It’s that time of year again for us… time to get the next school year planned out. We finished up our 2023-2024 school year before Easter and I’ve been busy gathering supplies and making schedules as I coordinate with everyone for vacations, holidays, and special trips that we have planned.
It is always SO TEMPTING to take a few months off to just focus on this house but I know from past experience that this doesn’t go well and that it takes FOREVER to get a couple of the kids back into the school routine. You can read more about last year’s curriculum and routines HERE.
We switched to more of a Charlotte Mason-style approach and it was GREAT for the most part. We still have a couple of kids who just hate anything to do with math so that’s been a little challenging but we’re making progress. We’ve also really enjoyed using some of the FREE courses with Under the Home Homeschool.
I’ll try to keep this short and sweet so you can have a chance to check out these great sites and products! I started a list of sites and resources for March as we came to them.
These are some of our favorite resources from this past month:
I know I just recently posted about a bad dream I had but yet again I have another topic that we really don’t want to think about. Just recently a story made the news in our area about a young child who had wandered out and the result was a tragedy.
The babysitter had fallen asleep and the little one wandered out the door without her knowing. In our area we have a lot of retention ponds as we have a lot of wet areas and when it rains the extra water needs somewhere to go. Many of these ponds are fenced in but there are many that are not.
This little guy somehow managed to find his way to a pond that wasn’t fenced in and he fell in. No one knew he was missing until it was too late. A family has lost something that can never be replaced and a whole community is grieving.
The news has countless stories of children who have wandered away from home. Sometimes they are searching for days before they find them. Other times they never find them at all and the searches are called off. For every happy ending, it seems that there are a few with tragic endings.
I know how hard it is when you have young ones. They love to explore and they love to be outside. Even older children love these things too but generally, they have been taught some safety rules. Then you some of the special needs children, like one of mine, who are drawn to the water. They will do anything to get to the water and all they can think about is how much it is to play in the water. It can be very challenging to help them overcome their urges. Continue reading “Do you have a wanderer?”→
These lessons were made to go along with ‘On The Banks Of Plum Creek‘ 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!
On weeks where there are several activities listed just choose a couple that interest you the most to work on.
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, 5 & 6
1. Water Purification Safety
Drinking unpurified water can sometimes make you very sick.
**BE SURE TO SAVE A FEW SAMPLES OF YOUR WORK FOR YOUR PORTFOLIO! TAKE PICTURES OF BIG PROJECTS!
**This post does contain affiliate links to products and/or services that we use. We may earn a teensy weensy small commission (at NO EXTRA cost to you) if a purchase is made through these links. These links help to support our family, our blog, and our homeschooling mission.
**Although I try to provide as many FREE resources as possible this post may contain affiliate links alt no extra cost to you. We may earn a small commission, if a purchase is made through these links, which helps to support our blog and our family. Thank you!
Mornings:
We Start every morning off with our prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance. Below is a picture of the prayers that we say and a video of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Not the prettiest example but that’s what we’ve been using for the past few years.
Don’t have a flag? Grab one HEREand print it out to put up somewhere… you could even let the kids make a flag to proudly display. Amazon also has some little ones like this one HERE and HERE.
After this we have our calendar time also where we go over such things as the Days of the Week, the months, and some basic math.
This one came from Lakeshore Learning.
We also like to use this song during our ‘Morning Time’ to help the kids learn the 50 States.
Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter or topic 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.
In this unit we have learned why routines are so important. Below are some of the reason:
Routines help us to be more responsible
Routines help us to be more successful
Routines help us to be more productive
Routines help us to be more efficient
They can also help prevent a lot of frustration and stress from not being prepared for things that happen in our lives.
Have you been able to use your routine from last week?
How has it helped you?
What do you need to change?
Keep up the good work and find more ways to use routines to help make your life easier.
2. Ways to help around the house like Laura
One chore that my littler kids love to help with is watering the plants. You need to check with your parents before doing this as some plants don’t need as much water as others do.
Slowly tip the spout of the can into the pot and water as needed.
Don’t over water the plant or it will make a mess.
Look at the plant and remove any dead leaves or foliage.
Rotate the plant a little bit so it can get even sunlight
Move around the room and water each plant that needs watered.
Throw dead leaves in the trash can.
Pour unused water into the sink.
Return the watering can to its place.
3. Character
We will be focusing on OBEDIENCE this unit. If you don’t have the book we used you can go HERE and download a lesson plan guide to use in your home.
