Here are our Lesson Plans For Life Skills
These lessons were made to go along with ‘By the Shores of Silver Lake‘ written by Laura Ingalls Wilder. We are planning to go through the whole series and I am keeping track of the different topics we are learning about here on my blog. We hope you enjoy these as much as we have!
This page contains our lesson plans for a few different areas that I have included with our ‘Life Skills’. You will find lessons on cooking, cleaning, and organization as well as Bible memory work, manners, and character training. All of these will go together to help raise our children into the responsible and caring citizens of tomorrow.
We will be discussing some of the character qualities that are displayed in the book but if you would like to do a separate character study lesson you can download one HERE.
On weeks where there are several activities listed just choose a couple that interests you the most to work on. You may have a chance, later on, to go back and look at anything you missed or do a more in-depth look at a topic that interests you.
We are using the books listed below as we learn about Hospitality. The books may need to be read and paraphrased for younger children.
- A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others
- Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others
Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter or subject simply push the ‘ctrl’ and the ‘F’ button down together and a small bar will pop up. Type in the week number or chapter number you want and it will take you to it.
Week 1: Chapters 1, 2, 3, & 4
Memory Verse:
We will be memorizing Romans 8:31-39 during this unit study. Print it HERE.
- Work on memorizing one verse during the week for a special prize.
- Verse 31: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
- Verse 31: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
- Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.
Character
Taking Care of Ourselves
- Why was Laura so tired?
- What had happened to the family?
- Why is it important to take care of our bodies?
- Work on Family relationships – brothers and sisters
Manners
Let’s start reading about hospitality. Choose one of the books below to read from:
- A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others
- Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others
Read:
- A Life That Says Welcome p. 11-20
- Practicing Hospitality p. 19-46
Discussion:
- What are some things you learned?
- What are some areas you need to work on?
Try one of these activities:
- Promoting Hospitality as a Way of Life
- Giving and Receiving Hospitality Games and Activities
- WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?
- HOSPITALITY CHART – TEACHING HOSPITALITY TO KIDS
- 11 Tips for TEACHING CHILDREN HOSPITALITY
- Discovering the Heart of True Hospitality
- Simple Hospitality in Your Home
Fun Activities
Watch how this train turns around:
Other:
Watch this scene from the book:
- Have you ever lost a pet?
- How did you feel? How do you think Laura felt?
- Find some ways to make your chores a little bit more fun.
- Watch The Polar Express.
- Research ways to preserve foods with Preserving Everything.
- Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.
Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on
Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to new skills.
Susie’s Chem Free Zone
Can you find the flu virus, bacteria, and protein in the picture below? Compare these to the size of the frog egg.
It is so important to clean well, especially when someone in the family is sick so that you can remove the viruses and bacteria and prevent them from making anyone else ill. Viruses and bacteria are tiny and can’t be seen by the naked eye… just like the proteins from the raw chicken in the Norwex demo video below:
- Discuss what you’ve learned.
- Write out your family’s cleaning process for dealing with sickness.
Kids Cook Real Food
-
Work on your next lesson.
- Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.
- Packing and Eating Real Food on Road Trips
Skill Trek
- Work on at least one task a week.
- Practice your new skill this week.
- Coughs, Colds, and Bees? Learn how honey and other BEE products can keep our kids healthy!
Herb Study
- Using one of the following for your study:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Be sure to jot down some notes.
- Play Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, a cooperative board game
A Kid’s Herb Book: For Children of All Ages
Trim Healthy You
- Read through your lesson.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Complete any bookwork.
- Try out a recipe using your new information.
Week 2: Chapters 5, 6, 7 & 8
Memory Verse:
We will be memorizing Romans 8:31-39 during this unit study. Print it HERE.
- Work on memorizing one verse during the week for a special prize.
- Verse 32: He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
- Verse 32: He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
- Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.
Character
- What miracles did Jesus do?
- Why do you think he didn’t heal Mary?
