with water? What did Laura do to conserve water (pg 38)?
What did they do all day?
What happened to the cows?
What help did the haystacks provide?
What is Indian summer?
What did the Indian have to say? What did the Indian have to gain by warning the settlers?
Why was town a better place to spend the winter?
Where into town did they move?
Why did they fill the straw ticks with hay?
Where did Pa want to go and why did he not go there?
Research and write/narrate a report on The Homestead Act of 1862 to complete this week.
What are the medicinal uses of ginger?
Discuss the descriptive language used on page 8 to explain the work.
Name and discuss the 3 types of exercise needed for a healthy life (aerobic, strengthening and flexibility)
Read about muskrats, draw pictures for your nature notebooks showing their habitat, feeding habits, lifestyle, etc.
Apply these verses to your life: Proverbs 10:5, 12:11, 20:11.
Discuss Proverbs 4:26 and 6:6-8 in context with the 2nd chapter of your reading.
Begin a biography of Samuel Morse by the end of the Long Winter.
Discuss 'equinoctial' and study the rotation of the earth on its axis and the effect this has on sunrise, sunset and climate Orbit craft
How are some ways you conserve water.
Learn about the water cycle. activities from Cookies Domain HotChalk lesson plan water cycle lapbook
Discuss Genesis 4:9 and Romans 2:13-15 regarding the indian. What tribes lived where Laura's family lived?
Read about the Battle of Wounded Knee and write/narrate a report on this last Indian battle.
Draw a picture of a tree with whiffle characteristics
Discuss the saying "money is scarcer than hens' teeth" learn about how chickens digest their food
As with our entire read through this series, our main guide is our Prairie Primer and We Love The Prairie Primer, week 1 links. While searching for goodies to add and share, I stumbled across a great looking blog called Cookies Domain, sharing lots of links and pages for padding out your adventures in free homeschooling. Enjoy!
emergency preparedness and winter survival kits winter preparedness coloring book disaster preparedness/Red Cross coloring book emergency preparedness coloring book
Muskrats
Homesteading in the United States in the 1800's
Earth's water cycle coloring book
the Souix and Blackfoot Indians
The Battle of Wounded Knee
Medicinal uses for ginger
Samuel F. B. Morse biography, and the telegraph itself
climate changes (Earth's axis)
Chicken digestive systems
Weekly Reading and Notes:
Monday: chapters 1-2
Tuesday: chapters 3-5
Wednesday: chapters 6-8
Thursday: chapters 9-10
Friday: catch up day :o)
What was Ma's opinion of Laura helping in the field?
What did Mary do to help?
How did Pa know it would be a bad winter?
Discuss what Pa said the difference was between animals and humans? Animals and the weather
What did the girls do wrong, and whose fault was it?
What did Ma surprise Pa with?
Why did Laura not like to sew?
How could Pa find his way to the stable?
Why did they have to be careful with water? What did Laura do to conserve water (pg 38)?
What did they do all day?
What happened to the cows?
What help did the haystacks provide?
What is Indian summer?
What did the Indian have to say? What did the Indian have to gain by warning the settlers?
Why was town a better place to spend the winter?
Where into town did they move?
Why did they fill the straw ticks with hay?
Where did Pa want to go and why did he not go there?
Research and write/narrate a report on The Homestead Act of 1862 to complete this week.
What are the medicinal uses of ginger?
Discuss the descriptive language used on page 8 to explain the work.
Name and discuss the 3 types of exercise needed for a healthy life (aerobic, strengthening and flexibility)
Read about muskrats, draw pictures for your nature notebooks showing their habitat, feeding habits, lifestyle, etc.
Apply these verses to your life: Proverbs 10:5, 12:11, 20:11.
Discuss Proverbs 4:26 and 6:6-8 in context with the 2nd chapter of your reading.
Begin a biography of Samuel Morse by the end of the Long Winter.
Discuss 'equinoctial' and study the rotation of the earth on its axis and the effect this has on sunrise, sunset and climate Orbit craft
How are some ways you conserve water.
Learn about the water cycle. activities from Cookies Domain HotChalk lesson plan water cycle lapbook
Discuss Genesis 4:9 and Romans 2:13-15 regarding the indian. What tribes lived where Laura's family lived?
Read about the Battle of Wounded Knee and write/narrate a report on this last Indian battle.
Draw a picture of a tree with whiffle characteristics
Discuss the saying "money is scarcer than hens' teeth" learn about how chickens digest their food
As with our entire read through this series, our main guide is our Prairie Primer and We Love The Prairie Primer, week 1 links. While searching for goodies to add and share, I stumbled across a great looking blog called Cookies Domain, sharing lots of links and pages for padding out your adventures in free homeschooling. Enjoy!
LHOP: The Long Winter General Notes
The Long Winter is definitely one of my most favorite of the Little House series. Little House in The Big Woods is a very close second...Farmer Boy comes in 3rd. I love winter. I am a definite northern gal! Despite the tragedies that often come with hard winters, it is still my favorite season.
Here is a great lapbook from HomeschoolShare for The Long Winter.
The winter of 1880-1881 was one of unrelenting, paralyzing winter cold. Here are some general notes to study:
Blizzard of 1880-1881
nice South Dakota History notes, with mentions of the hard winter
Black Hawk...Sans Arc Lakota
an interactive Winter Storm Timeline
a National Weather Meteorologist researches The Long Winter
Somer activities suggested during this reading include selecting a handwork project and completing it by the end of the story. With the holiday season coming for most families, perhaps stretching thpre ojects out longer and crafting gifts would work better. Handwork is what occupied some of the cold winter months for pioneering families, though the winter written about here was more about survival than handwork. Some projects could include crafting mittens, hats and scarves for the family, crreative projects like cross stitch samplers, embroidering pillowcases or handkerchiefs, etc. Here are some links to spark your creative juices:
NeedlePointers.com site with free patterns and ideas
AllCrafts site of needlework patterns, including learning to do tatting.
NeedleworkPlace has lots of photo's to give you ideas...redwork, tea towels, etc.
HobbyLoco
Antique Pattern Library has some nice links
Crazy Creek Quilts has some great Redwork pattern and project notes
Raggedy Scrappin has some cute Primitive designs perfect for embroidery
Or craft some autumn and winter pincushions, ornaments...whatever you want to use them for...and have some fun crafting afternoons using up your scrappy stash (c'mon now...admit it...we all have a scrap stash...right???)
These neat thread and pin fabric caddies sell great at farm stands...and make great gifts for the handcrafter and stitcher you may know. They not only hold thread spools, but work just as well for embroidery floss cards, too.
Maybe crafting a set of clothespin dolls for play-time during the reading would make some little fingers happy...make the whole family, or create your own cast of characters, and enjoy some creative narrations from our stories!
As always, We Love The Prairie Primer blog has a great collection of links and notes to pad out your reading adventures!
During this reading, take time to discuss basic and extreme winter precautions for your family. Make a plan for extreme events, such as a blizzard that cuts your power or transportation for days or even weeks. Discuss ways your family is prepared...food, heating, etc. and put together an emergency travel kit for your vehicles. You can access ideas and lists of supplies thru your local Red Cross.
Here is a great lapbook from HomeschoolShare for The Long Winter.
The winter of 1880-1881 was one of unrelenting, paralyzing winter cold. Here are some general notes to study:
Blizzard of 1880-1881
nice South Dakota History notes, with mentions of the hard winter
Black Hawk...Sans Arc Lakota
an interactive Winter Storm Timeline
a National Weather Meteorologist researches The Long Winter
Somer activities suggested during this reading include selecting a handwork project and completing it by the end of the story. With the holiday season coming for most families, perhaps stretching thpre ojects out longer and crafting gifts would work better. Handwork is what occupied some of the cold winter months for pioneering families, though the winter written about here was more about survival than handwork. Some projects could include crafting mittens, hats and scarves for the family, crreative projects like cross stitch samplers, embroidering pillowcases or handkerchiefs, etc. Here are some links to spark your creative juices:
NeedlePointers.com site with free patterns and ideas
AllCrafts site of needlework patterns, including learning to do tatting.
NeedleworkPlace has lots of photo's to give you ideas...redwork, tea towels, etc.
HobbyLoco
Antique Pattern Library has some nice links
Crazy Creek Quilts has some great Redwork pattern and project notes
Raggedy Scrappin has some cute Primitive designs perfect for embroidery
Or craft some autumn and winter pincushions, ornaments...whatever you want to use them for...and have some fun crafting afternoons using up your scrappy stash (c'mon now...admit it...we all have a scrap stash...right???)
These neat thread and pin fabric caddies sell great at farm stands...and make great gifts for the handcrafter and stitcher you may know. They not only hold thread spools, but work just as well for embroidery floss cards, too.
Maybe crafting a set of clothespin dolls for play-time during the reading would make some little fingers happy...make the whole family, or create your own cast of characters, and enjoy some creative narrations from our stories!
As always, We Love The Prairie Primer blog has a great collection of links and notes to pad out your reading adventures!
During this reading, take time to discuss basic and extreme winter precautions for your family. Make a plan for extreme events, such as a blizzard that cuts your power or transportation for days or even weeks. Discuss ways your family is prepared...food, heating, etc. and put together an emergency travel kit for your vehicles. You can access ideas and lists of supplies thru your local Red Cross.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Crafting fun for the long days...
Ok, so we don't exactcly get 'snowbound' here in north Mississippi...okay, we did get a fair amount of snow for being down South over the last winter here...
but that is hardly typical. At least not in my 6 years down here. Still, it's what I've got and I'll take it.
Crafting is just a natural winter sort of thing. The days grow shorter, outdoor activities, at least most of the fun ones, are curbed and it's more about keeping occupied inside as the days grow dark earlier and the inklings of 'cabin fever' begin to set in.
In our Little House books we are reading through, wintertime is for handwork of all kinds...whittling, leather repair, hand-sewing, knitting, and more. I love the short cozy days when a comfy chair, a warm fire and some handwork finish my days. It's just not the same in the summer, kwim?
Here are some gathered crafty ideas to spur your imagination as we come into the perfect crafting season...
Scrappy Pumpkins... or apples, or whatever! Stuff extra thick for a great pincushion, or even gift-toppers or tree ornaments
Craft a family of Clothespin Dolls for fun wintertime play
Whip up loads of fabric napkins for the family or for quick gifts
McCall's Patterns has a great list of sewing ideas in free downloadable patterns
Fleece gifts...a dog sweater, mittens, slipper booties, hood with scarf, snow pants and more!
a cute way to use up a few scraps...a dishsoap apron
And there's always scrap quilting projects like table runners, placemats, couch or chair throws....yarnwork like knitting and crocheting...embroidery and cross stitch samplers...
...the lists can go on all winter long!
but that is hardly typical. At least not in my 6 years down here. Still, it's what I've got and I'll take it.
Crafting is just a natural winter sort of thing. The days grow shorter, outdoor activities, at least most of the fun ones, are curbed and it's more about keeping occupied inside as the days grow dark earlier and the inklings of 'cabin fever' begin to set in.
In our Little House books we are reading through, wintertime is for handwork of all kinds...whittling, leather repair, hand-sewing, knitting, and more. I love the short cozy days when a comfy chair, a warm fire and some handwork finish my days. It's just not the same in the summer, kwim?
Here are some gathered crafty ideas to spur your imagination as we come into the perfect crafting season...
Scrappy Pumpkins... or apples, or whatever! Stuff extra thick for a great pincushion, or even gift-toppers or tree ornaments
Craft a family of Clothespin Dolls for fun wintertime play
Whip up loads of fabric napkins for the family or for quick gifts
McCall's Patterns has a great list of sewing ideas in free downloadable patterns
Fleece gifts...a dog sweater, mittens, slipper booties, hood with scarf, snow pants and more!
a cute way to use up a few scraps...a dishsoap apron
And there's always scrap quilting projects like table runners, placemats, couch or chair throws....yarnwork like knitting and crocheting...embroidery and cross stitch samplers...
