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!

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.

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!

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.

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.