- Work on Family relationships – brothers and sisters
Manners
Continue reading about hospitality. Choose one of the books below to read from:
- A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others
- Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others
Read:
- A Life That Says Welcome p. 185-198
- Practicing Hospitality p. 159-194
Discussion:
- What are some things you learned?
- What are some areas you need to work on?
Try one of these activities:
- Promoting Hospitality as a Way of Life
- Giving and Receiving Hospitality Games and Activities
- WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?
- HOSPITALITY CHART – TEACHING HOSPITALITY TO KIDS
- 11 Tips for TEACHING CHILDREN HOSPITALITY
- Discovering the Heart of True Hospitality
- Simple Hospitality in Your Home
Fun Activities
Virtual tour of a Railroad Museum:
Watch a surveyor at work:
Other:
- Go for a walk and pick a bouquet of wildflowers.
- Have a picnic lunch.
- Go for a wagon ride or hayride.
- Sleep in a tent.
- Make Pancakes for breakfast.
- Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.
Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on
Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to new skills.
Susie’s Chem Free Zone
Laura and her family made sure to clean up after their picnic so they could leave the place tidy. It is important to clean up after ourselves and make sure that we are protecting our planet.
- Watch this Norwex video about protecting our planet.
- Discuss what you learned.
- What are some ways that you and your family can help protect our planet?
Kids Cook Real Food
- Work on your next lesson.
- Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.
- Try some Pumpkin Honey Pancakes
Skill Trek
- Work on at least one task a week.
- Practice your new skill this week.
Herb Study
- Using one of the following for your study:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Be sure to jot down some notes.
- Play Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, a cooperative board game
Trim Healthy You
- Read through your lesson.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Complete any bookwork.
- Try out a recipe using your new information.
Week 3: Chapters 9, 10, 11 & 12
Memory Verse:
We will be memorizing Romans 8:31-39 during this unit study. Print it HERE.
- Work on memorizing one verse during the week for a special prize.
- Verse 33:Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
- Verse 33:Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
- Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.
Character
- What makes a good leader? Click HERE to learn about some important leadership qualities.
- Why is cooperation so important? Click HERE to learn more about cooperation.
- Work on Let’s cooperate.
Manners
Continue reading about hospitality. Choose one of the books below to read from:
- A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others
- Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others
Read:
- A Life That Says Welcome p. 159-194
- Practicing Hospitality p. 199-228
Discussion:
- What are some things you learned?
- What are some areas you need to work on?
Try one of these activities:
- Promoting Hospitality as a Way of Life
- Giving and Receiving Hospitality Games and Activities
- WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?
- HOSPITALITY CHART – TEACHING HOSPITALITY TO KIDS
- 11 Tips for TEACHING CHILDREN HOSPITALITY
- Discovering the Heart of True Hospitality
- Simple Hospitality in Your Home
Fun Activities
Watch a dump truck in action:
Other:
- Plan a field trip to a historical site near you.
- Try having duck for dinner:
- Spit-Roasted Wild Duck p. 39 of The Little House on the Prairie Cookbook.
- Research ways to preserve foods with Preserving Everything.
- Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.
Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on
Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to new skills.
Susie’s Chem Free Zone
Many of the Ingalls’ beds were either filled with hay or stuffed with feathers. Have you ever thought about what else might be in your bed?
It’s always a good idea to air your bed out a little in the morning before making it up. You can also clean your mattress to get keep it as healthy as possible.
- You can watch this Norwex video about the mattress cleaner.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Make your own Shampoo and Conditioner
Kids Cook Real Food
- Work on your next lesson.
- Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.
- Could You Live Without Dairy? Why (& How) You Probably Should Try it & How Not to Die Trying
Skill Trek
- Work on at least one task a week.
- Practice your new skill this week.
Herb Study
- Using one of the following for your study:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Be sure to jot down some notes.
- Play Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, a cooperative board game
Trim Healthy You
- Read through your lesson.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Complete any bookwork.
- Try out a recipe using your new information.
Week 4: Chapters 13, 14, 15 & 16
Memory Verse:
We will be memorizing Romans 8:31-39 during this unit study. Print it HERE.