...the lists can go on all winter long!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
LHOP: By The Shores, week 3-4
I did have Week 3/4 in queue here, but it vanished. It took several days to get week's 1 and 2 to queue up, but when they didi I assumed week's 3/4 fell in line as well. I'm getting annoyed at my apparent lack of blogging talent these days.
Here are the core notes and links from We Love The Prairie Primer blog for week 3 and week 4: Week 3 and Week 4
Reading Schedule: Week 3
Monday: chapters 18-20
Tuesday: chapters 21-22
Wedensday: chapters 23-24
Thursday: chapters 25-26
This week is full of crafty fun making recycled gifts. We found some online resources for learning about Braille and it's 'inventor' Louis Braille, and we also learning about the history of our city here.
Locally, being in the middle of a heavy Civil War battle region here (Battle of Booneville, July 1, 1862) In fact, this area between Corinth and Tupelo and off to Iuka, was fairly active in 1862. We had plenty to dig into around here. Our city was named for R.H. Boone, a relative of Daniel Boone, something my children thought was just too cool. We have Brice's Crossroads, site of a 'substantial Confederate victory' in 1864. We are close to the Natchez Trace as well.
Weekly Notes:
Why did the wolves return?
What had the Ingalls girls recycle for Christmas?
What was for supper on Christmas Eve?
Why didn't the Boasts wait until spring?
Show how the plates and silverware were set.
What creative way did Ma solve the problem of having no presents for the Boasts?
Hhow did Ma make good biscuits without sour milk?
What was Laura's attitude about growing up?
What did Pa think about the winter?
What did Mr. Boast use instead of coal?
How were stormy afternoons spent?
What had Pa propmised Ma before leaving for Minnesota?
What was Ma thankful for regarding the time they all had scarlet fever? What dud Ma praise in Mary?
What important homesteading news did the preachers bring? What month was it?
Who did the naming of the town of De Smet honor?
Why did the Ingalls allow the strangers to stay? What do you think about the INgalls charging for food and lodging? How much did they charge?
Narrate the story of Pa getting the claim?
Explain the common saying, "There's nothing for certain, but death and taxes."
Memorize and mark your US map
Reread the highlights of Ingalls' Chrstmases on pg 178-179, write a composition from the remembrances of your own Christmases.
List the ways Mrs. Ingalls was a good hostess, comparing to the good hostess verses from Romans 12:13, I Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8, I Peter 4:9-10. Make a poster displaying how to be a good hostess using the above verses.
Make some recycled gifts.
What are wristlets?
Locate Iowa on a map. How will Mary get there?
Write/narrate a report about your favorite part of your local state of city history.
God prepares us for future events. What previous events in their lives had prepared them for the many houseguests they had?
Compare the preacher's visit with the 5 strange men. What precautions did Ma make? What do you think she might have been worried about?
The Bible says to be as wise as serpents but peaceful as doves, Matthew 10:16. How did the Ingalls perform this principle.
Week 4:
Monday: chapters 27-28
Tuesday: chapters 29-30
Wednesday: chapters 31-32, finishing the book
Weekly Notes:
Where did the Ingalls move to? How did Laura feel about living in town vs on the prairie?
What did Laura wake to one cold morning? How did this happen?
What was fortunate about the blizzard occurring at night (pg 252)?
Discuss what Pa said about waiting for things to change to suit us?
What are the oldest buildings in your town? For what purpose were they built? Take some photos of these buildings for your State notebook.
Discuss and compare the architectural differences in your region.
Research the Timber Culture Act. Why did the government enact this?
Research cottonwood trees and locate one in your area. Draw a picture and label for your notebook. Trace and cut out leaves to add to the drawing.
Write a brief report about the history of your city. What factors have caused any major increases or decreases in population over it's history?
List the people who have played an important part in your city's history.
Write a description of Laura...include basic information like age, appearance and personality.
Write a book report about the life of Louis Braille.
Write out your favorite Scripture verse using Braille.
Recite Romans 8:31-39.
Here are the core notes and links from We Love The Prairie Primer blog for week 3 and week 4: Week 3 and Week 4
Reading Schedule: Week 3
Monday: chapters 18-20
Tuesday: chapters 21-22
Wedensday: chapters 23-24
Thursday: chapters 25-26
This week is full of crafty fun making recycled gifts. We found some online resources for learning about Braille and it's 'inventor' Louis Braille, and we also learning about the history of our city here.
Locally, being in the middle of a heavy Civil War battle region here (Battle of Booneville, July 1, 1862) In fact, this area between Corinth and Tupelo and off to Iuka, was fairly active in 1862. We had plenty to dig into around here. Our city was named for R.H. Boone, a relative of Daniel Boone, something my children thought was just too cool. We have Brice's Crossroads, site of a 'substantial Confederate victory' in 1864. We are close to the Natchez Trace as well.
Weekly Notes:
Why did the wolves return?
What had the Ingalls girls recycle for Christmas?
What was for supper on Christmas Eve?
Why didn't the Boasts wait until spring?
Show how the plates and silverware were set.
What creative way did Ma solve the problem of having no presents for the Boasts?
Hhow did Ma make good biscuits without sour milk?
What was Laura's attitude about growing up?
What did Pa think about the winter?
What did Mr. Boast use instead of coal?
How were stormy afternoons spent?
What had Pa propmised Ma before leaving for Minnesota?
What was Ma thankful for regarding the time they all had scarlet fever? What dud Ma praise in Mary?
What important homesteading news did the preachers bring? What month was it?
Who did the naming of the town of De Smet honor?
Why did the Ingalls allow the strangers to stay? What do you think about the INgalls charging for food and lodging? How much did they charge?
Narrate the story of Pa getting the claim?
Explain the common saying, "There's nothing for certain, but death and taxes."
Memorize and mark your US map
Reread the highlights of Ingalls' Chrstmases on pg 178-179, write a composition from the remembrances of your own Christmases.
List the ways Mrs. Ingalls was a good hostess, comparing to the good hostess verses from Romans 12:13, I Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8, I Peter 4:9-10. Make a poster displaying how to be a good hostess using the above verses.
Make some recycled gifts.
What are wristlets?
Locate Iowa on a map. How will Mary get there?
Write/narrate a report about your favorite part of your local state of city history.
God prepares us for future events. What previous events in their lives had prepared them for the many houseguests they had?
Compare the preacher's visit with the 5 strange men. What precautions did Ma make? What do you think she might have been worried about?
The Bible says to be as wise as serpents but peaceful as doves, Matthew 10:16. How did the Ingalls perform this principle.
Week 4:
Monday: chapters 27-28
Tuesday: chapters 29-30
Wednesday: chapters 31-32, finishing the book
Weekly Notes:
Where did the Ingalls move to? How did Laura feel about living in town vs on the prairie?
What did Laura wake to one cold morning? How did this happen?
What was fortunate about the blizzard occurring at night (pg 252)?
Discuss what Pa said about waiting for things to change to suit us?
What are the oldest buildings in your town? For what purpose were they built? Take some photos of these buildings for your State notebook.
Discuss and compare the architectural differences in your region.
Research the Timber Culture Act. Why did the government enact this?
Research cottonwood trees and locate one in your area. Draw a picture and label for your notebook. Trace and cut out leaves to add to the drawing.
Write a brief report about the history of your city. What factors have caused any major increases or decreases in population over it's history?
List the people who have played an important part in your city's history.
Write a description of Laura...include basic information like age, appearance and personality.
Write a book report about the life of Louis Braille.
Write out your favorite Scripture verse using Braille.
Recite Romans 8:31-39.
Friday, October 7, 2011
LHOP: By The Shores week 2
This week we continue with the study of our own state and it's history. This week we will look at our State government and it's Constitution. Are you keeping special notebook pages, or simply adding to your Little House notebooks?
We will look at the history or train travel more.
We will look at bird migration. Good timing as in the US, autumn is the beginning of a great migration time.
Continuing with our study of diseases and such, we will learn about consumption, known today as tuberculosis.
Reading:
Monday: ch 9-10
Tuesday: ch 11-12
Wednesday: ch 13-14
Thursday: ch 15-17
Friday, as usual, is your day to catch-up with reading or crafting, or dig deeper into the bunny trail studies you find along the way.
We Love The Prairie Prime blog link ups this week are here...
I found our State (Mississippi) Constitution online by simply searching Mississippi State Constitution...try to find your state's constitution.
Discussion:
What did the company do when someone was too old to work?
What should Laura do to keep the wind from drying out her hair?
What did Ma tell Laura a lady should act like? What differences do you think there are between 'ladies' of Laura's time and today?
How were Lena and Laura able to see each other? What did they do while they mnilked the cows?
Why were they leveling the tracks?
What was the key to being a good boss?
Ephesians 4:9, Colossians 4:12, Mark 10:42-45, Romans 12:3-8,
Keep up on your states/capitols/statehood memory work!
Draw a picture of what the dump wagons look like and add to your notebook.
List the steps to building a railroad, create a mini lapbook.
Read about the invention of the train...The History of Railroad Innovations at About.com, Railroad History Timeline
How was Pa's job different to Laura than any he had had?
What did Pa bring to the house? What did Laura see in his hip pocket?
What happened on pay day? Explain the pay system.
What happened at the Stebbins' camp?
Why did Laura like where they lived?
When would Pa look for a homestead?
What had Pa mistakenly shot? How big was the wing span? What did they do with it?
How were they collecting feathers? What would they do with them?
Why must Laura be a teacher?
Locate Iowa on the map, mark its capitol (mark each location if different from today's capitol)
Explain the saying "better a live dog than a dead lion" Read Ecclesiastes 9:4.
Write/dictate/narrate a report on the history of the railroad and create a mini lapbook
Research what the requirements were for obtaining Statehood. What factors encouraged statehood? How and when was your state's first Constitution drafted? How many changes has it undergone since then?
Locate Montana on your map, note its capitol.
Pa and laura learned about relinquishing their desires. pa gave up his desire to come west because of Ma, Laura purposed to become a school teacher. Read I Corinthians 13:5, Ephesians %:25-28, Matthew 5:37-40, James 3:14-18, Romans 12:10 and discuss what they say about you.
Visit a state historical site near you, such as a battlefield, President's home, mission, fort, trading post, etc.
Why would Laura not seen Lena for a while?
Why couldn't Pa cut down trees for a house?
Why must they have coal?
Why did it look as if they must go East for the winter? What did laura think about leaving?
What enabled them to stay for the winter?
What was Mrs. Boast's proble...and his creative solution?
Why were there no laws, or officers, not even a county sheriff, to help Mr. Boast?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hardwood floors?
What staples had the surveyors left?
How was Mary made comfortable first? What did Mary do to help the family?
How long did it take to get things settled in?
What was the grand dessert (pg 143)?
Describe and draw Grace's trundle bed?
Read about the history of your state from its induction into statehood to present day. Write/dictate/narrate a report or make a mini lapbook about it.
Draw your state's symbols...bird, flag, tree, etc. Enchanted learning pages, States by FactMonster, 50 States Facts List
Who helped ma get breakfast?
Who came by and got Pa/ What did Pa do while he was gone?
Describe their evening?
What did Mary do to help with the family?
What did the Ingalls' women do after their housework was completed?
What work did Pa do in the winter?
What did Pa and Laura do during the storm? How did Pa make it?
What did Laura and Carrie do for fun?
What did they see?
Were they in good physical shape? How did that help?
What did they use to keep warm at night?
Finish your report on the railroad and its history, include facts about the government's role, its effects on westward expansion, the race across the west, the golden spike, etc.
