hands on history

Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

March 23, 2023 | 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love this Little House on the Prairie Unit Study and fun punched tin lantern. Also, grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies page.

If you are anything like me, you grew up watching or reading about Laura Ingalls and her family’s adventures traveling westward from their first home in the little house in the big woods of Wisconsin.

I spent many hours imagining I was Laura with my trusty guard dog Jack, running along the banks of Plum creek, going into town, and feuding with Nellie Olsen.

Little House on The Prairie Unit Study and Fun Punched Tin Lantern

If you too are eager to begin a Little House on the Prairie Unit Study with your kids, I have tons of great ideas to get you started.

Whether you settle in the prairie for a week or submerge yourself in all things Ingalls for a month or more you will find plenty here to keep you busy.

5 Little House on the Prairie Facts You May Not Have Known

Laura Ingalls Wilder’s first book wasn’t published until 1932, 65 years after she was born.
Laura was only 4’ 11” tall when she was fully grown, not particularly short for women of that time period, but it explains why Pa called her his” little half pint of cider half drunk up”.
Laura’s first attempt at book writing about her life experiences was called Pioneer Girl, and it was initially rejected by publishers. Her daughter Rose suggested her mother rewrite it for the children. Clearly, it worked.
Her longtime Missouri home, Rocky Ridge Farm, was turned into a museum.
Laura’s father Charles was part of the Delano family. You might recognize the name – Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Laura was the fifth cousin once removed to FDR and a third cousin once removed to Ulysses S. Grant.

Pioneer Crafts and Activities

Then, add these books for beautiful literature.

Little House on the Prairie Unit Study Resources

Add some of these fun resources to ignite a love for learning about the Little House on the Prairie.

The Little House (9 Volumes Set)

The nine books in the timeless Little House series tell the story of Laura’s real childhood as an American pioneer, and are cherished by readers of all generations. They offer a unique glimpse into life on the American frontier, and tell the heartwarming, unforgettable story of a loving family.

Pioneer Girl: The Story of Laura Ingalls Wilder

Readers around the world know and love Laura, the little girl born in the Big Woods of Wisconsin and raised in covered wagons and on wide open prairies. Now Little House fans can learn more about the remarkable story of the pioneer girl who would one day immortalize her adventures in the beloved Little House books in this, the first picture book biography book of Laura Ingalls Wilder.

A Little Prairie House (Little House Picture Book)

With the My First Little House picture book series, the youngest readers can share in the joy of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House books in these illustrated adaptations of the beloved series!

Laura, Pa, Ma, Mary, and baby Carrie have traveled from the Big Woods to the prairie in their covered wagon, driving through tall grass until they found just the right spot for their new home. With the help of their kind neighbor, Mr. Edwards, Pa builds a snug little house for the family in the middle of the wide-open prairie.

Farmer Boy (Little House, 2)

The second book in the treasured Little House series, Farmer Boy is Laura Ingalls Wilder’s beloved story of how her husband, Almanzo, grew up as a farmer boy far from the little house where Laura lived. This edition features the classic black-and-white artwork from Garth Williams.

The nine Little House books have been cherished by generations of readers as both a unique glimpse into America’s frontier history and as heartwarming, unforgettable stories. The Little House series has captivated millions of readers with its depiction of life on the American frontier.

While Laura Ingalls grows up on the prairie, Almanzo Wilder is living on a big farm in New York State. Here Almanzo and his brother and sisters help with the summer planting and fall harvest. In winter there is wood to be chopped and great slabs of ice to be cut from the river and stored. Time for fun comes when the jolly tin peddler visits, or best of all, when the fair comes to town.

Almanzo wishes for just one thing—his very own horse—and he must prove that he is ready for such a big responsibility.

The Little House Cookbook

With this cookbook, you can learn how to make classic frontier dishes like corn dodgers, mincemeat pie, cracklings, and pulled molasses candy. The book also includes excerpts from the Little House books, fascinating and thoroughly researched historical context, and details about the cooking methods that pioneers like Ma Ingalls used, as well as illustrations by beloved artist Garth Williams.

Who Was Laura Ingalls Wilder?

Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books, based on her own childhood and later life, are still beloved classics almost a century after she began writing them. Now young readers will see just how similar Laura's true-life story was to her books. Born in 1867 in the "Big Woods" in Wisconsin, Laura experienced both the hardship and the adventure of living on the frontier. Her life and times are captured in engaging text and 80 black-and-white illustrations.

Laura Ingalls Dress Up

Three Piece Set: Kid girls colonial dress, attached apron and bonnet.

Little House Coloring Book: Coloring Book for Adults and Kids

A beautifully designed coloring book featuring classic artwork by Garth Williams and quotes from all nine original Little House books. Perfect for at-home creative time—return to the world of Little House with your kids...or enjoy on your own!

Join Laura Ingalls, her Ma and Pa, and her sisters, Mary, Carrie, and Grace, on their travels across the frontier as you color in your favorite pioneer characters and scenes and revisit this beloved series.

This 96-page coloring book offers hours of relaxing, stress-reducing pleasure.

Also, it’s fun learning about Laura’s life through the pages of her books, but here are some facts too.

About Laura Ingalls Wilder

Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder (February 7, 1867 – February 10, 1957) was an American writer, mostly known for the Little House on the Prairie series of children’s books, published between 1932 and 1943, which were based on her childhood in a settler and pioneer family.

Moreover, she was born in Pepin, Wisconsin in the “little house in the big woods” in 1867.

She lived through huge changes in America. Her family moved several times traveling by covered wagon.

Little House books

The eight original Little House books are:

Little House in the Big Woods (1932)
Farmer Boy (1933) – about Almanzo Wilder growing up in New York
Little House on the Prairie (1935)
On the Banks of Plum Creek (1937)
By the Shores of Silver Lake (1939)
The Long Winter (1940)
Little Town on the Prairie (1941)
These Happy Golden Years (1943)

Moreover, there are many topics and words for your child to learn about pioneer life in America.

I’ve listed some below.

Vocabulary Words

Although it’s important to understand the words used, I wanted my kids to love learning about the expansion in American history; And to see history unfold through the eyes of a child.

However, I’ve listed some below to add another language arts element.

wandered
massacre
scorched
huddled
brindle
papoose

trotted
beholden
staggering
rummaged
yonder
molasses

Next, look at these hands on fun ideas.

15 Little House on the Prairie Unit Study Hands-on Ideas

Play the Oregon Trail Online Game to give your child an idea of the route and the hardships those moving westward faced.

Make a Fun No Sew Pioneer Rag Doll just like little girls like Laura played with during those times.

It makes a lovely handicraft activity as well as a sweet keepsake of your study.

Create Fun Pioneer Peg Dolls to represent each of the characters in the book.

Try your hand at Pioneer Living and Cloth Dyeing using the same things that the pioneers would have to color fabric.

Make Maple Snow Candy and enjoy a taste of those days.

In addition, history overlaps quite a bit and though the original is tied to Daniel Boone you can recreate this Edible Log Cabin as an art project and a yummy snack.

Learn how to make soap.

Create a Native American cradleboard or papoose.

And make buttermilk biscuits.

If you really want to get a taste of pioneer history, Make Butter and Hardtack to sample.

Do a Hands-on Fun Shrunken Head Apple Craft.

Grab these fun 10 Westward Expansion History Fun Coloring Pages

0. Westward Expansion History Fun 10 Coloring Pages
$1.75 Add to cart

Enjoy a picnic outdoors with a lunch pail- wrap sandwiches and other items in waxed or brown paper, tie it up with a string, and carry it out in a tin bucket. Spread out a colorful piece of fabric or a quilt to enjoy your supper.

Learn the information on the Free Westward Ho History Cards

Do your lessons on small personal blackboards just like the girls did at home or in their little one-room schoolhouse.

Look at pictures of a pioneer house then and compare them to how we live today.

In addition, look at some more unit studies and topics which go along with this theme.

More American History Unit Studies

Next, these unit study ideas either happened at the same time Laura lived or before her birth so your child understands this period in American history.

Too, not only does Laura describe terrifying events about wolves, but there would have been plenty of wildlife to learn about.

More Best Homeschool Unit Studies

Wildlife on the Prairie

Look at this list of wildlife to learn about.

Coyotes
Bison
Wolves
White tail Deer and grab my Deer Unit Study Ideas.
Black Bear and grab my ideas here Black Bear Unit Study and Fun Edible Bear Poop.
Beavers and grab my ideas here Build a Fun Beaver Dam.

Moreover, look at my Lewis and Clark Unit Study which has more information about the flora and fauna along the route.

Finally, look at this next hands-on idea to add your fun Little House on the Prairie Unit Study.

How to Make a Punched Tin Lantern

Supplies needed:

A clean empty vegetable can
Hammer
Nails of a few different sizes
Small hand towel
Dry erase marker
Wire
Needle nose pliers
Battery-operated candle or small glass votive

Directions:

First, check to be sure that there are no sharp spots on the lantern where the top was removed.

Trim them off by going over the edges with a can opener again or with a metal file.

Also, if there is any remaining adhesive, you can remove it by running a hot blow dryer over the spot and pulling it off while it is still warm.

Fill the tin can with water and freeze until completely solid.

Draw out your design on one side with a fine-tipped marker like a sharpie.

Carefully tape a nail through the lines of your design with the hammer and continue all over the design placing holes around ¼” or less apart.

You can also use a Phillips head screwdriver or an awl if you have one for something with a handle.

Flip and repeat your designs on the other sides the same way wherever you would like it.

Punch a hole through on either side near the top for the handle.

Take a strand of jewelry wire and double it for added thickness.

Run it through one hole and twist the ends around the wire with needle nose pliers tucking in the sharp ends.

Next, run the wire as high as you would like the handle to be upwards and then down to the other side. Push it through and twist the wires again to close.

Allow the ice to melt but you can speed this process up by running hot water in and over the lantern or placing it outside in the sun.

Dry the lantern and add a candle to the inside. What do you think, ready to start your own unit study?

Learn About Daniel Boone Hunting With a Fun Deer Unit Study & Notebooking Pages

March 18, 2023 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Your child will have fun learning about Daniel Boone hunting with this quick deer unit study. Look at more ideas on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer and for my unit studies on best homeschool unit studies.

If you are trailblazing through the woods exploring about Daniel Boone, you may want to head into learning about Daniel Boone hunting.

Back when people were moving westward and setting out on new trails the wild game was plentiful in the woods.

Learn About Daniel Boone Hunting With a Fun Deer Unit Study & Notebooking Pages

Daniel Boone would have no doubt encountered deer, squirrel, bear, fox, raccoon, rabbit, beaver, and wild turkey.

I have gathered up plenty of resources for you to focus on a deer unit study.

Boone was a very gifted hunter and deer were a plentiful and common target for the woodsman.

Ideas for a Deer Unit Study

You will find books, games, and hands-on ideas.

I will walk you through a fun art project focusing on the deer’s antlers.

If your family are hunters your child is no doubt already immersed in the world of the hunt.

But if they are just starting out there are a lot of great resources to introduce them to deer, their habitats, their place in the food chain, and more.

10 Fun Facts About Deer

Next, look at these fun facts about deer.

Deer can reach short distance bursts of speed up to 30mph and jump over 10 feet.
One in 30,000 deer are albino, the absence of pigment, which gives them white fur and pink eyes.
There are more than 40 different species of deer in the world.
A moose is actually a member of the New World deer subfamily.
Male deer shed their antlers once a year. Males grow antlers from March – September. The antlers are shed in late winter.
On rare occasions, a female will grow antlers.
A common deer in North America is the white-tailed deer.
A male white-tailed deer is called a buck, a female is called a doe and the young are called fawns.
White-tailed deer are herbivores. They eat twigs, buds, and leaves of a wide variety of plants.
Deer antlers are the fastest growing bone known and can grow as much as a ½ inch a day.

Then, look at some of these fun resources to learn about deer.

Deer Unit Study Resources

Add these books for a fun deer unit study or to learn about animals encountered along the trails of the Westward Expansion.

