Mrs. B's Pioneer Book Study: Let’s Read Two Laura Ingalls Wilder Books!
In this 8 week hands-on book study we will read two celebrated children’s classics about pioneer life: "On the Banks of Plum Creek" and "Farmer Boy".
Mrs. B, ELA Teacher, B.of Ed.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(791)
What's included
16 live meetings
13 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Children will be expected to read a few chapters of the novels in between each class. Children may also spend extra time in between classes on the hands-on crafts for the course, but this is not mandatory.Assessment
No formal assessment or grade will be given, but during the class, attention will be given to how much knowledge students already know about the subject matter and teaching will be adjusted accordingly.Grading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 2 - 5
Let's travel back in time to pioneer life in the 1800's as we read two beloved novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We will start with "On the Banks of Plum Creek" and discover what it's like for spunky Laura Ingalls and her family to live in a dug-out house on the northern prairies! In our second novel, "Farmer Boy", we will follow adventurous Almanzo Wilder, a nine year old boy who isn't fond of school, and would rather be on the farm! We will read one chapter together each meeting time. Children will be expected to read several chapters as homework in between classes as well. Each class will usually include fun hands-on activities directly tied in to the reading content. Here is the breakdown of this eight week semester book club: **FIRST NOVEL: "On the Banks of Plum Creek" **ONGOING CRAFTS : Pioneer Nature Collection, Vintage Map First Week -Class One: Introductions, read chapter 1 together(chapter 2-6 for homework) -Class Two: Read chapter 7 together(chapter 8-11 for homework), decorate nature collection cartons Second Week -Class Three: Read chapter 12 together(chapter 13-17 for homework), show nature cartons and first bits of nature collections -Class Four: Read chapter 18 together(chapter 19-23 for homework), share nature collections, tea stain vintage map Third Week -Class Five: Read chapter 24 together(chapter 25-28 for homework), share nature collections, add places on vintage map -Class Six: Read chapter 29 together(chapter 30-34 for homework), share nature collections, outline vintage map Fourth Week: -Class Seven: Read chapter 35 together(chapter 36-40 for homework), share nature collections, watercolor paint vintage map -Class Eight: Read chapter 41 together, Pioneer Party!! **SECOND NOVEL: "Farmer Boy" **ONGOING CRAFTS : Family Tree Rustic Wall Hanging, Weaving With a Home-Made Loom Fifth Week -Class Nine: Read chapter 1 together(chapter 2-4 for homework), introduce family tree -Class Ten: Read chapter 5 together(chapter 6-8 for homework), work on family tree craft Sixth Week -Class Eleven: Read chapter 9 together(chapter 10-12 for homework), tea stain family tree and show how to add branch for wall hanging -Class Twelve: Read chapter 13 together(chapter 14-16 for homework), finish up family tree and begin to make loom for weaving Seventh Week -Class Thirteen: Read chapter 17 together(chapter 18-20 for homework), work on weaving craft -Class Fourteen: Read chapter 21 together(chapter 22-24 for homework), work on weaving craft Eighth Week -Class Fifteen: Read chapter 25 together(chapter 26-28 for homework), add finishing touches to weaving craft -Class Sixteen: Read chapter 29 together, Pioneer Party!!
Learning Goals
Learning Goals:
-read two literary classics and build an appreciation of good literature
-become interested and dedicated to a series of books(studies show that children who finish a series of books have more success in their learning and are more likely to become lifelong readers)
-learn about pioneer life and this time of North American history
-analyze, relate to, discuss, and ENJOY the main characters: Laura Ingalls and Almanzo Wilder
-learn to take an active, respectful part in discussions
-tackle tricky vocabulary by looking for clues in the passage
-practice reading aloud certain sections with expression and fluency
-relate and respond personally to the text through a hands-on craft
-learn about the prairies as a distinctive setting in North America and expand basic geography knowledge
-enjoy a bond with fellow readers
Syllabus
2 Units
16 Lessons
over 8 WeeksUnit 1: "On the Banks of Plum Creek"
Lesson 1:
"On the Banks of Plum Creek" Chapter 1
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
"On the Banks of Plum Creek" Chapter 2-7
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
"On the Banks of Plum Creek" Chapter 8-12
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
"On the Banks of Plum Creek" Chapter 13-18
50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parents, please note that the novels in this course have instances of subtle racist character descriptions of Native Americans/Indigenous Peoples which were more commonplace during the time frame the book was written. It will be pointed out in class that racism in any form should never be acceptable, and the novel will provide the opportunity for a candid discussion on how we must not tolerate racism. Thank you parents for working together with me to develop these essential attitudes in your children.
Also, please feel free to read the book aloud to learners if the vocabulary or reading level proves too challenging, in fact this is highly encouraged. Reading aloud to your child is a wonderful experience for everyone!
Supply List
A digital or paper copy of the novels "On the Banks of Plum Creek" and "Farmer Boy" will be required. A list of basic craft supplies will be provided before each meeting time.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined April, 2020
5.0
791reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As a little girl, I loved Laura Ingalls Wilder books and they were always at my fingertips. The two novels in this course are my all time favorites! So much so, that I went on a personal journey to the actual location of where these stories take place. I got to climb inside the dug-out house where Laura lived by Plum Creek, and I got to touch the actual bushy fur coat that Pa wore during frigid prairie winters.
My teaching experience is extensive. It has been my pleasure to teach children in Canadian classrooms for over 20 years. I have a teaching degree from the University of Winnipeg where I took many courses on excellent teaching practices as it relates to Language Arts, Social Studies, and the History of North American Indigenous People. More recently I have taken professional development courses on the topics of Indigenous Cultures, Indigenous Stereotypes, Métis Art and Culture, and Indigenous Government and Leadership.
On a personal level, as it relates to Indigenous People, between the years 2010-2016 I travelled by a small pontoon plane to visit and work with my Sayisi Dene First Nation friends in Tadoule Lake, Manitoba, Canada. Tadoule Lake is an isolated northern community reachable by plane, snowmobile, dog team sleds, and in winter by winter road.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$192
for 16 classes2x per week, 8 weeks
50 min
Completed by 18 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 7-12
3-6 learners per class
