INTRODUCING THE PIONEER UNIT

  1. Book Titles used: (a) Warm as Wool (b) I Walked to Zion (c) Going West
  2. Authors: (a) Scott Russell Sanders (b) Susan Arrington Madsen (c) Jean Van Leeuwen
  3. Publisher and Date: (a) Bradbury Press, 1992 (b) Desert Book 1994 (c) Dial Books, 1992
  4. Curriculum Developer: Tanalee Chlarson
  5. Summary of books: (a) Tells the true story of a pioneer family who moved from Connecticut to Ohio in the fall of 1803. The first winter is very cold and their clothing becomes ragged. The mother saves her money and buys sheep from which she makes wool for their clothing. The process of weaving is described. (b) A collection of true, short stories told by Mormon pioneer children who crossed the plains. These accounts are taken from their journals. I Walked to Zion gives the reader a first-hand look at what life is like while crossing the plains as a child. (c) This story tells about a little girls and her family's decision to move to California in the mid-1800's. It tells of riding in the wagon, what the country is like, and how she feels about the move.
  6. Social Studies Relevance: From these books, the subject of economics can be expanded upon by focusing on how the people saved money to cross the plains or to get the supplies they needed. These books provide historical accounts of the hardships the pioneers (particularly children) faced every day. Geography can be taught as the students explore the regions of the country over which the pioneers traversed.
  7. Grade Level Focus: second or third grade
  8. Relationship to Social Studies State Core:
    • 6020-0102. Participate in group writings, charts, diaries, and letters.
    • 6020-0106. Recall facts from stories or reports in sequence.
    • 6020-0301. Locate oceans and continents on a map and globe.
    • 6020-0401. Identify community events of the past, present, and future.
    • 6020-0404. Tell about the history of their local community.
    • 6020-0501. Describe different factors that influence change in the community.
    • 6020-0503. Conclude that when individuals make choices they must give up something (opportunity cost).
    • 6020-0507. Explain that with improved skills people become more productive.
    • 6030-0103. Locate and use source/reference materials in the lcassroom, library and/or media center, community library, and other community resources.
    • 6030-0302. Illustrate ways groups use natual resource in the environment to meet their basic needs.
    • 6030-0401. Identify land and water forms on a map such as islands, bays, lakes, etc.
    • 6030-0405. Use symbols for landscape features on a simple map.
    • 6030-0502. Explain reasons for spending and saving money.
    • 6030-0507. Identify how inventions influence change in society.