The Lost Deer Camp

I found this interesting looking hunting series of chapter books; The Lost Deer Camp (Hometown Hunters) would fit perfectly with a deer unit study.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

While Nature Anatomy does not have a ton on deer specifically it does have a small section on antlered animals including deer, and it gives a simple illustration of the Lyme Bacteria cycle that often plagues deer and gives another take on deer. There are also other common animals of the forest as well as information on the habitat.

MEROCO Forest Animal Track Game Flash Cards

Animal Track game is a educational game that will teach kids how to match animals with their tracks and where to find them!

Most animals do not want to come in close contact with humans, but if you learn to notice and recognize their tracks, you will be able identify which animals visit your neighborhood or like to walk along the same trails as you do. Animal tracks can become a window into an otherwise hidden world-the presence and habits of wild animals.

Tracks, Scats and Signs (Take Along Guides)

Become a nature detective with this illustrative, engaging and fun Take-Along-Guide. You may not know where to look, or what to look for, but animal signs are everywhere and this guide will help you learn how to read them.

Deer Hunting for Kids (Into the Great Outdoors)

You’re perched in a tree stand when a huge whitetail walks below you. You raise your gun to aim. Do you have what it takes to bag this trophy buck? Now is your chance to learn what you need to know about deer hunting history, gear, techniques, safety, and more.

Late for the Sky Hunting-opoly Board Game

The board game classic with a Hunting twist

Choose traditional play or one hour version

Opoly-style play

Player pieces consist of crossbow, shotgun shell, backpack, boot, shed, binoculars

Tracker

For John Borne’s family, hunting has nothing to do with sport or manliness. It’s a matter of survival. Every fall John and his grandfather go off into the woods to shoot deer and put meat on the
table over the long Minnesota winter. But this year, John’s grandfather is dying, and John must hunt alone. John tracks a doe for two days, but as he closes in on his prey, he realizes he cannot shoot
her. For John, the hunt is no longer about killing, but about life.

About White-Tailed Deer

Deer are ruminant mammals which means it has a four‐chambered stomach.

In addition, deer are browsers which means they eat leaves and buds which are not easily digestible.

Their name white tailed deer comes from the fact that when they are in danger their white tail stands upright like a flag.

Too, antlers are grown by only male deer called bucks. However, both male and female reindeer have antlers.

Antlers are made of bone and is covered by a substance called velvet which is full of blood vessels to supply nutrients to the bone.

In addition, no doubt when Daniel Boone was hunting, he was familiar with the diet and habitat of the white tailed deer.

For example, they like open woods, old fields and anywhere along water sources. Deer use the wooded areas for cover and food.

And deer feed on nuts, berries, woody shoots and stems, acorns, honeysuckle, and poison ivy.

If food is planted like corn, soybeans and decorative shrubs they’ll eat that food too.

Next, deer normally make three different sounds which are maternal, reproductive and alarm.

Moreover, I have some fun deer notebooking pages to add to this unit study.

Deer Notebooking Pages

Further, your child can do his own research about deer and add his own notes or use some facts off my post here.

Grab the notebooking pages below.

Also, add in some fun hands-on activities.

Hands-on Deer Activities

This Easy Hands-on Science: Animal Camouflage Activity Hunt is a great introduction to understanding animal camouflage for younger children.
Grab this White Tailed Deer Print Out for younger kids to see the different parts of a deer as well as a footprint.
Make a hand craft deer for the littles.
If you have the opportunity to use some you have or borrow some antlers from a hunt or shed, let your child explore them by touching and seeing what they feel like, count the tips, and make other observations.

Fun Learning About Daniel Boone Hunting With a Quick Deer Unit Study

Turn a few fun deer toys into a wonderful activity by adding a little sand, moss, rocks, and sticks to a tray or bin to turn it into a deer themed sensory activity. Use a small piece of paper to give the woodland clearing a pond.

Discuss the differences between antlers and horns and if you have some let your kids explore how they are the same and different. Additionally, measure them and learn about math measurements.
Get outdoors with a field guide to locate wildlife and learn about when is the best time to view deer.
Learn how colonists and early Native American used parts of the deer in everyday life.
Further learn and match animal tracks.

