Objective

By the end of this lesson, Renee will gain an understanding of the daily life of Laura Ingalls Wilder and her family in "Little House in the Big Woods." She will learn about their activities, the importance of nature, and how families worked together during that time.

Materials and Prep

• Copy of "Little House in the Big Woods" (if available)
• Paper and colored pencils or crayons
• Natural items for a nature walk (like leaves, rocks, or flowers)
• Simple ingredients for making butter (heavy cream and a jar)
• Access to a safe outdoor space for activities

Before the lesson, it would be helpful to read a few chapters of the book together to spark Renee's interest. Prepare the ingredients for making butter and gather outdoor items for the nature walk.

Activities

• Nature Walk: Take a walk outside and collect natural items like leaves, flowers, and small stones. Talk about how Laura and her family lived close to nature and how they used what they found around them.
• Butter Making: Use heavy cream and a jar to make butter. Shake the jar together until it turns into butter. Discuss how food was prepared in Laura's time and the hard work it took.
• Draw Your Favorite Scene: After reading a chapter, have Renee draw her favorite scene from the story. This will help her express her understanding and creativity.
• Story Time: Read a chapter together and discuss what life was like for Laura and her family. Ask Renee questions about the characters and what she thinks about their lives.

Talking Points

• Life in the Woods: "Did you know that Laura lived in the woods with her family? What do you think it was like for them every day?"
• Working Together: "Laura and her family had to work very hard together. Can you think of something we can do together to help each other?"
• Nature's Importance: "Nature was very important to Laura's family. What is your favorite thing about nature?"
• Making Food: "They made their own food, like butter. Do you think it would be fun to make our own food?"
• Family Time: "Laura spent a lot of time with her family. What do you like to do with our family?"
• Stories and Imagination: "Laura's stories are fun because they use our imagination. What do you imagine when you think about her life?"
• Learning from the Past: "We can learn a lot from Laura's stories about how people lived long ago. What do you think is different from today?"