Memorize: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. – Colossians 3:20
We will be studying obedience during this unit. What is obedience?
Watch this video about Jonah:
Can anyone hide from God?
The men on the ship didn’t know that Jonah had been disobedient to God until he told them just as your parents don’t always know right away when you have been disobedient. God always knows.
How did Jonah’s disobedience affect the others?
What happened when Jonah repented?
What did Jonah do when God told him what to do the next time?
We need to pray for grace to be obedient.
4. Manners
Watch this video about manners:
5. Memory Verse
We should have memorized Psalm 8 during this unit study.
At the end of the book the family was moving again. I’m sure they didn’t have seatbelts but Ma and Pa made sure the girls knew what they needed to do to stay safe while traveling. What safety rules should you follow when in a vehicle?
Discuss what you have learned.
Go over the safety rules for the vehicle.
Practice these rules every time you go somewhere.
2. Games/Outdoor Play
Riding in the wagon was probably pretty boring at times and I’m sure the girls needed something to keep them occupied. Have you ever played Rock, Paper, Scissors with your friends? If not you can learn how to play this game and many other skills at SkillTrekker.com. How about this modified version:
**Although I try to provide as many FREE resources as possible this post may contain affiliate links alt no extra cost to you. We may earn a small commission, if a purchase is made through these links, which helps to support our blog and our family. Thank you!
Mornings:
We Start every morning off with our prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance. Below is a picture of the prayers that we say and a video of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Not the prettiest example but that’s what we’ve been using for the past few years.
Don’t have a flag? Grab one HEREand print it out to put up somewhere… you could even let the kids make a flag to proudly display. Amazon also has some little ones like this one HERE and HERE.
After this we have our calendar time also where we go over such things as the Days of the Week, the months, and some basic math.
This one came from Lakeshore Learning.
We also like to use this song during our ‘Morning Time’ to help the kids learn the 50 States.
Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter or topic 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 7: Chapters 19, 20 & 21 (Mr. Edwards Meets Santa Claus, A Scream in the Night, Indian Jamboree )
What would happen if someone did the steps out of order or forgot a step?
2. Ways to help around the house like Laura
Dusting is a necessary chore as dust can build up quickly around the house. I always loved it when my Mom-mom let me help dust. I was always so very careful with all of the knick knacks she had because I didn’t want to break anything.
Below we will also learn about wiping up smudges which can be done at the same time as dusting.
Smudges happen a lot in our home. It seems like no sooner do we clean them up then I see even more here and there. We go through the house about once a week, after we dust, and wipe down the furniture, light switches, and door knobs. This helps to keep everything looking nice and clean.
When they heard the scream at night Pa thought it may have been a neighbor needing help. He soon realized it was a panther and came back home quickly.
Wild animals can be dangerous. Do you know what to do to stay safe if you encounter a wild animal?
Discuss what you have learned.
What kinds of wild animals could you encounter where you live?
How will you keep yourself safe?
2. Games/Outdoor Play
Laura and Mary played games with each other and Baby Carrie. Try any of the games listed below or choose your favorite game to play. These would be really good games for when you are stuck inside the house.
**Although I try to provide as many FREE resources as possible this post may contain affiliate links alt no extra cost to you. We may earn a small commission, if a purchase is made through these links, which helps to support our blog and our family. Thank you!
Mornings:
We Start every morning off with our prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance. Below is a picture of the prayers that we say and a video of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Not the prettiest example but that’s what we’ve been using for the past few years.
Don’t have a flag? Grab one HEREand print it out to put up somewhere… you could even let the kids make a flag to proudly display. Amazon also has some little ones like this one HERE and HERE.
After this we have our calendar time also where we go over such things as the Days of the Week, the months, and some basic math.
This one came from Lakeshore Learning.
We also like to use this song during our ‘Morning Time’ to help the kids learn the 50 States.
Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter or topic 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 5: Chapters 13, 14 & 15 (Texas Longhorns, Indian Camp, Fever ‘N Ague)
Routines, like manners, can be used anywhere and everywhere even when we go outside.
The family was all sick during this section of the book. Do you think they kept up with their routines while they were sick? They seemed like they were all too sick to care about routines.
What happens when your mom and dad get sick? Does everyone know the daily routine well enough to keep the house running smoothly?