Read about consumption (tuberculosis). Describe the method of transmission, factors that caused the disease to become active, symptoms, and past treatment as well as common treatment today. Include information about sanitariums and their routines and information on how it is screened in the body today, the presence of the disease itself, the treatment plans, etc.
Learn a simply polka or waltz.
Learn about and locate latitude and longitude lines on a globe or map. Note the degrees of location for known landmarks locally, your own home, other family members, etc.
Draw a picture and describe each piece of Lauyra's clothing listed on page 164, and what type of yarn was used in it's making.
Discuss the checks and balances within your state government and its chain of command.
We will look at the history or train travel more.
We will look at bird migration. Good timing as in the US, autumn is the beginning of a great migration time.
Continuing with our study of diseases and such, we will learn about consumption, known today as tuberculosis.
Reading:
Monday: ch 9-10
Tuesday: ch 11-12
Wednesday: ch 13-14
Thursday: ch 15-17
Friday, as usual, is your day to catch-up with reading or crafting, or dig deeper into the bunny trail studies you find along the way.
We Love The Prairie Prime blog link ups this week are here...
I found our State (Mississippi) Constitution online by simply searching Mississippi State Constitution...try to find your state's constitution.
Discussion:
What did the company do when someone was too old to work?
What should Laura do to keep the wind from drying out her hair?
What did Ma tell Laura a lady should act like? What differences do you think there are between 'ladies' of Laura's time and today?
How were Lena and Laura able to see each other? What did they do while they mnilked the cows?
Why were they leveling the tracks?
What was the key to being a good boss?
Ephesians 4:9, Colossians 4:12, Mark 10:42-45, Romans 12:3-8,
Keep up on your states/capitols/statehood memory work!
Draw a picture of what the dump wagons look like and add to your notebook.
List the steps to building a railroad, create a mini lapbook.
Read about the invention of the train...The History of Railroad Innovations at About.com, Railroad History Timeline
How was Pa's job different to Laura than any he had had?
What did Pa bring to the house? What did Laura see in his hip pocket?
What happened on pay day? Explain the pay system.
What happened at the Stebbins' camp?
Why did Laura like where they lived?
When would Pa look for a homestead?
What had Pa mistakenly shot? How big was the wing span? What did they do with it?
How were they collecting feathers? What would they do with them?
Why must Laura be a teacher?
Locate Iowa on the map, mark its capitol (mark each location if different from today's capitol)
Explain the saying "better a live dog than a dead lion" Read Ecclesiastes 9:4.
Write/dictate/narrate a report on the history of the railroad and create a mini lapbook
Research what the requirements were for obtaining Statehood. What factors encouraged statehood? How and when was your state's first Constitution drafted? How many changes has it undergone since then?
Locate Montana on your map, note its capitol.
Pa and laura learned about relinquishing their desires. pa gave up his desire to come west because of Ma, Laura purposed to become a school teacher. Read I Corinthians 13:5, Ephesians %:25-28, Matthew 5:37-40, James 3:14-18, Romans 12:10 and discuss what they say about you.
Visit a state historical site near you, such as a battlefield, President's home, mission, fort, trading post, etc.
Why would Laura not seen Lena for a while?
Why couldn't Pa cut down trees for a house?
Why must they have coal?
Why did it look as if they must go East for the winter? What did laura think about leaving?
What enabled them to stay for the winter?
What was Mrs. Boast's proble...and his creative solution?
Why were there no laws, or officers, not even a county sheriff, to help Mr. Boast?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of hardwood floors?
What staples had the surveyors left?
How was Mary made comfortable first? What did Mary do to help the family?
How long did it take to get things settled in?
What was the grand dessert (pg 143)?
Describe and draw Grace's trundle bed?
Read about the history of your state from its induction into statehood to present day. Write/dictate/narrate a report or make a mini lapbook about it.
Draw your state's symbols...bird, flag, tree, etc. Enchanted learning pages, States by FactMonster, 50 States Facts List
Who helped ma get breakfast?
Who came by and got Pa/ What did Pa do while he was gone?
Describe their evening?
What did Mary do to help with the family?
What did the Ingalls' women do after their housework was completed?
What work did Pa do in the winter?
What did Pa and Laura do during the storm? How did Pa make it?
What did Laura and Carrie do for fun?
What did they see?
Were they in good physical shape? How did that help?
What did they use to keep warm at night?
Finish your report on the railroad and its history, include facts about the government's role, its effects on westward expansion, the race across the west, the golden spike, etc.
Read about consumption (tuberculosis). Describe the method of transmission, factors that caused the disease to become active, symptoms, and past treatment as well as common treatment today. Include information about sanitariums and their routines and information on how it is screened in the body today, the presence of the disease itself, the treatment plans, etc.
Learn a simply polka or waltz.
Learn about and locate latitude and longitude lines on a globe or map. Note the degrees of location for known landmarks locally, your own home, other family members, etc.
Draw a picture and describe each piece of Lauyra's clothing listed on page 164, and what type of yarn was used in it's making.
Discuss the checks and balances within your state government and its chain of command.
Friday, September 30, 2011
LHOP: ByThe Shores week 1
October 3rd begins our next book in line with the series...By The Shores of Silver Lake.
The Homestead Act of 1862 via documents, Library of Congress, National Park Service
Thhe Chicago & Northwestern Railroad via ND Studies: Railroads Open Dakota for Settlement, Railroad Parts: History for Kids pages
Reading Schedule:
Monday: chapters 1-2
Tuesday: chapters 3-4
Wednesday: chapters 5-6
Thursday: chapters 7-8
Memory Work: Romans 8:31-39
Memorize each state and state capitol, in the order of their entrance to the Union (to finish by the end of this book, you'll need to learn 3 states per day).
Keep a State Notebook during this book. A resource we enjoy here is Trail Guide to US Geography from GeoMatters.
This first week we will trail into areas such as causes of diseases,immunizations, how germs enter the body and how infections are spread, all about bacteria and viruses particularly meningitis, scarlet fever and measles. We will also learn about eyes, and eyesight.
We will begin learning about Statehood, the various design of the United States territories over the decades, and our own state history.
Weekly Notes:
What happened to Mary as a result of her illness with scarlet fever?
What was mary's reaction to her misfortune?
Why did Pa not like the country? What did he want to do?Why had the family not followed Pa's desires?
What did they think of riding the train? Do you have any railway museums in your area?
What enabled them to pay their debts before moving on? What might a family of lesser character done?
What was jack's reaction to moving? Where had Jack previously traveled with the family?
Where did jack sleep, and why? What did Laura do before bedtime each night?
What did Laura regret (pg 13)?
What did Laura now know (pg 14)?
Study the purpose, then and now, of the United States territories/states.
Research the signs, causes, and treatments and effects of meningitis and scarlet fever. What are the differences in the illnesses between today and Laura's time?
Learn about antibiotics, how they are produced and how they are administered.
Draw a map of your state and label it with agricultural, mineral, forest products and industries.
Read about Fanny Crosby and write/dictate/narrate a report about her life as a blind poet.
What had the family done preparing for their departure?
How did Laura compare wagon travel by train travel?
How did Mary "see" the seat?
What fueled the train?
How did the train turn around?
What was Laura's opinion of Pa (pg 31)?
Why did they dread going to the dining room? Why were the dishes covered with screen?
What did the waitress assume about the Ingalls? Why do most families come in the spring?
Keep memorizing your states/capitols/dates of statehood!
Mark your state map with lnadmarks and geographical features. Write some notes on the Indians, land, weather and first explorers to your state.
Study types of viruses. Label a paper with the headings: Bacteria, Virus, Both. List as many diseases as you can under these headings.
Make a poster showing the 'life cycle' of a germ, how they enter the body, how they spread, how they are dealt with.
Learn about measles and rubella (measles is another disease that was known to cause blindness)
What event on page 24 proves that their society did not apply the knowledge of the time about germ therapy?
What are satchels?
Discuss the differences between being physically blind and spiritually blind...John 12:40, II Corinthians 4:4, I John 2:11)
Were the Ingalls environmentally conscience?
Continue work on your US States memorization.
Write/Dictate/Narrate a report about the first men to come to your state....Missionaries, trappers, explorers, etc.
Study the eye, diagram the parts and explain their purpose, look at things that can impair vision.
Dissection of a cow eye, Enchanted Learning's eye page, anatomy of an eye
Explain the saying "you look as if butter would melt in your mouth"
In the fall of 1875, Pa returned home and moved Ma and the girls into a rented house in Walnut Grove. On November 1, 1875, Charles Frederick Ingalls was born. When the 1876 crop, Pa felt he could no longer remain in Wlanut Grove. Friends from their church urged them to become their partners in a hotel business in Burr oak, Iowa. Pa agreed. En route to Iowa, while visiting Uncle Peter and Aunt Eliza Ingalls, illness struck laura's only brother. On August 27, 1876, less than a year after his birth, little Freddie died.Notes of background: The Dakota Territory from Wikipedia, Creating a Dakota Territory from the State Historical Society of North Dakota, Dakota Territory and Statehood
Along with possibly 200 other wagons, the Ingalls family arrived in Burr Oak, sad and tired from the events of their journey. The Ingalls quickly went to work caring for the guests. Laura, now age 10, went to school with Mary. It was during their year long stay in Burr Oak that Grace Pearl Ingalls was born.
After a year in Burr Oak, the Ingalls returned to Walnut Grove. While living in town, Pa supported his family with a variety of odd jobs as a carpenter, a clerk, a butcher, a storekeeper and a miller. Then, in 1879, the opportunity to move westward happened and Pa was again on the move.
The Homestead Act of 1862 via documents, Library of Congress, National Park Service
Thhe Chicago & Northwestern Railroad via ND Studies: Railroads Open Dakota for Settlement, Railroad Parts: History for Kids pages
Reading Schedule:
Monday: chapters 1-2
Tuesday: chapters 3-4
Wednesday: chapters 5-6
Thursday: chapters 7-8
Memory Work: Romans 8:31-39
Memorize each state and state capitol, in the order of their entrance to the Union (to finish by the end of this book, you'll need to learn 3 states per day).
Keep a State Notebook during this book. A resource we enjoy here is Trail Guide to US Geography from GeoMatters.
This first week we will trail into areas such as causes of diseases,immunizations, how germs enter the body and how infections are spread, all about bacteria and viruses particularly meningitis, scarlet fever and measles. We will also learn about eyes, and eyesight.
We will begin learning about Statehood, the various design of the United States territories over the decades, and our own state history.
Weekly Notes:
What happened to Mary as a result of her illness with scarlet fever?
What was mary's reaction to her misfortune?
Why did Pa not like the country? What did he want to do?Why had the family not followed Pa's desires?
What did they think of riding the train? Do you have any railway museums in your area?
What enabled them to pay their debts before moving on? What might a family of lesser character done?
What was jack's reaction to moving? Where had Jack previously traveled with the family?
Where did jack sleep, and why? What did Laura do before bedtime each night?
What did Laura regret (pg 13)?
What did Laura now know (pg 14)?
Study the purpose, then and now, of the United States territories/states.
Research the signs, causes, and treatments and effects of meningitis and scarlet fever. What are the differences in the illnesses between today and Laura's time?
Learn about antibiotics, how they are produced and how they are administered.
Draw a map of your state and label it with agricultural, mineral, forest products and industries.
Read about Fanny Crosby and write/dictate/narrate a report about her life as a blind poet.
What had the family done preparing for their departure?
How did Laura compare wagon travel by train travel?
How did Mary "see" the seat?
What fueled the train?
How did the train turn around?
What was Laura's opinion of Pa (pg 31)?
Why did they dread going to the dining room? Why were the dishes covered with screen?
