Little House on the Prairie: Part 1 — Life on the Frontier
Step back in time and walk in the footsteps of pioneers with this 8-week immersive unit inspired by Little House on the Prairie. Students explore westward expansion, homesteading skills, and the everyday adventures of life on the frontier. Through storytelling, crafting, and good old-fashioned fun, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for resourcefulness, community, and the courage it took to build a life in the wild unknown.
 
Week 1: Pioneer and Westward Expansion
We begin by binding our own journals to record the journey ahead—just like Laura Ingalls. Students craft covered wagons and write their own frontier adventure stories to launch this exciting exploration.
 
Week 2: Exploring Frontier Life
It’s all hands on deck during our Pioneer Chores Relay! Students take on the everyday tasks of frontier families through teamwork, speed, and laughter.
 
Week 3: Ways of Old
We slow things down and step into the pioneer kitchen to churn our own butter—learning the value of effort and tradition with every creamy spoonful.
 
Week 4: Never Wasting
Inspired by the pioneer value of “use it up, wear it out,” students learn to braid and create their own braided rugs using scrap materials.
 
Week 5: Pioneer Tools
Whittling and soap carving introduce students to safe tool use and the art of turning simple materials into something useful and beautiful.
 
Week 6: Pioneer Crafting
This week is all about homemade toys! Students make rag dolls and yarn dolls, connecting to the imaginative play of the past.
 
Week 7: Surviving on the Trail: Hardtack
Students learn about food preservation and trail life by making their own hardtack crackers and simmering a warm pot of pioneer-style soup.
 
Week 8: Pioneer Games
We wrap up with a good old-fashioned frontier field day! From jacks and checkers to a potato sack race and scavenger hunt, students celebrate their hard work with classic games and joyful community.