What do you think are some ideas for a good outside routine? Here are some ideas that could be incorporated into your routine:
Put on shoes
Put away shoes, jackets
Put on Bug Spray
Put on Sunscreen
Put on a hat, if needed
Cleaning up inside toys
Ask permission to go outside
Cleaning up outside toys
Put on outerwear, depending on the weather
Washing hands
Can you think of anything else?
Add your own ideas to this list.
Put the tasks in order from what you should start with.
How could this routine have helped keep the family from getting sick?
2. Ways to help around the house like Laura
We are going to learn how to mop. Mopping can be done a couple of ways. Some people prefer to use a mop and bucket of soapy water, others like myself like to use a steam mop, and some people use disposable mops like Swiffers.
However you mop if up to you but you need to make sure it is done properly. Sometimes we need to hand scrub areas of the floor too and we will learn about that next week.
How to Mop:
Floors need to be swept well before mopping.
Move anything that can be moved to make mopping easier.
You need to find your mop and whatever supplies you will need.
For steam mops you usually only need to fill the tank with water.
Ask for a parent’s help.
For Swiffer type mops, you just need the mop and disposable pad.
For mops and buckets you need:
a mop
a bucket filled halfway with hot water and cleaner added to it.
each time you put the mop in the bucket you will need to wring it out well before putting it on the floor.
Begin mopping in one corner of the area and work your way around.
Pay attention to areas that may be extra dirty.
Check to make sure you didn’t miss anything.
When finished you need to pour out the dirty water, if a mop and bucket was used. We usually pour it in the toilet when we use this method.
Rinse out the bucket.
Clean out your mop, throw away any disposable pads, or put the washable pads in the hamper.
Put away your tools.
Replace anything you moved before you started mopping.
3. Character
We will be focusing on OBEDIENCE this unit. If you don’t have the book we used you can go HERE and download a lesson plan guide to use in your home.
Memorize: Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. – Colossians 3:20
We will be studying obedience during this unit. What is obedience?
The girls often went exploring but made sure not to wander off. It would probably have been easy to get lost on the big prairie. Would you know what to do if you got lost?
Discuss what you have learned.
Make a list of all the steps to do if you get lost.
Work on memorizing the information you would need if you got lost.
When the family got sick they didn’t know what had caused the illness. Mrs. Scott had believed it had come from the watermelon but it had actually came from mosquitoes. How can we protect ourselves from mosquitoes and other insects?
Discuss what you have learned.
What are some ways that we can prevent bug bites?
3. Calcium for strong bones
Ma and the girls were excited to see that Pa had brought home a cow as they hadn’t had any milk for a long time. Why is milk so important in our diets?
Discuss what you have learned.
Name some of the benefits of drinking milk.
Watch this video to learn about how much calcium we need and other sources of calcium.
Discuss what you learned.
What is your favorite calcium rich food? And your least favorite?
Protected: PROTECTED: Little House On The Prairie Answer Key Links**Although I try to provide as many FREE resources as possible this post may contain affiliate links alt no extra cost to you. We may earn a small commission, if a purchase is made through these links, which helps to support our blog and our family. Thank you!
Mornings:
We Start every morning off with our prayers and the Pledge of Allegiance. Below is a picture of the prayers that we say and a video of the Pledge of Allegiance.
Not the prettiest example but that’s what we’ve been using for the past few years.
Don’t have a flag? Grab one HEREand print it out to put up somewhere… you could even let the kids make a flag to proudly display. Amazon also has some little ones like this one HERE and HERE.
After this we have our calendar time also where we go over such things as the Days of the Week, the months, and some basic math.
This one came from Lakeshore Learning.
We also like to use this song during our ‘Morning Time’ to help the kids learn the 50 States.
Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter or topic 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 (Going West, Crossing the Creek and Camp on the High Prairie
Talk about the importance of routines. We will be talking a lot about routines during this unit. Routines are simply a tool that help us to be more successful in our everyday lives. They are a set of steps that we follow on a regular basis to achieve our goals. Routines help everyone to know what is expected of them and when. This can help wi th frustrations that we face in our daily lives.
Ma kept to her routines even though things were very different. One big difference was the way she had to cook meals. This is a good skill to learn whether you like to camp or in the event of an emergency. Answer the questions below:
What things mentioned were part of their normal routine?
Why do you think Ma kept to these routines?
Watch this video on why routines are so important to kids:
Discuss what you have learned.
What routines help you the most?
What areas do you think you need better routines for?
We like to use the FlyLady app on our phone to keep track of our routines.
2. Ways to help around the house like Laura
We are going to talk about straightening up around the house.
