The Oregon Trail for Kids
Here is Goofy drawing a pictures from Draw Write Now that goes along with our study this week. We alternate between letting him free write, dictating, and writing the same copy work as is provided in the book. (You can get the {free} Westward Expansion Unit Printables here)
Dangers of Traveling West on the Oregon Trail
We discussed the dangers of heading West – bandits, snakeroot poisonous for cows (which if not caught people would drink in their milk), exhaustion, and the length of the trip – it took several months. Families had to save up about $1000 to go, so it wasn’t cheap! They traveled in caravans for safety & protection! We also talked about the 1862 homestead act that gave every single or married couple 160 acres. Sounds like a lot of land, but it wasn't the fertile land they had before and it took more land to feed their herd.
Oregon Trail Salt Dough Map
We painted our Salt Dough Map according to elevation. We added 4 major rivers and the Oregon Trail Route (in black). It was such a fun, memorable project. Making the map has certainly helped Goofy to remember a lot of Geography facts!!
DIY Covered Wagon (part of our hands on homeschool history unit)
We made our own covered wagon. We used cardboard for the base & wheels, a skewer to hold the wheels on, paper for the covering, and our Wild West Toob characters to go with our wagon. I love doing projects like this that really make history come alive for my 1st grader!
Make your own Crackers (like they did on the Oregon Trail)
We also made ‘supplies’ for traveling out west – crackers. They are simple to make. Just mix 1 cup flour, 1 teas baking powder, and pinch of flour. Blend in 1 TAB butter. Add 1/4 cup milk and mix until ball forms. On floured surface roll out your crackers, cut, prick with fork, and place on greased cookie sheet. I wish we’d gotten ours thinner…. so keep rolling! Bake at 450 for 9 minutes. Enjoy!
Practicing Counting by 1s, 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 10s
We practiced counting wagons in the caravan by 1s, 2s, 5s, and 10s. (This is part of the {free} Oregon trail Skip Counting File Folder Game)
Square Dancing for Kids
The kids and I learned a little square dancing and had fun dancing together!
Wonderful Oregon Trail Books to Read
Westward Expansion Unit:
- Westward Expansion #1
- Westward Expansion #2
- Westward Expansion #3
- {free} Wild West MEGA Pack (70 pages for kids 2-8 years old)
- Oregon Train Skip Counting File Folder Game
- Westward Themed Sensory Bin
- Geography is Fun with a Salt Dough Map
For more Homeschooling History Units see:
