Pioneer stories of the wild frontier continue to enchant American children and teachers alike. This week, tempt your kids to sit down and journal with these pioneer writing prompts.
1. Westward Ho!
When pioneer families moved west, they packed only the most important belongings. Imagine your parents just sold your house and bought a covered wagon. You can keep only three outfits, two books, and one toy. Which items will you choose and why?
2. The Oregon Trail
Write a story using at least five of these words: Missouri, prairie, wagon train, dog, sunbonnet, Indians, campfire, thunderstorm, river, Idaho.
3. Little House in the White Snow
After one year on a new homestead, your family has built a sturdy, one-room log cabin. Describe this room on a winter evening, using your senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.
4. The Language of Friendship
After settling into your new prairie home, you learn that your nearest neighbors are immigrants who don’t speak a word of English. Make a list of the first ten words or phrases you will try to teach your new friends. Now, make a list of three to five steps for how to teach these English words.
5. Now and Then
Farm life on the 1870s frontier was quite different from city life in the eastern states, where streets bustled with horses and carriages and homes were lit by kerosene lamps. In a letter to your cousin who lives back east, compare and contrast your old life in the city with your new life on a Nebraska farm.
Be sure to check back each week for more Writing Prompt Wednesdays!