- Work on memorizing one verse during the week for a special prize.
- Verse 34: Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
- Verse 34: Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
- Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.
2. Character
- What worries do you think the family might have had?
- What should you do with your worries?
- Read Anxiety – when you are worrying about things
- Work on Let’s cooperate.
Manners
Continue reading about hospitality. Choose one of the books below to read from:
- A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others
- Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others
Read:
- A Life That Says Welcome p. 41-62
- Practicing Hospitality p. 73-100
Discussion:
- What are some things you learned?
- What are some areas you need to work on?
Try one of these activities:
- Promoting Hospitality as a Way of Life
- Giving and Receiving Hospitality Games and Activities
- WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?
- HOSPITALITY CHART – TEACHING HOSPITALITY TO KIDS
- 11 Tips for TEACHING CHILDREN HOSPITALITY
- Discovering the Heart of True Hospitality
- Simple Hospitality in Your Home
Fun Activities
- Why is having a pantry so important?
Other:
- Play Checkers
- Research ways to preserve foods with Preserving Everything.
- Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.
Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on
Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to new skills.
Susie’s Chem Free Zone
Toxic chemicals in household products can be as dangerous as cigarettes! Dangerous chemicals are part of the reason we switched to Norwex products.
- Discuss what you learned.
- What are some changes you can help to make in your home?
Kids Cook Real Food
- Work on your next lesson.
- Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.
- Quick, easy, and healthy meals are the name of the game when your family is busy, and fall is the perfect time to break out the Instant Pot recipes!
- Fall Comfort Food
Skill Trek
- Work on at least one task a week.
- Practice your new skill this week.
- Preparing food with love
Herb Study
- Using one of the following for your study:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Be sure to jot down some notes.
- Play Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, a cooperative board game
Trim Healthy You
- Read through your lesson.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Complete any bookwork.
- Try out a recipe using your new information.
Week 5: Chapters 17, 18, 19 & 20
Memory Verse:
We will be memorizing Romans 8:31-39 during this unit study. Print it HERE.
- Work on memorizing one verse during the week for a special prize.
- Verse 35: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
- Verse 35: Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
- Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.
Character
- How did Ma show love to others?
- Was she a good hostess? Why or why not?
- Work on Let’s cooperate.
Manners
Let’s start reading about hospitality. Choose one of the books below to read from:
- A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others
- Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others
Read:
- A Life That Says Welcome p. 128-152
- Practicing Hospitality p. 131-158
Discussion:
- What are some things you learned?
- What are some areas you need to work on?
Try one of these activities:
- Giving and Receiving Hospitality Games and Activities
- WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?
- HOSPITALITY CHART – TEACHING HOSPITALITY TO KIDS
- 11 Tips for TEACHING CHILDREN HOSPITALITY
- Discovering the Heart of True Hospitality
- Simple Hospitality in Your Home
Fun Activities
Other:
- Practice washing up before meals.
- Take a moonlit walk with permission.
- Make a handkerchief from My Little House Sewing Book p. 22
- Make a recipe from The Little House on the Prairie Cookbook.
- Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.
Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on
Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to new skills.
Susie’s Chem Free Zone
Norwex Chemical Crashers Part 1
- Discuss what you learned.
- What are some changes you can help to make in your home?
Kids Cook Real Food
- Work on your next lesson.
- Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.
- Last Minute Christmas Gift
- Have a Healthy Christmas Party Without Any Sugar
Skill Trek
- Work on at least one task a week.
- Practice your new skill this week.
Herb Study
- Using one of the following for your study:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Be sure to jot down some notes.
- Play Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, a cooperative board game
Trim Healthy You
- Read through your lesson.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Complete any bookwork.
- Try out a recipe using your new information.
Week 6: Chapters 21, 22, 23 & 24
Memory Verse:
We will be memorizing Romans 8:31-39 during this unit study. Print it HERE.
- Work on memorizing one verse during the week for a special prize.
- Verse 36:As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
- Verse 36:As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.
- Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.
Character
- Discuss what you learned.
- How did the family serve others?
