Margie Gray's Prairie Primer Unit Study is one of the most interesting unit studies
around, and
also a fascinating way to develop a love for history. It uses the
Little House
books by Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Bible for
learning Biblical character qualities in
the setting of American
pioneer history. Mrs. Gray
has done a wonderful job of
making Pioneer history come alive.
Designed for
3rd to 6th graders, it can be easily
adapted for a wider age range.
It can be a full
program by adding Math and
Language Arts (grammar). Lots of
opportunities for
art, science, reading, encyclopedia
practice, writing-something for
every
child and much, much more.
It is great
for doing a unit without having to start from
scratch,using in multilevel families
and building character.
WHAT SUBJECT AREAS DOES IT COVER?
It covers U.S. History in the 1800's, U.S. geography, science,
language, practical
living, health, safety, nutrition, music and arts.
Except for grammar,spelling and math
the Primer is a well rounded
scholastic program. Each "Little House" book
is a unit that should take
about one month to complete.
WHAT MATERIALS ARE NEEDED FOR THE PRIMER UNITS?
The only items needed to use the Primer (about $45) are the nine "Little House"
books
by Laura Ingalls Wilder (about $30) and the Bible. There are plenty
of
supplemental materials that can be purchased to go along with the
units but are
not necessary. As for other resources, I would get the
Little House cookbook
(about $5), Historical Timetable (about $2),
Song Book and Tape Set (about $12),
and The World of Little House (see below for description).
The 1828 Dictionary is on-line
and so is much of the information needed. A good
encyclopedia would
be a great benefit, as well. The Laura Ingalls Wilder Country
would be a nice supplement.
HOW EASY IS IT TO USE?
The Primer is designed to be user friendly. The Weekly Planning guide
highlights the
resources and materials to be gathered.
Most resources can be found at most libraries.
The World of Little House by Carolyn Strom Collins and Christina Wyss Eriksson
is a perfect companion to use with the Prairie Primer. It has
background information on Laura, a family tree, pictures,and a timeline. There is
chapter on each of the 9 books including background information, recipes
(ex. molasses snow candy, clove apples), crafts (ex. 9-patch quilt, autograph book),
and travel maps. It even has directions how to polka and waltz. This little
book is packed with useful information. At one time, Scholastic Books was selling
a paperback version that was less expensive.
Helpful Sites
Webster's 1828 Dictionary
Songs and Musical Memories
Little House Word Find
Annisa's Garden Prairie Primer Page
Perkins LHOP Unit Study
Geneologies
Almanzo & Laura Ingalls Wilder's Family Tree
Laura Ingalls Wilder's Family Tree
Where to Get It
Cadron Creek Christian Curriculum (the original author)
Sycamore Tree(lots of resources/supplements)
R.O.C.K. Solid (PP Package and great prices)
Rainbow Resource (resources/supplements including the timeline)
THE LITTLE HOUSE BOOKS
The "Little House" Series is autobiographical fiction. This means that Laura Ingalls
Wilder writes about herself and her life, but it is considered fiction
in that the events recorded are reconstructed for the sake of storytelling.
Each book below has the topics taught in the Prairie Primer and links to websites that will help teach those topics.
Little House in the Big Woods
Little House on the Prairie
On the Banks of Plum Creek
By the Shores of Silver Lake
The Long Winter
Little Town on the Prairie
These Happy Golden Years
Farmer Boy
The First Four Years
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