What did the waitress assume about the Ingalls? Why do most families come in the spring?
Keep memorizing your states/capitols/dates of statehood!
Mark your state map with lnadmarks and geographical features. Write some notes on the Indians, land, weather and first explorers to your state.
Study types of viruses. Label a paper with the headings: Bacteria, Virus, Both. List as many diseases as you can under these headings.
Make a poster showing the 'life cycle' of a germ, how they enter the body, how they spread, how they are dealt with.
Learn about measles and rubella (measles is another disease that was known to cause blindness)
What event on page 24 proves that their society did not apply the knowledge of the time about germ therapy?
What are satchels?
Discuss the differences between being physically blind and spiritually blind...John 12:40, II Corinthians 4:4, I John 2:11)
Were the Ingalls environmentally conscience?
Continue work on your US States memorization.
Write/Dictate/Narrate a report about the first men to come to your state....Missionaries, trappers, explorers, etc.
Study the eye, diagram the parts and explain their purpose, look at things that can impair vision.
Dissection of a cow eye, Enchanted Learning's eye page, anatomy of an eye
Explain the saying "you look as if butter would melt in your mouth"
Friday, September 23, 2011
Journaling Around Nature
We aren't huge with nature journals here, but we should be. We love the outdoors, we take slot of walks and quiet time in the wooded lands on and around our homestead here, and the 'nature' keeps coming inside with us...grasshoppers, dragonflies, weird spiders, lizards and definitely a well-rounded assortment of frogs and toads! We draw pictures, sure. We look up interesting notes and the like online, in field guides, and in our go-to resource, The Handbook of Nature Study.
What we don't do, though, is really put our hearts into our nature pages and notebooks. They are rather dry. Just sketches and little note bits to remember something by. Maybe a pressed flower or leaf as well. But no real depth, no heart.
Barb over at The Handbook of Nature Study blog has some great resources and guides. Her ideas have sparked many children, and their parent/teachers, to give heart to their notebooks. She inspires you to be simple in some aspects, but to remember that heart and soul created nature, and heart and soul need to share in it as well. And deep artistic talent isn't even required! Drawing may come naturally to many folks, though I am not one of them, but it doesn't matter. Desire far outweighs talent. And, as with the more traditional journal of thoughts and ideas, it's your notebook...does it matter your maple tree is a bit lopsided? Or your red-breasted robin is looking more like an Angry Bird than a realistic view? Or your clouds are stretched and pulled cotton balls, pasted in, rather than drawn, wispy strings from a 2b pencil?
Trust me, it doesn't matter. Give up on the Van Gogh and Rembrandt ideals...they started somewhere, too, you know. Enjoy nature journalling, enjoy the drawing, enjoy the time spent just soaking up nature's offerings and in time those Van Gogh and Rembrandt moments will come. Practice makes perfect...or at least a very passable copy.
Barb's blog is just too full of wonderful ideas and guides to get your nature journals off and running. And autumn...what better season to start taking in nature's bounty? Yes, I'm a definite autumn and winter person :-) Here are Barb's pages for getting started:
Nature Study Helps
Getting Started
Autumn Challenges
...and I definitely recommend the Outdoor Hour Challenge ebooks she puts together. They look to be the perfect addition to your creative juices.
No, I do not nor have I ever been, compensated by Barb in any way. I merely like to share the good things I find along the way so that someone else can be inspired and encouraged. I promise Barb and The Handbook of Nature Study blog will do just that...inspire and encourage!
-blessings from Hands and Hearts Homestead!
What we don't do, though, is really put our hearts into our nature pages and notebooks. They are rather dry. Just sketches and little note bits to remember something by. Maybe a pressed flower or leaf as well. But no real depth, no heart.
Barb over at The Handbook of Nature Study blog has some great resources and guides. Her ideas have sparked many children, and their parent/teachers, to give heart to their notebooks. She inspires you to be simple in some aspects, but to remember that heart and soul created nature, and heart and soul need to share in it as well. And deep artistic talent isn't even required! Drawing may come naturally to many folks, though I am not one of them, but it doesn't matter. Desire far outweighs talent. And, as with the more traditional journal of thoughts and ideas, it's your notebook...does it matter your maple tree is a bit lopsided? Or your red-breasted robin is looking more like an Angry Bird than a realistic view? Or your clouds are stretched and pulled cotton balls, pasted in, rather than drawn, wispy strings from a 2b pencil?
Trust me, it doesn't matter. Give up on the Van Gogh and Rembrandt ideals...they started somewhere, too, you know. Enjoy nature journalling, enjoy the drawing, enjoy the time spent just soaking up nature's offerings and in time those Van Gogh and Rembrandt moments will come. Practice makes perfect...or at least a very passable copy.
Barb's blog is just too full of wonderful ideas and guides to get your nature journals off and running. And autumn...what better season to start taking in nature's bounty? Yes, I'm a definite autumn and winter person :-) Here are Barb's pages for getting started:
Nature Study Helps
Getting Started
Autumn Challenges
...and I definitely recommend the Outdoor Hour Challenge ebooks she puts together. They look to be the perfect addition to your creative juices.
No, I do not nor have I ever been, compensated by Barb in any way. I merely like to share the good things I find along the way so that someone else can be inspired and encouraged. I promise Barb and The Handbook of Nature Study blog will do just that...inspire and encourage!
-blessings from Hands and Hearts Homestead!
LHOP: Plum Creek, week 4
Fun Extra's this week: On The Banks of Plum Creek Trivia, extra sites and learning with On The Banks of Plum Creek, Harper Collins' 17 page PDF on the series.
We Love the Prairie Primer Blog Links and Notes for week 4.
Quilt patterns, particularly 9-Patch (or Disappearing 9-Patch...even a Crazy 9-Patch with no straight lines!)) and Bear's Track. Have you started a quilt of your own during our reading? Have you considered all the things that you could make while learning to quilt? Pot holders, table runners, doll quilts, sampler blocks, etc.
Weekly Reading:
Monday: chapters 35-36
Tuesday: chapters 37-38
Wednesday: chapters 39-41, end of the book!
Which of Ma's character qualities were given on pg 285? How would you describe your mother's qualities?
Which of Pa's stories prompted the girls to carry in the firewood?
How did Pa find his way to the stable and back with limited visibility?
Why did Pa milk the cow, even though he wouldn't make it back with much milk?
With what did Pa compare the previous places they had lived?
What did the girls do during the day?
What did the girls do with their slate?
What type of quilts were the girls working on? Whose quilt pattern was more difficult?
What did they do on Sundays? Why did they not go to church?
Choose an experience from the story told from laura's point of view and rewrite it from another point of view (Ma, Pa or Mary) Ideas: How Pa felt walking East for work, what Ma thought while Pa was gone to town, What Carrie thought of her sisters carrying in the wood, or when the oxen ran away...
Learn about Beavers...Enchanted learning pages, Beavers: Wetlands and Wildlife, National Geographic Wildlife: Beavers, learning activities page...
What are the health hazards of tobacco use? Design an anti-smoking poster for your home.
Apply these verses to tobacco use: Proverbs 14:12, John 10:10
Read page 291 and discuss what Laura thought would happen when they got older.
What chores did Ma do in the barn?
Why did ma put a lamp in the window?
What did Laura sneek down to see Ma doing?
What did Ma do to Carrie's pajamas?
What came down the stovepipe? What do you think caused it?
What character qualities did the girls show while Ma was doing Pa's chores?
What happened when Ma went out to do the chores?
What did Laura think about crying?
Why did Ma not leave the lantern in the window on the second night?
What did all the snow mean for the wheat crop?
What had Pa bought in town? How did each help him when he was stranded?
Why could Pa not stop walking? What kept Pa from having a sense of direction in the storm?
Pa knew he had to keep walking and not give up. Proverbs 24:10, Isaiah 40:29, Romans 8:31-39, Psalm 27:5. What gave him strength to continue?
How did God provide for Pa?
How close was Pa from home?
What was the girls' reaction to Pa eating their candy?
What did they do for Christmas eve?
Which is your favorite song that they sang?
What did laura say was so good about this Christmas?
Write a 2 page report on Noah Webster.
It's time to recite Psalm 51 :o)
We Love the Prairie Primer Blog Links and Notes for week 4.
Quilt patterns, particularly 9-Patch (or Disappearing 9-Patch...even a Crazy 9-Patch with no straight lines!)) and Bear's Track. Have you started a quilt of your own during our reading? Have you considered all the things that you could make while learning to quilt? Pot holders, table runners, doll quilts, sampler blocks, etc.
Weekly Reading:
Monday: chapters 35-36
Tuesday: chapters 37-38
Wednesday: chapters 39-41, end of the book!
Which of Ma's character qualities were given on pg 285? How would you describe your mother's qualities?
Which of Pa's stories prompted the girls to carry in the firewood?
How did Pa find his way to the stable and back with limited visibility?
Why did Pa milk the cow, even though he wouldn't make it back with much milk?
With what did Pa compare the previous places they had lived?
What did the girls do during the day?
What did the girls do with their slate?
What type of quilts were the girls working on? Whose quilt pattern was more difficult?
What did they do on Sundays? Why did they not go to church?
Choose an experience from the story told from laura's point of view and rewrite it from another point of view (Ma, Pa or Mary) Ideas: How Pa felt walking East for work, what Ma thought while Pa was gone to town, What Carrie thought of her sisters carrying in the wood, or when the oxen ran away...
Learn about Beavers...Enchanted learning pages, Beavers: Wetlands and Wildlife, National Geographic Wildlife: Beavers, learning activities page...
What are the health hazards of tobacco use? Design an anti-smoking poster for your home.
Apply these verses to tobacco use: Proverbs 14:12, John 10:10
Read page 291 and discuss what Laura thought would happen when they got older.
What chores did Ma do in the barn?
Why did ma put a lamp in the window?
What did Laura sneek down to see Ma doing?
What did Ma do to Carrie's pajamas?
What came down the stovepipe? What do you think caused it?
What character qualities did the girls show while Ma was doing Pa's chores?
What happened when Ma went out to do the chores?
What did Laura think about crying?
Why did Ma not leave the lantern in the window on the second night?
What did all the snow mean for the wheat crop?
What had Pa bought in town? How did each help him when he was stranded?
Why could Pa not stop walking? What kept Pa from having a sense of direction in the storm?
Pa knew he had to keep walking and not give up. Proverbs 24:10, Isaiah 40:29, Romans 8:31-39, Psalm 27:5. What gave him strength to continue?
How did God provide for Pa?
How close was Pa from home?
What was the girls' reaction to Pa eating their candy?
What did they do for Christmas eve?
Which is your favorite song that they sang?
What did laura say was so good about this Christmas?
Write a 2 page report on Noah Webster.
It's time to recite Psalm 51 :o)
LHOP: Plum Creek, week 3
As always, our primary guide online is We Love The Prairie Primer blog.
Do you have your own set of the original Little House on the Prairie series? ABC Distributing has them for a great price if you're interested...check them out here.
Suggested crafts this week are working on that 9-patch quilt, doll quilt, table runner, etc.
Weekly Reading:
Monday: chapters 24-25
Tuesday: chapters 26-28
Wednesday: chapters 29-31
Thursday: chapters 32-34
Discussion:
What was Ma excited about?
What was different about the girls' hair? What determined the color ribbon they were to wear?
How was town different on Sunday? Do you notice any changes in your own town on Sundays vs other days of the week?
Why did Rev. Alden only come to town once a month? What did they do on the other Sundays?
Apply these verses to the observance of Sunday: Isaiah 56:2, Hebrews 5:9-10, Exodus 20:8-11
What did Pa do with the money for his boots?
Why did the walls drip with sticky pine juice?
How did the grasshopper's coming change their lives?
Do you think another grasshopper plague could happen today?
