American History

     I became interested in forts while I was following the Oregon Trail on my computer.  In this game you join people in their covered wagons and actually take the trip with them.  You have to make good decisions about crossing streams and rivers and choose the best way to cross. You pick which food and supplies to take along, and before you reach Oregon, you need to stop at forts along the way to buy more food and supplies, or you won’t survive. 

     Making this fort helped me see what one might actually look like.  It was fun putting it together, making the flag pole, and setting up the soldiers to protect the fort and people who come needing supplies.

     I wish I could ride in a real covered wagon to see what it’s like!  Both in The Little House on the Prairie books and on the Oregon Trail, people traveled in covered wagons. Even the wheels were made from wood.  They did not have good roads or bridges, so the ride was bumpy and wheels sometimes broke off.  This covered wagon was not too hard to put together.   All I needed was glue, tiny nails, and a hammer.

Project completed by a third grade student.  This project has given him many hours of learning about the history of our country as well as many hours of creative play, using his imagination to make up stories.

My American Journal

The link below will open a 33 page booklet that the White House has put together for students ages 6-11.  This is a wonderful way to incorporate many topics that will give your child a long term project which you can print and put in a binder.  There are sections on the students school, state, sports, favorite books, family, community service ideas and citizenship.

myamericanjournal.pdf