These basic steps can be used in any room of the house.
How to straighten up a room:
First we need to pickup the items that don’t belong in the area/room. ex: Shoes, clothes, toys, etc.
You can use a laundry basket to pick up stray items and to carry them to where they belong.
Pick up all the trash in the area.
Put the trash where it belongs.
Check for spills and other messes.
Clean up messes as you find them.
Pick up piles and stacks of papers or books.
Put everything where it belongs.
Carry dirty dishes to the kitchen
Put them in the sink or other designated place.
Straighten DVDs and bookshelves.
Everything should be facing out so it can be read easily.
Fold blankets and put them where they belong.
Straighten and fluff pillows.
Straighten anything else that is out of place.
Wipe down anything that needs cleaned.
Ask what cleaner should be used.
Sweep or vacuum the floor.
Check the room over before leaving.
Do you know where everything goes? If not, be sure to ask a parent or older sibling to show you where to put everyting.
Watch this quick video and discuss what you learned:
3. Character
We will be focusing on OBEDIENCE this unit. If you don’t have the book we used you can go HERE and download a lesson plan guide to use in your home.
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. – Colossians 3:20
We will be studying obedience during this unit. What is obedience?
Obedience means to willfully, promptly, and cheerfully do whatever a person of authority (ex: parents, teachers, or God) asks you to do.
Being obedient. This may not seem like a big deal but there could have been some serious consequences had Laura and Mary not obeyed Ma when crossing the river.
Why do you think it was so important for Laura and Mary to be obedient?
And Jacob… lighted upon a certain place, … and he took the stones of that place, and put them for his pillows, and lay down in that place to sleep. – Genesis 28:10-11
Read a book about camping. Record the Title and Author on your Reading Log.
You may also want to get a notebook to keep track of all the interesting things you will be learning.
Camping can be a very fun experience, if you are prepared.
Learn about Herbs.
And God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food. – Genesis 1:29
You will need a good book about herbs. Record the Title and Author on your Reading Log.
**This post may contain affiliate links to some of the products and resources that we have used. These are provided at no extra charge to you and help to support our blog and family if a purchase is made through these links. -Thank you!
Here are our Lesson Plans For PE, Health & Safety
These lessons were made to go along with ‘The Little House On The Prairie‘ 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!
On weeks where there are several activities listed just choose a couple that interest you the most to work on.
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
1. Water Safety
Crossing the creek proved to be very dangerous and scary for the Ingalls family. Watch these videos for some safety tips.
Discuss what you have learned.
Name 5 ways to stay safe around water.
2. Games/Outdoor Play
Horses were very useful in many ways during the pioneer times. This game doesn’t involve horses but is a fun game to play.
The Ingalls’ family used their fireplace not only to cook but also to keep warm. This means it was essential to use almost everyday. They kids learned how to stay safe around the fireplace and you can too.
Discuss what you have learned.
List 5 things you should do to stay safe around a fireplace.
2. Heater Safety
The Ingalls family used their fireplace to keep warm but many of us don’t have fireplaces. Sometimes people use heaters to keep warm. Let’s learn how to stay safe.
Sometimes people use things like BBQ grills to heat their home when they can’t use a heater. Do you know why this can be dangerous?
Discuss what you have learned.
Make a safety checklist for heating your home.
3. Games/Outdoor Play
Laura enjoyed watching all of the animals on the prairie and mentioned the many different types of birds she saw. You can take turns naming the birds while playing this game.
The story talks about how hot the sun was on the prairie and mentioned how Mr. Scott didn’t tan but burned. Let’s learn some safety tips for when we are in the sun.
Discuss what you learned.
Name something that Ma continued to remind the girls to use to protect them from the sun.
Do you think the girls tanned or burned? Why?
What are some ways that we can stay safe in the sun?
Do you know how to treat a sunburn? Watch this video for tips:
2. Snake Safety
The girls enjoyed exploring and playing outside. They often saw a lot of different wildlife on the prairie but they knew to stay away from snakes. Let’s learn a little about snake safety and what to do in case you get a snake bite.
Discuss what you learned.
Write down the steps to take if you see a snake.
Write down the steps to take if you get a snake bite.
The girls often went exploring but made sure not to wander off. It would probably have been easy to get lost on the big prairie. Would you know what to do if you got lost?
Discuss what you have learned.
Make a list of all the steps to do if you get lost.
Work on memorizing the information you would need if you got lost.
