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School Year 2019-20
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Prof. Fee: $0
Homework: yes
Hours/Week: 3
Max/Min Students: 12/6
Grade Range: 3-6In this course, we will be learning all about pioneer life in America, in the 1800’s, through the eyes of Laura Ingalls Wilder. This is a historical literature class in which we will learn history as we read and discuss these books. We will be reading 8 of the 9 books in her Little House Book Series. We will read approximately a book every 4 weeks, with reading assignments in January when we are off. These books are readily available through your local library, but you can also purchase them easily at bookstores or online, used. This book series has sold over 60 million copies in 33 languages since its first publication in 1932.
You will need the following books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, in this order:
1. Little House in the Big Woods
2. Little House on the Prairie
3. Farmer Boy
4. On the Banks of Plum Creek
5. By the Shores of Silver Lake
6. The Long Winter
7. Little Town on the Prairie
8. These Happy Golden Years.
(9. The First Four Years, read it on your own to see how the story ends).
Course Expectations: Each student must obtain the books and keep up with the assigned reading schedule. We will discuss the home readings in class and also have activities to do in class that are consistent and reminiscent of the historical time period. For instance, we might braid with straw to make rope, we might “build” a log cabin, whittle some “wood,” make homemade butter, have a square dance, learn about fiddle music Laura’s Pa played, or have our own spelling bee. Many of the projects throughout the year will be sewing projects, like an embroidery sampler, sew a 9 patch quilt pillow, braid a rug, sew a sunbonnet etc…
Workload: Moderate to Heavy. At the end of each book, I will ask the students to write a reading response that will go in their lap book. What did they think of the book? What was their favorite part? Or who was their favorite character and why? So there will be some very short writing assignments to work on at home as well as the reading assignments. Students will be assigned about 60 to 80 pages of reading per week, so they need to be diligent and read 15 to 20 pages per day to keep up with the class. In order to get through the first 8 books, there will be a little reading assigned over the winter break in January. This is a year-long class in order to get through the book series.
Prerequisites: Fourth Grade + reading level is needed to keep up.
***Added Opportunity: I am planning to host a day of pioneer school (one room school house) experience at Wash-Oak School House in Northville at the end of our Spring semester. Date is TBD but plan for a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday 9:00am to 2:00pm at $5 to $10 per person. This will be a fun day to jump back in time and experience school during Laura’s day. Bring a lunch and feel free to dress in pioneer costumes for the full effect and experience!
** This ID is assigned to classes not on the current class schedule. The codes and descriptions are available then to revive to offer again. **
Details:Class meets on Monday from 9:00 PM to 9:55 PM