- Read Having a disabled child in the family
Manners
Continue reading about hospitality. Choose one of the books below to read from:
- A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others
- Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others
Read:
- A Life That Says Welcome p. 128-153
- Practicing Hospitality p. 47-72
Discussion:
- What are some things you learned?
- What are some areas you need to work on?
Try one of these activities:
- Promoting Hospitality as a Way of Life
- Giving and Receiving Hospitality Games and Activities
- WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?
- HOSPITALITY CHART – TEACHING HOSPITALITY TO KIDS
- 11 Tips for TEACHING CHILDREN HOSPITALITY
- Discovering the Heart of True Hospitality
- Simple Hospitality in Your Home
4. Fun Activities
Other:
- Make an apron from My Little House Sewing Book p. 42
- Plan out a holiday meal.
- Try a recipe from The Little House on the Prairie Cookbook.
- Sour Dough Biscuits p. 80
- Cambric Tea p. 186
- Johnny-Cakes p. 21 or try Hoe Cakes
- Popcorn p. 215
- Rabbit n’ Dumplings p. 37
- Research ways to preserve foods with Preserving Everything.
- Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.
Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on
Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to new skills.
Susie’s Chem Free Zone
Norwex Chemical Crashers Part 2
- Discuss what you learned.
- What are some changes you can help to make in your home?
Kids Cook Real Food
- Work on your next lesson.
- Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.
- 20 Recipes Kids Can Make
Skill Trek
- Work on at least one task a week.
- Practice your new skill this week.
Herb Study
- Using one of the following for your study:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Be sure to jot down some notes.
- Play Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, a cooperative board game
Trim Healthy You
- Read through your lesson.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Complete any bookwork.
- Try out a recipe using your new information.
Week 7: Chapters 25, 26, 27 & 28
Memory Verse:
We will be memorizing Romans 8:31-39 during this unit study. Print it HERE.
- Work on memorizing one verse during the week for a special prize.
- Verse 37: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
- Verse 37: Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
- Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.
Character
- Why is it important to have confidence in God?
- Who did God send to ‘calm the storm’ for Pa?
- Read Getting on with others – relationships and health -or-
- Read about Down syndrome or another disability.
Manners
Continue reading about hospitality. Choose one of the books below to read from:
- A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others
- Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others
Read:
- A Life That Says Welcome p. 223-242
- Practicing Hospitality p. 229-235
Discussion:
- What are some things you learned?
- What are some areas you need to work on?
Try one of these activities:
- Promoting Hospitality as a Way of Life
- Giving and Receiving Hospitality Games and Activities
- WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?
- HOSPITALITY CHART – TEACHING HOSPITALITY TO KIDS
- 11 Tips for TEACHING CHILDREN HOSPITALITY
- Discovering the Heart of True Hospitality
- Simple Hospitality in Your Home
Fun Activities
Check out this 1920s root cellar:
- Why would a root cellar be important to the Ingalls’?
Learn how to pack fragile items:
Other:
- Practice packing fragile items.
- Start planning a dinner party.
- Make a sunbonnet from My Little House Sewing Book p. 48
- Learn how to save seeds from your garden.
- Try a recipe from The Little House on the Prairie Cookbook:
- Salt Pork p. 10, 15, 44, 143, 143
- Salt Pork with Gravy p. 18-19
- Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.
Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on
Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to new skills.
Susie’s Chem Free Zone
Norwex Chemical Crashers Part 3
- Discuss what you learned.
- What are some changes you can help to make in your home?
Kids Cook Real Food
- Work on your next lesson.
- Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.
- Save on your food budget
Skill Trek
- Work on at least one task a week.
- Practice your new skill this week.
Herb Study
- Using one of the following for your study:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Be sure to jot down some notes.
- Play Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, a cooperative board game
Trim Healthy You
- Read through your lesson.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Complete any bookwork.
- Try out a recipe using your new information.
Week 8: Chapters 29, 30, 31 & 32
Memory Verse:
We will be memorizing Romans 8:31-39 during this unit study. Print it HERE.