Draw a food chain cycle using the grasshopper.
Pretend you are an Israelite and write a descriptive story about the coming of the grasshopper plague in Egypt.
Read Psalm 46 when facing a crisis. How does this Psalm pass along comfort?
What did Laura see? What did Pa see?
How did the girl's honor their Pa?
How did Pa say they were better off than most folks?
What was pa's solution to provide for his family?
Where would he go and how would he get there?
How did Ma get water for the family?
What do you think about Ma having the girl's dress properly, even though it was so hot and no one else was around?
Why were the boots an important part of the letter?
Use the information on page 208 to calculate how many potential grasshoppers were in each square foot of ground.
If a person can walk 4 miles per hour, how long would it take to walk 250 miles? How many days would it take if one stopped for 8 hours a day to rest?
They mention reading Psalm 21 when traveling. How might this chapter have 'talked' to Pa?
What does the Bible say about providing for your family (I Timothy 5:7-8)
Proverbs 24 distinguishes the fall of the righteous man vs the fall of the wicked. What is the difference? Read Psalm 57:1 also.
How many gallons of water do the Ingall's use daily? Compare this to your water usage daily.
Laura describes the drought on pg 219. On a page, write the 5 senses across the top and under each sense, list those that Laura used.
Learn about the underground water tables in your area.
learn about the heat index (and the wind chill...)
What is a thresher?
What was the first problem Pa solved when he arrived home?
What did Laura think about Mary getting new shoes? Was this right? Have you ever felt like this?
What did Pa trap and why?
Why would it still be "grasshopper weather"?
What schedule did the Ingalls girls follow for homeschool (pg 245)
Talk about the process of taking a bath in Laura's day vs now.
Make a warning poster about envy using each of the following verses: Job 5:2, Proverbs 14:30, I Timothy 6:3-5, Titus 3:3-5, James 3:16
God provided what Laura secretly wanted. Any coat would have kept her warm, but this one shows how God cares about even the details in our lives. Memorize the following verses: Philippeans 4:19, I John 5:14-15, Psalm 23:6
Write a descriptive story about a favorite doll or toy you've had.
How long did the grasshopper walking last?
Why did Pa leave whistling?
What caused the fire? How did they fight the fire? Who helped? How did he know they needed help?
Why did the girls not wear their mittend when digging in the garden on a cold day?
What was the salve on their hands made of?
What did the girls do to calculate Pa's arrival? Why did he arrive earlier than they expected?
Draw a picture of the most immpressive part of the grasshopper's migration.
Copy (narrate or dictate) your 2 most favorite descriptive paragrahs in these chapters. Underline the verbs, circle the nouns, etc.
Apply Joel 2:25-26 to the grasshopper problem at Plum Creek.
Look up and draw pictures of ragweed and tumbleweed (Russian Thistle) for your nature journals.
Eat turnips :o)
Discuss how true Proverbs 27:10 proved to be. What else could this verse mean?
Study the properties of fire:
kindling temperature...fuel...oxygen...
Knowing these properties, how does a firebreak work?
Send letters to families and friends in other areas and note the dates sent with the dates arrived and see how long the postal service takes today compared to Laura's time.
Do you have your own set of the original Little House on the Prairie series? ABC Distributing has them for a great price if you're interested...check them out here.
Suggested crafts this week are working on that 9-patch quilt, doll quilt, table runner, etc.
Weekly Reading:
Monday: chapters 24-25
Tuesday: chapters 26-28
Wednesday: chapters 29-31
Thursday: chapters 32-34
Discussion:
What was Ma excited about?
What was different about the girls' hair? What determined the color ribbon they were to wear?
How was town different on Sunday? Do you notice any changes in your own town on Sundays vs other days of the week?
Why did Rev. Alden only come to town once a month? What did they do on the other Sundays?
Apply these verses to the observance of Sunday: Isaiah 56:2, Hebrews 5:9-10, Exodus 20:8-11
What did Pa do with the money for his boots?
Why did the walls drip with sticky pine juice?
How did the grasshopper's coming change their lives?
Do you think another grasshopper plague could happen today?
Draw a food chain cycle using the grasshopper.
Pretend you are an Israelite and write a descriptive story about the coming of the grasshopper plague in Egypt.
Read Psalm 46 when facing a crisis. How does this Psalm pass along comfort?
What did Laura see? What did Pa see?
How did the girl's honor their Pa?
How did Pa say they were better off than most folks?
What was pa's solution to provide for his family?
Where would he go and how would he get there?
How did Ma get water for the family?
What do you think about Ma having the girl's dress properly, even though it was so hot and no one else was around?
Why were the boots an important part of the letter?
Use the information on page 208 to calculate how many potential grasshoppers were in each square foot of ground.
If a person can walk 4 miles per hour, how long would it take to walk 250 miles? How many days would it take if one stopped for 8 hours a day to rest?
They mention reading Psalm 21 when traveling. How might this chapter have 'talked' to Pa?
What does the Bible say about providing for your family (I Timothy 5:7-8)
Proverbs 24 distinguishes the fall of the righteous man vs the fall of the wicked. What is the difference? Read Psalm 57:1 also.
How many gallons of water do the Ingall's use daily? Compare this to your water usage daily.
Laura describes the drought on pg 219. On a page, write the 5 senses across the top and under each sense, list those that Laura used.
Learn about the underground water tables in your area.
learn about the heat index (and the wind chill...)
What is a thresher?
What was the first problem Pa solved when he arrived home?
What did Laura think about Mary getting new shoes? Was this right? Have you ever felt like this?
What did Pa trap and why?
Why would it still be "grasshopper weather"?
What schedule did the Ingalls girls follow for homeschool (pg 245)
Talk about the process of taking a bath in Laura's day vs now.
Make a warning poster about envy using each of the following verses: Job 5:2, Proverbs 14:30, I Timothy 6:3-5, Titus 3:3-5, James 3:16
God provided what Laura secretly wanted. Any coat would have kept her warm, but this one shows how God cares about even the details in our lives. Memorize the following verses: Philippeans 4:19, I John 5:14-15, Psalm 23:6
Write a descriptive story about a favorite doll or toy you've had.
How long did the grasshopper walking last?
Why did Pa leave whistling?
What caused the fire? How did they fight the fire? Who helped? How did he know they needed help?
Why did the girls not wear their mittend when digging in the garden on a cold day?
What was the salve on their hands made of?
What did the girls do to calculate Pa's arrival? Why did he arrive earlier than they expected?
Draw a picture of the most immpressive part of the grasshopper's migration.
Copy (narrate or dictate) your 2 most favorite descriptive paragrahs in these chapters. Underline the verbs, circle the nouns, etc.
Apply Joel 2:25-26 to the grasshopper problem at Plum Creek.
Look up and draw pictures of ragweed and tumbleweed (Russian Thistle) for your nature journals.
Eat turnips :o)
Discuss how true Proverbs 27:10 proved to be. What else could this verse mean?
Study the properties of fire:
kindling temperature...fuel...oxygen...
Knowing these properties, how does a firebreak work?
Send letters to families and friends in other areas and note the dates sent with the dates arrived and see how long the postal service takes today compared to Laura's time.
LHOP: Plum Creek wee 2
After several failed attempts at posting, or at least saving these last fe3w weeks, I think we have it worked out. At least I hope so! I don’t know how many are even following along with our reading here, but I’m sure those that are have managed along perfectly well without my little input here. Our main text (the book series as well as our guide, The Prairie Primer) and the great directions and notes shared by We Love the Prairie Primer blog are more than enough to keep us going along. The units are fun, not strict ;-)
Do you have your own set of the original Little House on the Prairie series, illustrated by Garth Williams? I found a great price recently, via ABC Distributing on the original boxed set. You can check them out here
Notes and Links for week 2 here.
Monday: ch 13-15
Tuesday: ch 16-18
Wednesday: ch 19-21
Thursday: ch 22-23
Friday is the catch-up and crafting day this week.
Do you have your own set of the original Little House on the Prairie series, illustrated by Garth Williams? I found a great price recently, via ABC Distributing on the original boxed set. You can check them out here
Notes and Links for week 2 here.
Monday: ch 13-15
Tuesday: ch 16-18
Wednesday: ch 19-21
Thursday: ch 22-23
Friday is the catch-up and crafting day this week.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
week 2 On the Banks...
My entire post has been eaten apparently. I will try to have it up and ready for Monday, but seems all my archived drafts are just gone 
-blessings from Hands and Hearts Homestead!
-blessings from Hands and Hearts Homestead!
Thursday, September 8, 2011
BlogShare: Raising Godly Children: What is a Biblical Worldview?
Raising Godly Children: What is a Biblical Worldview?: The history as recorded in the Bible has been attacked by our increasingly secular culture. As a result, recent generations have been brough...
BlogShare: Common Sense Homesteading: FDA to Consumers- "You Do Not Have the Right to C...
Common Sense Homesteading: FDA to Consumers- "You Do Not Have the Right to C...: I came across an article in Countryside magazine recently that got my attention. In it, the author pointed out how the Food Safety and Mo...
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
IPad Blogging....a test
We put the iPad to slot of use around here. While I don't much like typing via the iPad touchscreen, it sure beats sharing finds via the cell! I know...we still have a computer...a real keyboard input netbook machine...but I get busy with day to day things around here and I just never seem to take the time to pull it out and use it. It takes effort.
Of course, taking a deliberate effort is usually a good thing. A deliberate effort means I have scheduled a specific time frame for drafting entries and sharing. It (should) mean that I have completed other necessary duties of the day and have 'earned' that deliberate effort of computer blogging fun.
I found this iPad app to aid in my blogging (I know...I had that same gasp...I think it will be ok. Really.). It's called BlogPress and can be found at BlogPress App
It works with several blog platforms, including Blogger, which seems to have a limited access face with these things. There are others, maybe great ones even, but I'm not familiar with them...like Blogsy or QuickWordPress for the iOS.
Do you utilize an iPad in your daily networking or schooling? Do you have some favorite apps that make your iPad more useful in your day? I would love to hear what you use and what you like or dislike. Please take a moment to share!
-blessings from Hands and Hearts Homestead!
Of course, taking a deliberate effort is usually a good thing. A deliberate effort means I have scheduled a specific time frame for drafting entries and sharing. It (should) mean that I have completed other necessary duties of the day and have 'earned' that deliberate effort of computer blogging fun.
I found this iPad app to aid in my blogging (I know...I had that same gasp...I think it will be ok. Really.). It's called BlogPress and can be found at BlogPress App
It works with several blog platforms, including Blogger, which seems to have a limited access face with these things. There are others, maybe great ones even, but I'm not familiar with them...like Blogsy or QuickWordPress for the iOS.
Do you utilize an iPad in your daily networking or schooling? Do you have some favorite apps that make your iPad more useful in your day? I would love to hear what you use and what you like or dislike. Please take a moment to share!
-blessings from Hands and Hearts Homestead!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
On The Banks of Plum Creek Intro Notes and Week 1
September finds us following Laura and her family from the prairies of Kansas back 'home' to Pepin, Wisconsin and onto Walnut Grove, Minnesota.
Reading Schedules and Primer Links:
Week 1: We Love the Prairie Primer Links, Chapters 1-12, up to 3 chapters daily reading
Week 2: Prairie Primer Links, Chapters 13-23, up to 3 chapters daily
Week 3: Prairie Primer Links, Chapters 24-34, up to 3 chapters daily
Week 4: We Love the Prairie Primer Links, Chapters 35-41
Noah Webster's biography is also suggested during this book reading.
Our suggested memory verse for this book is Psalm 51.
During Plum Creek, we will touch on areas including:
Animals, insects...
grasshoppers, butterflies, moths, bees, badgers, mammals in general, leeches, blue herons, beavers,
Plants...
diagramming parts of a tree, Willows morning glories, lichens, ragweed, tumbleweed,
Science in general...