When the family got sick they didn’t know what had caused the illness. Mrs. Scott had believed it had come from the watermelon but it had actually came from mosquitoes. How can we protect ourselves from mosquitoes and other insects?
Discuss what you have learned.
What are some ways that we can prevent bug bites?
3. Calcium for strong bones
Ma and the girls were excited to see that Pa had brought home a cow as they hadn’t had any milk for a long time. Why is milk so important in our diets?
Discuss what you have learned.
Name some of the benefits of drinking milk.
Watch this video to learn about how much calcium we need and other sources of calcium.
Discuss what you learned.
What is your favorite calcium rich food? And your least favorite?
Click HERE to read about the Plains Indian’s diet.
Discuss what you have learned.
How does this compare to our diet?
4. Games/Outdoor Play
Regular exercise is important for strong bones. Watch this video to learn about what exercises can help increase bone density.
Discuss what you learned.
Go outside and play 30 minutes and try out some bone strengthening activities.
Bonus:
Did you know that Square Dancing is a good exercise for helping you to have strong bones?
If you haven’t already signed up for classes have your parents check for a local club near you.
Week 6: Chapters 16, 17 & 18
1. Fire Safety
Ma and Laura acted quickly when there was a fire. Would you know what to do if there was a fire in your home?
Watch this fire safety video:
Discuss what you learned.
Come up with a fire safety plan and practice it.
2. Burn Treatment
After the fire was out Ma checked Laura for burns but she wasn’t hurt. This was a good thing.
We have learned about fire safety but sometimes we might find that we have accidentally gotten burned. Let’s learn about how to treat a burn:
Discuss what you have learned.
3. Games/Outdoor Play
Pa told them about the geese and turkeys he saw while out hunting and brought back some ducks for dinner. Have you ever watched the birds flying south for winter? If not, maybe you can keep an eye out for them in the Fall.
When they heard the scream at night Pa thought it may have been a neighbor needing help. He soon realized it was a panther and came back home quickly.
Wild animals can be dangerous. Do you know what to do to stay safe if you encounter a wild animal?
Discuss what you have learned.
What kinds of wild animals could you encounter where you live?
How will you keep yourself safe?
2. Games/Outdoor Play
Laura and Mary played games with each other and Baby Carrie. Try any of the games listed below or choose your favorite game to play. These would be really good games for when you are stuck inside the house.
We learned about how the Fever n’ Ague was spread by mosquitoes but do you know how other diseases are spread?
Discuss what you have learned.
2. Diseases spread to the Indians
We have read and researched about the Indians. Did you know that many Indians died from diseases that were brought by the newcomers? Let’s learn about some of these diseases.
Watch this video to learn about some of the diseases spread to the Indians by settlers:
Discuss what you have learned.
What diseases have you heard of? Which ones have you never heard of?
Are these diseases still around today?
Older kids can choose a disease to research further and write a report about.
3. Importance of Sleep
In this section of the book the family had trouble sleeping. Do you remember why? Do you know why sleep is so important?
Discuss what you have learned.
Talk about a time when you didn’t get enough rest. How did you feel?
Some of these games may be fun to include with your Indian Party.
Week 10: Finishing Up
1. Vehicle Safety
At the end of the book the family was moving again. I’m sure they didn’t have seatbelts but Ma and Pa made sure the girls knew what they needed to do to stay safe while traveling. What safety rules should you follow when in a vehicle?
Discuss what you have learned.
Go over the safety rules for the vehicle.
Practice these rules every time you go somewhere.
2. Games/Outdoor Play
Riding in the wagon was probably pretty boring at times and I’m sure the girls needed something to keep them occupied. Have you ever played Rock, Paper, Scissors with your friends? If not you can learn how to play this game and many other skills at SkillTrekker.com. How about this modified version:
**Although I try to provide as many FREE resources as possible this post may contain affiliate links alt no extra cost to you. We may earn a small commission, if a purchase is made through these links, which helps to support our blog and our family. Thank you!
Our school week is usually completed in 4 days. We use a Loop Schedule where we work for a designated amount of time on each subject before moving on to the next. After their work is completed for the day the kids are allowed to have independent studies were they can study whatever their little hearts desired.
Our 5th day is an optional day that we use to complete unfinished work or for other activities as we choose.
Please click HERE for a list of resources that we have purchased from Amazon and other suppliers.
Click on the links below for the series you would like to view/use. I will update these links as we get them finished.
Tip: If you want to go to a certain week/chapter or topic 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.
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