- Work on memorizing one verse during the week for a special prize.
- Verse 38: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
- Verse 38: For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come,
- Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.
Character
- Ma laughed at the house but do you think she was thankful? Why or why not?
- What does contentment mean?
- Work on Being Happy
Manners
Continue reading about hospitality. Choose one of the books below to read from:
- A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others
- Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others
Read:
- A Life That Says Welcome p. 63-126
- Practicing Hospitality p. 101-130
Discussion:
- What are some things you learned?
- What are some areas you need to work on?
Try one of these activities:
- Promoting Hospitality as a Way of Life
- Giving and Receiving Hospitality Games and Activities
- WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?
- HOSPITALITY CHART – TEACHING HOSPITALITY TO KIDS
- 11 Tips for TEACHING CHILDREN HOSPITALITY
- Discovering the Heart of True Hospitality
- Simple Hospitality in Your Home
Fun Activities
Watch a well-digger in action:
Other:
- Finish planning and shopping for your dinner party.
- Try rearranging some furniture with permission.
- Draw it out on paper first.
- Learn how to get grass stains out of your clothes.
- Try to make some all-natural pest repellents:
- Research ways to preserve foods with Preserving Everything.
- Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.
Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on
Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to new skills.
Susie’s Chem Free Zone
With Norwex kids can help too!
- Discuss what you learned.
- What are some changes you can help to make in your home?
Kids Cook Real Food
- Work on your next lesson.
- Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.
- Smart Sweets
Skill Trek
- Work on at least one task a week.
- Practice your new skill this week.
- How to Get a House That Cleans Itself
Herb Study
- Using one of the following for your study:
- Discuss what you learned.
- Be sure to jot down some notes.
- Play Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, a cooperative board game
Trim Healthy You
- Read through your lesson.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Complete any bookwork.
- Try out a recipe using your new information.
Week 9: Finishing Up
Memory Verse:
We will be memorizing Romans 8:31-39 during this unit study. Print it HERE.
- Work on memorizing one verse during the week for a special prize.
- Verse 39: Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Older kids can copy the memory verse down in their notebook.
- Work on saying everything you have memorized.
Character
- Why do we need to take care of the earth?
- Do you think the Ingalls’ took care of the earth? Why or why not?
- What are some ways you can help?
- Work on Mosquitoes – how to avoid being their dinner -or-
- Work on You and the environment
Manners
Continue practicing hospitality. Finish reading your book:
- A Life That Says Welcome: Simple Ways to Open Your Heart & Home to Others
- Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others
Read:
- Finish up any reading you have left to do.
Discussion:
- What are some things you learned?
- What are some areas you need to work on?
Try one of these activities:
- Promoting Hospitality as a Way of Life
- Giving and Receiving Hospitality Games and Activities
- WHAT IS HOSPITALITY?
- HOSPITALITY CHART – TEACHING HOSPITALITY TO KIDS
- 11 Tips for TEACHING CHILDREN HOSPITALITY
- Discovering the Heart of True Hospitality
- Simple Hospitality in Your Home
Fun Activities
Learn how to host a party:
Other:
- Host your dinner party and practice your hospitality skills.
- Try some activities that you may have missed.
- Research ways to preserve foods with Preserving Everything.
- Click HERE to learn about fun and unusual holidays.
Bonus Skills — Choose one or two to work on
Practice these until you finish this unit study and then we will move on to new skills.
Susie’s Chem Free Zone
- Discuss what you learned.
- What are some changes you can help to make in your home?
Kids Cook Real Food
- Work on your next lesson.
- Help to prepare a meal using your new skills.
Skill Trek
- Work on at least one task a week.
- Practice your new skill this week.
- Try some Freebie Snacks
Herb Study
- Using one of the following for your study:
- Review what you learned.
- Write a short report about your favorite herb.
- Play Wildcraft! An Herbal Adventure Game, a cooperative board game
Trim Healthy You
- Read through your lesson.
- Discuss what you learned.
- Complete any bookwork.
- Try out a recipe using your new information.
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