Classifications of plants, animals, etc., sources of heat exchange (conduction, convection, radiation), water safety, the human body's response to fear, drying fruit to preserve, water purification, how to produce paper, hazards of tobacco use.
Follow the bunny trails you and your children find along your reading! That's what makes reading such a great learning adventure!
A great project to begin if you haven't already is work on a 9 patch quilt, or table runner. Plan to work on it regularly and complete by the end of the book.
Week 1:
Monday: Chapters 1-3
Visit a pond, lake or creek, collect some water and grasses. Place in a sunny window, then sample and view under a microscope...note your observations.
Discuss water purification reasons and methods, water safety concerns today vs Laura's time, water-born diseases.
Map the trail Pa took from the prairies to Pepin, note the terrain, compare the mileage to travels today.
Discuss the 3 methods of heat transfer, the benefits of living in an earth home or underground home.
Practice shading and drawing techniques and draw morning glories and blue flags.
Discuss incidents of complaining in Scripture.
Tuesday: Chapters 4-6
Discuss geographical terms such as butte, mesa, plateau, plain.
Apply I John 1:8-9, James 5:16, and Proverbs 28:13 to Laura's need to tell Pa about the swimming hole adventure. Compare to an event in your own experience.
Discuss and map the countries you find Swedes, Germans and Norwegians, map the areas of immigration, explore their characteristics and culture.
Life cycle and habitat of butterflies.
Collect lichens and learn how they exist.
Discuss water safety.
Read about badgers, their habitat, part in the food chain, lifestyle, etc.
Wednesday: Chapters 7-9
learn about wheat, how and where it grows, harvest and usages.
Discuss the steps to falling into sin (questioning the Lord, telling half-truths, excusing actions by technicalities, etc.
Laura led Mary astray...discuss how we must be careful to not lead our friends, or allow ourselves to be led, into situations that are not proper. Matthew 18:6 James 3:1
Study the life of bees and bumblebees.
Learn about preserving fruits by drying.
Foreshadowing...the mention of grasshoppers now and the plague in chapter 25.
Thursday: Chapters 10-12
do a word study on idleness
discuss the body's reaction to fear
mammals...characteristics, classifications and Orders
Read about the first Thanksgiving and learn about the Festival of Booths and the Israelites.
Friday is a review or catch-up day this week.
Reading Schedules and Primer Links:
Week 1: We Love the Prairie Primer Links, Chapters 1-12, up to 3 chapters daily reading
Week 2: Prairie Primer Links, Chapters 13-23, up to 3 chapters daily
Week 3: Prairie Primer Links, Chapters 24-34, up to 3 chapters daily
Week 4: We Love the Prairie Primer Links, Chapters 35-41
Noah Webster's biography is also suggested during this book reading.
Our suggested memory verse for this book is Psalm 51.
During Plum Creek, we will touch on areas including:
Animals, insects...
grasshoppers, butterflies, moths, bees, badgers, mammals in general, leeches, blue herons, beavers,
Plants...
diagramming parts of a tree, Willows morning glories, lichens, ragweed, tumbleweed,
Science in general...
Classifications of plants, animals, etc., sources of heat exchange (conduction, convection, radiation), water safety, the human body's response to fear, drying fruit to preserve, water purification, how to produce paper, hazards of tobacco use.
Follow the bunny trails you and your children find along your reading! That's what makes reading such a great learning adventure!
A great project to begin if you haven't already is work on a 9 patch quilt, or table runner. Plan to work on it regularly and complete by the end of the book.
Week 1:
Monday: Chapters 1-3
Visit a pond, lake or creek, collect some water and grasses. Place in a sunny window, then sample and view under a microscope...note your observations.
Discuss water purification reasons and methods, water safety concerns today vs Laura's time, water-born diseases.
Map the trail Pa took from the prairies to Pepin, note the terrain, compare the mileage to travels today.
Discuss the 3 methods of heat transfer, the benefits of living in an earth home or underground home.
Practice shading and drawing techniques and draw morning glories and blue flags.
Discuss incidents of complaining in Scripture.
Tuesday: Chapters 4-6
Discuss geographical terms such as butte, mesa, plateau, plain.
Apply I John 1:8-9, James 5:16, and Proverbs 28:13 to Laura's need to tell Pa about the swimming hole adventure. Compare to an event in your own experience.
Discuss and map the countries you find Swedes, Germans and Norwegians, map the areas of immigration, explore their characteristics and culture.
Life cycle and habitat of butterflies.
Collect lichens and learn how they exist.
Discuss water safety.
Read about badgers, their habitat, part in the food chain, lifestyle, etc.
Wednesday: Chapters 7-9
learn about wheat, how and where it grows, harvest and usages.
Discuss the steps to falling into sin (questioning the Lord, telling half-truths, excusing actions by technicalities, etc.
Laura led Mary astray...discuss how we must be careful to not lead our friends, or allow ourselves to be led, into situations that are not proper. Matthew 18:6 James 3:1
Study the life of bees and bumblebees.
Learn about preserving fruits by drying.
Foreshadowing...the mention of grasshoppers now and the plague in chapter 25.
Thursday: Chapters 10-12
do a word study on idleness
discuss the body's reaction to fear
mammals...characteristics, classifications and Orders
Read about the first Thanksgiving and learn about the Festival of Booths and the Israelites.
Friday is a review or catch-up day this week.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
On the Prairie, week 4
This week we are wrapping up our adventures with Laura on the Prairie...
Monday: Chapter 22-23
Tuesday: Chapter 24-25
Wednesday: Chapter 26
Here are the link ups from We Love The Prairie Primer blog, and some notes via The Prairie Primer:
We are learning about prairie fires and the beginnings of the Homestead Runs. We read about the Forts that were a part of the westward expansion efforts, we built a stockade with blocks, and we read alot about the Indians Laura's family experienced, and the controversary over exactly who she ws referring to in her book.. The newer movie of Little House on the Prairie definitely follows this book more closely than the series did, though we love the series.
We listened to the fiddle tunes popular with Pa and the settlers of the time, and even practiced some jiggin' of our own here.
Monday: Chapter 22-23
Tuesday: Chapter 24-25
Wednesday: Chapter 26
Here are the link ups from We Love The Prairie Primer blog, and some notes via The Prairie Primer:
We are learning about prairie fires and the beginnings of the Homestead Runs. We read about the Forts that were a part of the westward expansion efforts, we built a stockade with blocks, and we read alot about the Indians Laura's family experienced, and the controversary over exactly who she ws referring to in her book.. The newer movie of Little House on the Prairie definitely follows this book more closely than the series did, though we love the series.
We listened to the fiddle tunes popular with Pa and the settlers of the time, and even practiced some jiggin' of our own here.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
On The Prairie, week 3
Week 3...already. Seems we are flying through this book!
Here are the We Love the Prairie Primer blog links for this week...
Other topics touched on in this week's reading include:
Chicken Pox
fever
Indian sign language
methods of travel (Indian trails, etc)
Indian ceremonial headdresses
panthers and lions
Oak, sycamore and cottonwood trees
Projects, like making moccasins, beaded necklaces, making salt rising bread, stewed dried fruit, bean porridge and more!
Our reading schedule will be similar to other weeks:
Monday chapters 14-15
Tuesday chapters 16-17
Wednesday chapters 18-19
Thursday chapters 20-21
Friday is a catch-up day this week ;o)
We will be working with out Handbook of Nature Study text this week and discuss the Oak, Sycamore and Cottonwood trees, adding pictures and notes to our nature book. We will also be adding drawings and notes on wolves, beaver, fox, muskrat and mink, and panthers using our Illustrated Encyclopedia of Animal Life set (probably my favorite 'old' set of books here!).
Here are the We Love the Prairie Primer blog links for this week...
Other topics touched on in this week's reading include:
Chicken Pox
fever
Indian sign language
methods of travel (Indian trails, etc)
Indian ceremonial headdresses
panthers and lions
Oak, sycamore and cottonwood trees
Projects, like making moccasins, beaded necklaces, making salt rising bread, stewed dried fruit, bean porridge and more!
Our reading schedule will be similar to other weeks:
Monday chapters 14-15
Tuesday chapters 16-17
Wednesday chapters 18-19
Thursday chapters 20-21
Friday is a catch-up day this week ;o)
We will be working with out Handbook of Nature Study text this week and discuss the Oak, Sycamore and Cottonwood trees, adding pictures and notes to our nature book. We will also be adding drawings and notes on wolves, beaver, fox, muskrat and mink, and panthers using our Illustrated Encyclopedia of Animal Life set (probably my favorite 'old' set of books here!).
Friday, August 12, 2011
Using The Bible in School Lessons
Of course every family has a different way of incorporating The Bible into their school lessons. Some prefer to keep The Word more separated, not watered down as it were, by a surrounding math lesson, or grammar notations. Others will find ways to incorporate every lesson taught us by Scripture into every step of daily life. That, imo, is how The Scriptures should be...integrated throughout the daily fiber of everything we do, and provide a direct thread to our focus and goals.
Some lessons in Scripture are more forthcoming than others, their teaching is outward and easily deciphered…the story of obedience as with Noah, Abraham, the Call of Moses. Some lessons, however, are best viewed over a lengthy reading, such as faith, courage, steadfastness as seen through the entire life of Paul. The Bible can be viewed as individual teachings, grabbing out topics and passages as needed to enhance or direct a specific lesson, but a slow, meaningful approach of reading through story and experience slowly, one at a time, cover to cover simply can’t be beat. We prefer chronological here, but any method of Old Testament to New Testament will work just as well. There is no secret method that works better or is more thorough than any other. I prefer King James, and that is what we use for reading and teaching here, but there again, it isn’t a matter of version as much as it is a matter of opening your heart and truly taking it all in.
Here are some ideas for teaching character using the stories, experiences and passages of Scripture…
Every child should be taught a few ‘basics’ of Scripture early on:
The Ten Commandments are never outdated. If more Christians would take these commandments truly to heart, there would be a huge change in this world we live in. We have to believe that it is black and white….stealing is stealing, whether outright taking of another’s property, accepting too much change back without correcting the clerk, returning a used item as though it was still new because we have changed our mind, etc. Lying is lying. There are no white lies, no half-truths. To omit something is the same as lying. To teach character to your children, you cannot begin with anything less than the Ten Commandments as your foundation.
The Beatitudes and The Golden Rule. These are the great ‘Yes’ that Jesus shared, where the Commandments were the great ‘No’ of the Old Testament. These are the fulfillment of the law and should be taught early and practiced often. Virtually every religious base has a version of The Golden Rule.
The 23rd Psalm is definitely one to get into the hearts of your children early on. It’s beauty and comfort can bring a great deal of peace in their lives.
The Lord’s Prayer is another must for early memorization and repeated use. Of course, other passages are perfect for prayer and memory, but the 23rd Psalm and Lord’s Prayer should certainly be at the top of the list for not only our children, but ourselves as well.
Some other great passages for memorization include The Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37, The Prodigal Son Luke 15:11-32, The Lost Sheep Luke 15:4-7, Isaiah 40:28-31, John 14, John 15, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13, II Corinthians 4:16-18, Galatians 6:1-10, Ephesians 6:10-20, Philippians 3:13-21, II Timothy 4:6-8, James 3, Revelation 21:1-4, Revelation 22:1-5, and larger portions such as any Psalms or Proverbs.
Human life is portrayed in the Bible. They are not stories created for educational or interesting reading, but the real experiences of real people. In any given passage or story in the Bible, there is not merely one trait of character illustrated, but several, one blending imperceptibly into another. A single act is often a cross-section of a complete character teaching.
Some lessons in Scripture are more forthcoming than others, their teaching is outward and easily deciphered…the story of obedience as with Noah, Abraham, the Call of Moses. Some lessons, however, are best viewed over a lengthy reading, such as faith, courage, steadfastness as seen through the entire life of Paul. The Bible can be viewed as individual teachings, grabbing out topics and passages as needed to enhance or direct a specific lesson, but a slow, meaningful approach of reading through story and experience slowly, one at a time, cover to cover simply can’t be beat. We prefer chronological here, but any method of Old Testament to New Testament will work just as well. There is no secret method that works better or is more thorough than any other. I prefer King James, and that is what we use for reading and teaching here, but there again, it isn’t a matter of version as much as it is a matter of opening your heart and truly taking it all in.
Here are some ideas for teaching character using the stories, experiences and passages of Scripture…
Every child should be taught a few ‘basics’ of Scripture early on:
The Ten Commandments are never outdated. If more Christians would take these commandments truly to heart, there would be a huge change in this world we live in. We have to believe that it is black and white….stealing is stealing, whether outright taking of another’s property, accepting too much change back without correcting the clerk, returning a used item as though it was still new because we have changed our mind, etc. Lying is lying. There are no white lies, no half-truths. To omit something is the same as lying. To teach character to your children, you cannot begin with anything less than the Ten Commandments as your foundation.
The Beatitudes and The Golden Rule. These are the great ‘Yes’ that Jesus shared, where the Commandments were the great ‘No’ of the Old Testament. These are the fulfillment of the law and should be taught early and practiced often. Virtually every religious base has a version of The Golden Rule.
The 23rd Psalm is definitely one to get into the hearts of your children early on. It’s beauty and comfort can bring a great deal of peace in their lives.
The Lord’s Prayer is another must for early memorization and repeated use. Of course, other passages are perfect for prayer and memory, but the 23rd Psalm and Lord’s Prayer should certainly be at the top of the list for not only our children, but ourselves as well.
Some other great passages for memorization include The Good Samaritan Luke 10:25-37, The Prodigal Son Luke 15:11-32, The Lost Sheep Luke 15:4-7, Isaiah 40:28-31, John 14, John 15, Romans 12, I Corinthians 13, II Corinthians 4:16-18, Galatians 6:1-10, Ephesians 6:10-20, Philippians 3:13-21, II Timothy 4:6-8, James 3, Revelation 21:1-4, Revelation 22:1-5, and larger portions such as any Psalms or Proverbs.
Human life is portrayed in the Bible. They are not stories created for educational or interesting reading, but the real experiences of real people. In any given passage or story in the Bible, there is not merely one trait of character illustrated, but several, one blending imperceptibly into another. A single act is often a cross-section of a complete character teaching.
Obedience:
- Noah and The Ark
- Abraham’s Call
- Abraham and Isaac
- The Call of Moses
- The Boy Samuel
- The Call of Isaiah
- The Parable of Two Sons
- The Call of The Disciples
Helpfulness, The Spirit of Service:
- Abraham and Lot
- Rebekah at the Well
- Jacob and Rachel
- Miriam and Moses
- David and The Mad King Saul
- The Good Widow of Zarephath
- Elisha and the Poor Widow
- Elisha and the Workmen
- Jesus at the Marriage Feast
- The Good Samaritan
- Jesus at the Last Supper
Moral and Physical Courage, Steadfastness:
- Caleb and Joshua
- Joshua
- Deborah
- Gideon
- David and The Bear
- David and Goliath
- Elijah and the Priests of Baal
- Jeremiah’s Bravery
- Daniel and the Lions
- Nehemiah and The Wall
- The Valiant Deeds of The Maccabees
- Brave Queen Esther
- Jesus and His Temptation
- Jesus and His Foes
- The Disciples of Jesus
- The entire life of Paul
Devotion to God and His Church:
- Moses at Mt. Sinai
- The Free Will Offering for the Tabernacle
- Hannah
- The Prayers of David
- David and the Threshing-floor of Araunah
- Solomon and the Temple
- Joash and the Repairing of the Temple
- Hezekiah
- Josiah
- Daniel
- The Boy Jesus
Faith, Trust, Honor:
- Elijah at Carmel
- The Seige of Samaria
- The healing of Jairus’ Daughter
- The Centurion’s Servant
- Thomas
The Spirit of Brotherhood:
- Abraham and Sodom
- The Rescue of the Baby Moses
- The Good Samaritan
- Elisha and the helpless
- The Vision of Peter
Loyalty to God, Patriotism:
- Joseph
- Moses
- Ruth and Naomi
- David and Jonathan
- Jeremiah
- Daniel
- The Hebrew Youths and the Fiery Furnace
- Nehemiah
- The Maccabees
- Esther
- The Disciples
Love and Friendship:
- Ruth and Naomi
- David and Jonathan
- Jesus and His Disciples
- Jesus and the family at Bethany
Gratitude and Appreciation:
- David and the Three Captains
- Elisha and the sick boy
- The Two Debtors
- The Ten Lepers
Forgiveness and Peace:
- Esau and Jacob
- Joseph and His Brothers
- David and Saul
- David and Absalom
- The Prodigal Son
- The Healing of Malchus
Repentance:
- Joseph’s Brothers
- David
- Manasseh
- The Prodigal Son
- The Ninety and Nine
- Peter
- How Paul became a follower of Jesus
Self-Sacrifice:
- Abraham and Isaac
- The Three Brave Captains
- The Widow’s Mite
- The Cross
Honesty and Truthfulness:
- Jacob and Rachel
- Joseph in Egypt
- Nehemiah
- The Talents
Courtesy and Kindness:
- Abraham
- David spares Saul’s Life
- Jethro
- The Widow of Zarephath
- The Rich Woman of Shumen
- Paul at Athens
- Paul before Felix
- Paul before Agrippa
The Disregard of Others:
- Joseph’s Brothers
- Pharaoh the Oppressor
- David and Uriah
- Rehoboam
- Naboth’s Vineyard
Greed:
- The Son’s of Eli
- The Punishment of the Greedy
- Gehazi
- Achan
Dishonesty, Disobedience:
- Jacob and Esau
- The Trick of the Gibeonites
- Achan
- Saul and the Spoil of the Amalekites
- Ananias and Sapphira
- Absalom, lawless and disobedient boy
Intemperance:
- The Prodigal Son
- Elah
Hatred, Intolerance, Jealousy:
- Cain and Abel
- The Twins who hated each other
- Joseph’s Brothers
- Saul and David
- The Enemies of Jesus
Monday, August 8, 2011
Prairie: Week 2 Notes
This week’s reading schedule will take us through to chapter 13. Here are the great notes shared at We Love The Prairie Primer blog for this week.
Monday: Chapter 7…with branches in studying the physical traits of mules vs horses, studying about wolves and their habitat, social structure, character and feeding habits, learning about malaria as a disease, and selecting an Indian biography to read along with this book.
Tuesday: Chapters 8-9…added lessons like building the door Pa created (using popsicle sticks, string and toothpicks), studying mosquitoes and the role they play in transmitting disease, learning about goldenrod and it’s medicinal uses, safe vs unsafe practices for heating an area and the effects of smoke inhalation, poisonous snakes in your area, how they live and hunt, how they use their venom, etc.
Wednesday: Chapters 10-11…lessons such as making a sunbonnet, learning about the Sun in relation to our planet and seasons, exposure to and the process and treatment of sunburns, studying the sensory organs a snake uses (eyes, pits, and the Jacobson’s organ), practice splitting wood and straightening nails, Learn about various Indian dress, community and lifestyle.
Thursday: Chapters 12-13…learn about old fashioned ways vs modern methods for well digging, get information about putting in a well in your area and figure up the cost in terms of how many days your family would have to work to earn that much money, learn about aquifers, artesian wells, natural springs, and the water table in your area, discuss the naturally occurring gases derived from geological formations in the earth’s crust, practice rope climbing hand-over-hand like Pa did, discuss foolish acts (like Mr Scott and the well digging).
Vocabulary to look at this week: windlass, quicksand and scalawag
Friday, July 29, 2011
LHOP: On the Prairie Schedule
The Reading plan is pretty much the same set up:
Week 1: Reading thru Chapter 6, Links Page
Week 2: Chapters 7-13, Links Page
Week 3: Chapters 14-21, Links Page
Week 4: Chapters 22-26, Links Page
I've already listed alot of the goodies to pad out your reading of On the Prairie, plus there are wonderful links and Youtube clips at We Love the Prairie Primer blog (I've linked the individual weeks above with our reading plan) as always.
During this book, we can work on so many fun things that flow along with the book. Some suggestions in the Primer include checking out your family tree for your relatives living during the 1870s. You can also add in some extra geography by mapping out the Ingalls' route as they traveled across the various states, learning about each state along the way, including a study on the prairie lands of North America. We have been using GeoMatters Trail Guide to US Geography for a couple years now and love it. It works well as a stand-alone program, but it also lends itself nicely to virtually any other curriculum as well.
On the Prairie is perfect for branching off in may different directions...a study of the Native American groups that have a foundation in so much of our history, (which can lead to a whole variety of art and craft projects as well, like beaded belts, mocassin making, Indian dwellings, games, etc...), a study of the Pony Express and the history of our postal service (which could lead into a cultural discussion on postal offerings in other countries, or just a comparison of then and now, as we keep running into the electronic age, etc.) You can easily study the nuances of the English language and review the many differences in speech styles and phrasing from the late 1800s to today (the word 'providential' is used so often in the late 1800's speech, and we have turned it into something as short and lacking as 'lucky'...).
During this book you can discuss a variety of animal and plant life...the Mustang, meadow larks, chickadees, mockingbirds, Phoebe birds, gophers, goldenrod, mosquitos, snakes common to the prairie lands, wolves, beaver, muskrat, mink, panthers, oak, sycamore and cottonwood trees and of course, the buffalo.
From a science standpoint you have simple machines, the study of your blood and its components and their functions, the affects of chewing tobacco, the disease malaria (fever 'n' ague), sun exposure ( which will lead us to a study of the Sun in general), the water table and water aquifers, etc.
Some larger projects for this story could be continued work on a simple quilt project, sampler stitching, needlework or for the boys, building a stockade or Calvary fort, or even a scale model of an Indian village.
Keep an open mind while reading and I'm sure your children will lead the way in discovering all sorts of fun projects and learning directions along Laura's journeys!
Week 1: Reading thru Chapter 6, Links Page
Week 2: Chapters 7-13, Links Page
Week 3: Chapters 14-21, Links Page
Week 4: Chapters 22-26, Links Page
I've already listed alot of the goodies to pad out your reading of On the Prairie, plus there are wonderful links and Youtube clips at We Love the Prairie Primer blog (I've linked the individual weeks above with our reading plan) as always.
During this book, we can work on so many fun things that flow along with the book. Some suggestions in the Primer include checking out your family tree for your relatives living during the 1870s. You can also add in some extra geography by mapping out the Ingalls' route as they traveled across the various states, learning about each state along the way, including a study on the prairie lands of North America. We have been using GeoMatters Trail Guide to US Geography for a couple years now and love it. It works well as a stand-alone program, but it also lends itself nicely to virtually any other curriculum as well.
On the Prairie is perfect for branching off in may different directions...a study of the Native American groups that have a foundation in so much of our history, (which can lead to a whole variety of art and craft projects as well, like beaded belts, mocassin making, Indian dwellings, games, etc...), a study of the Pony Express and the history of our postal service (which could lead into a cultural discussion on postal offerings in other countries, or just a comparison of then and now, as we keep running into the electronic age, etc.) You can easily study the nuances of the English language and review the many differences in speech styles and phrasing from the late 1800s to today (the word 'providential' is used so often in the late 1800's speech, and we have turned it into something as short and lacking as 'lucky'...).
During this book you can discuss a variety of animal and plant life...the Mustang, meadow larks, chickadees, mockingbirds, Phoebe birds, gophers, goldenrod, mosquitos, snakes common to the prairie lands, wolves, beaver, muskrat, mink, panthers, oak, sycamore and cottonwood trees and of course, the buffalo.
From a science standpoint you have simple machines, the study of your blood and its components and their functions, the affects of chewing tobacco, the disease malaria (fever 'n' ague), sun exposure ( which will lead us to a study of the Sun in general), the water table and water aquifers, etc.
Some larger projects for this story could be continued work on a simple quilt project, sampler stitching, needlework or for the boys, building a stockade or Calvary fort, or even a scale model of an Indian village.
Keep an open mind while reading and I'm sure your children will lead the way in discovering all sorts of fun projects and learning directions along Laura's journeys!
LHOP: On The Prairie
(click the image to view the page and enlarge)
Starting August 1st, we will begin the second book in the Little House on The Prairie Series, Little House on The Prairie. In this book, Ma and Pa make the move from the Big Woods to the prairie land of Kansas. Originally, Ms. Wilder intended only to write the one book, but the response was so great, she continued along producing 8 volumes of her story.
In The Big Woods, Laura was said to have been 6 years old. In reality, Laura was just 2 years old, and Baby Carrie was not born yet. In planning only 1 book, she connected stories in a way that flowed quite well, but created a problem for the future stories. Many of the events in Little House on The Prairie actually occured before Big Woods, as the journey to the Kansas prairie happened when Laura was 2 years old.
Does it bother the story really to know this? It sure didn't for us! The adventures are just as inspiring and engrossing, no matter what her age!
The Osage Indians are a part of Laura's adventures in this story. Here are several links for learning more about the Osage History
Facts for Kids: The Osage
The Osage
Osage Indian Culture and History
Kansas Book Collection, The Osage
Kansas Genealogy Osage Tribe...there are some good links at the bottom of the page in additional information.
United States Postal Service Notes:
History of the USPS from their own site
About.com has a great collection of historical notes on the postal service and pony express
History of the Post Office
Bible Memory for this book is Psalm 8 and here are Matthew Henry's notes from his Commentary.
As with Big Woods, we will definitely keep following along with great links shared at We Love The Prairie Primer each week (here are links for Week 1) as we read through Little House on The Prairie.
Please share your thoughts, links and projects with us weekly as we go along so others may benefit from your adventures as well.
Monday, July 18, 2011
LHOP: Big Woods Week 3 and 4 Notes
This is our final week of reading Big Woods, chapters 10-13, although we can easily stretch out our time and spend some fun researching the California Gold Rush, and following the great Gold Rush links shared by We Love The Prairie Primer. Or complete the memory section, Psalm 91. How about a crafting week...did you start any special projects to go along with our Little House reading, like a stitched sampler or a lap quilt, maybe your own popsicle or stick built little log cabin or full town set?
Some Bible verses this week include:
Proverbs 22:15, 13:24, 29:15
Hebrews 12:5-11
Proverbs 24:13, 25:16, 25:27
I Peter 3:2
Titus 2:4-5
Proverbs 20:11
Proverbs 10:15, 10:23, 15:21, 26:18-19
Proverbs 17:12...try making your own warning poster about this verse!
Proverbs 17:25, 19:13
Proverbs 9:10-11, 16:6, 10:27, 14:27, 8:13...discuss what the fear of the Lord is :-)
Links for this week:
As always, follow along with We Love The Prairie Primer blog, and here are some links I've shared
Laura has seen and heard quite a few adventures in this first story, hasn't she? All the 'family stories' about life in the Big Woods, the day to day life of family visits, dances, trips to town and more, the loving times of a close-knit family...Laura and her family have provided a wonderful view for us reading her adventures.
Do you have any favorite tales from within the pagesof The Big Woods? Any favorite quotes that sparked your reading time into visions of her quiet but exciting life? We sure did. With the local bear sightings, my children were fixed on the bear tales and life in the Big Woods. Despite the heat wave that we've been under these past weeks, they have had many adventures of their own in our woods. I love living in the country and being so rural. It's the best place for my children to thrive and grow their imaginations and play!
Thankfully, books can open these kinds of adventures for anyone who reads them! City or country, adventures are just waiting to be had!
Some passages we enjoyed:
....The Little House was fairly bursting with good food stored away for the long winter. The pantry and the shed and the cellar were full, and so was the attic. Laura and Mary must play in the house now, for it was cold outdoors and the brown leaves were all falling from the trees. The fire in the cookstove never went out. At night Pa banked it with ashes to keep the coals alive till morning.
The attic was a lovely place to play. The large, round, colored pumpkins made beautiful chairs and tables. The red peppers and the onions dangled overhead. The hams and the venison hung in their paper wrappings, and all the bunches of dried herbs, the spicy herbs for cooking and the bitter herbs for medicine, gave the place a dusty-spicy smell. (pg 19-20)
....Ma began the work that belonged to that day. each day had its own proper work. Ma used to say: Wash on Monday, Iron on Tuesday, Mend on Wednesday, Churn on Thursday, Clean on Friday, Bake on Saturday, Rest on Sunday. (pg 29)
....Christmas was coming. The little log house was almost buried in snow. Great drifts were banked against the walls and windows, and in the morning when Pa opened the door, there was a wall of snow as high as Laura's head. Pa took the shovel and shoveled it away, and then he shoveled a path to the barn, where the horses and the cows were snug and warm in their stalls.
The days were clear and bright. laura and Mary stood on charis by the window and looked out across the glittering snow at the glittering trees. Snow was piled all along their bare, dark branches, and it sparkled in the sunshine. Icicles hung from the eaves of the house to the snow-banks, great icicles as large at the top as Laura's arm. They were like glass and full of sharp lights. (pg 59-60)
....As soon as the days were warm, Laura and Mary begged to be allowed to run barefoot. At first they might only run around the woodpile and back, in their bare feet. Next day they could run farther, and soon their shoes were oiled and put away and they ran barefoot all day long.
Every night they washed their feet before they went to bed. Under the hems of their skirts their ankles and their feet were as brown as their faces.
They had playhouses under two big oak trees in front of the house. Mary's playhouse was under Mary's tree, and Laura's playhouse was under Laura's tree. The soft grass made a green carpet for them. The leaves were the roofs, and through them could see bits of blue sky.
Pay made a swing of tough bark and hung it to a llarge, low branch of Laura's tree. It was Laura's swing because it was in her tree, but she had to be unselfish and let Mary swing in it whever she wanted to. (pg 156-157)
...The store was full of things to look at. All along one side of it were shelves full of colored prints and calicos. There were beautiful pinks and blues and reds and browns and purples. On the floor along side the plank counters there were kegs of nails, and kegs of round, gray shot, and there were big wooden pails full of candy. There were sacks of salt, and sacks of store sugar.
In the middle of the store was a plow made of shiny wood, with a glittering bright plowshare, and there were steel ax heads, and hammer heads, and sawsn and all kinds of knives -- hunting knives, and skinning knives and butcher knives and jack knives. There were big boots and little boots, big shoes and little shoes.
laura could have looked for weeks and not seen all the things that were in that store. She had not known there were so many things in the world. (pg 167-168)
There were just too many favorite passages to share them all, but these are some of our most favorites.
Some Bible verses this week include:
Proverbs 22:15, 13:24, 29:15
Hebrews 12:5-11
Proverbs 24:13, 25:16, 25:27
I Peter 3:2
Titus 2:4-5
Proverbs 20:11
Proverbs 10:15, 10:23, 15:21, 26:18-19
Proverbs 17:12...try making your own warning poster about this verse!
Proverbs 17:25, 19:13
Proverbs 9:10-11, 16:6, 10:27, 14:27, 8:13...discuss what the fear of the Lord is :-)
Links for this week:
As always, follow along with We Love The Prairie Primer blog, and here are some links I've shared
Laura has seen and heard quite a few adventures in this first story, hasn't she? All the 'family stories' about life in the Big Woods, the day to day life of family visits, dances, trips to town and more, the loving times of a close-knit family...Laura and her family have provided a wonderful view for us reading her adventures.
Do you have any favorite tales from within the pagesof The Big Woods? Any favorite quotes that sparked your reading time into visions of her quiet but exciting life? We sure did. With the local bear sightings, my children were fixed on the bear tales and life in the Big Woods. Despite the heat wave that we've been under these past weeks, they have had many adventures of their own in our woods. I love living in the country and being so rural. It's the best place for my children to thrive and grow their imaginations and play!
Thankfully, books can open these kinds of adventures for anyone who reads them! City or country, adventures are just waiting to be had!
Some passages we enjoyed:
....The Little House was fairly bursting with good food stored away for the long winter. The pantry and the shed and the cellar were full, and so was the attic. Laura and Mary must play in the house now, for it was cold outdoors and the brown leaves were all falling from the trees. The fire in the cookstove never went out. At night Pa banked it with ashes to keep the coals alive till morning.
The attic was a lovely place to play. The large, round, colored pumpkins made beautiful chairs and tables. The red peppers and the onions dangled overhead. The hams and the venison hung in their paper wrappings, and all the bunches of dried herbs, the spicy herbs for cooking and the bitter herbs for medicine, gave the place a dusty-spicy smell. (pg 19-20)
....Ma began the work that belonged to that day. each day had its own proper work. Ma used to say: Wash on Monday, Iron on Tuesday, Mend on Wednesday, Churn on Thursday, Clean on Friday, Bake on Saturday, Rest on Sunday. (pg 29)
....Christmas was coming. The little log house was almost buried in snow. Great drifts were banked against the walls and windows, and in the morning when Pa opened the door, there was a wall of snow as high as Laura's head. Pa took the shovel and shoveled it away, and then he shoveled a path to the barn, where the horses and the cows were snug and warm in their stalls.
The days were clear and bright. laura and Mary stood on charis by the window and looked out across the glittering snow at the glittering trees. Snow was piled all along their bare, dark branches, and it sparkled in the sunshine. Icicles hung from the eaves of the house to the snow-banks, great icicles as large at the top as Laura's arm. They were like glass and full of sharp lights. (pg 59-60)
....As soon as the days were warm, Laura and Mary begged to be allowed to run barefoot. At first they might only run around the woodpile and back, in their bare feet. Next day they could run farther, and soon their shoes were oiled and put away and they ran barefoot all day long.
Every night they washed their feet before they went to bed. Under the hems of their skirts their ankles and their feet were as brown as their faces.
They had playhouses under two big oak trees in front of the house. Mary's playhouse was under Mary's tree, and Laura's playhouse was under Laura's tree. The soft grass made a green carpet for them. The leaves were the roofs, and through them could see bits of blue sky.
Pay made a swing of tough bark and hung it to a llarge, low branch of Laura's tree. It was Laura's swing because it was in her tree, but she had to be unselfish and let Mary swing in it whever she wanted to. (pg 156-157)
...The store was full of things to look at. All along one side of it were shelves full of colored prints and calicos. There were beautiful pinks and blues and reds and browns and purples. On the floor along side the plank counters there were kegs of nails, and kegs of round, gray shot, and there were big wooden pails full of candy. There were sacks of salt, and sacks of store sugar.
In the middle of the store was a plow made of shiny wood, with a glittering bright plowshare, and there were steel ax heads, and hammer heads, and sawsn and all kinds of knives -- hunting knives, and skinning knives and butcher knives and jack knives. There were big boots and little boots, big shoes and little shoes.
laura could have looked for weeks and not seen all the things that were in that store. She had not known there were so many things in the world. (pg 167-168)
There were just too many favorite passages to share them all, but these are some of our most favorites.
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