Daniel Boone Hunting and Life Resources

Next, look at these other the life of Daniel Boone hunting and about his life resources.

Finally, I am going to walk you through creating your own multimedia deer art project.

We are going to focus on the antlers.

It makes a good springboard to talk about deer antlers, why they have them, and why they fall off.

This will be the easiest way anyone has brought home a 10 point buck.

Deer Art Project

You will need:

11×14 canvas
Sticks and twigs of various sizes
Hot glue gun/glue sticks
Acrylic paint
pencil

Before you begin, sketch out the top of your deer head onto paper until you are happy with your design.

Retrace the design onto the canvas with a pencil.

Don’t worry about getting it perfect.

We are making our deer just peek over the edge and focusing on those antlers.

Water down blue paint and paint all around the drawing. But do not paint to the edges of your drawing.

Crumple up a rag or paper towel and pat the blue all over to lighten the paint.

Allow the blue paint to dry to the touch, it shouldn’t take long since you removed all the excess paint.

Begin painting to fill in the outline of the deer with brown paint and add details with black and light brown for highlights.

Let the paint dry completely and lay out the sticks until you are satisfied with your antlers.

Lastly, hot glue each piece down

How to Get the Free Deer Notebooking Pages

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That means when you sign up to follow me, you get access to this freebie.

1) Sign up on my list.

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Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

March 13, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

You’ll love this free Texas homeschool lapbook. Grab more lapbooks on my lapbook ideas page. Also grab more ideas on my best homeschool unit studies page.

This lapbook was created to introduce you briefly to my native land of Texas, a little history, some famous Texans, and a few fun facts.

Free Texas Homeschool Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

Moreover, this unit will be expanded on in the future by covering other parts of Texas including the Republic of Texas

While the Alamo and how Texas became a Republic were much more significant topics to be learning as a little girl growing up in southern Texas, I was often fascinated by hearing such names as Ima Hogg and Ura Hogg.

But some things I learned where tall tales. For example, there was no Ura Hogg but there was an Ima Hogg.

Beyond the fun tidbits I learned growing up, I’m excited to share a starting point about the history of Texas.

Texas In Its Infancy

Besides the attack of the Alamo in March 1836 in San Antonio, Texas, other events contributed to the history of Texas.

Texas was a Mexican province and both U.S. and Mexico recognized the abundant land and fertile land.

However, the location of Texas was closer to the expanding United States.

Too through the years I’ve read in some places that Tejanos made up only about 4000 people in 1821.

Tejanos are persons of Mexican descent living in Texas. Today we call them Mexican American.

At the time there were not very many settlers to defend Texas against Mexico.

And Americans were allowed to settle in Texas.

So, in return for the cheap land grants Americans had to become Mexican citizens, accept the Mexican constitution and the religion of Roman Catholic.

As I learned in Texas history growing up this was a strategy Mexico used to try to convert American settlers as an asset by Mexico.

I guess that far back a rebellion was already in the works.

Books about Texas

In addition, here are some fun books about Texas.

10 Resources for Learning About the Lone Star State & Texas Cattle Drives

Add a few of these resources to learn about the great state of Texas.

The Chisholm Trail: A History of the World's Greatest Cattle Trail

The Chisholm Trail was the original "Cowboy Highway" stretching hundreds of miles from the ranches of Texas to the Cattle markets in Kansas. This classic work chronicles in vivid detail the entire journey of the trail and is complete with descriptions of actual incidents and events that occurred along the trail as well as stories of famous and infamous cowboys, outlaws, rustlers, Indians, and lawmen who made the journey.

A Gentle Tour Through Texas History

A guide for teaching Texas History through literature. It is based on a 34-week timeframe and is useful for students in grades K-6/7.

Texas History for Kids with 21 Activities

Encapsulating the 500-year saga of the one-of-a-kind state of Texas, this interactive book takes readers from the founding of the Spanish Missions and the victory at San Jacinto to the Great Storm that destroyed Galveston and the establishment of NASA’s Mission Control in Houston while covering everything in between. Texas History for Kids includes 21 informative and fun activities to help readers better understand the state’s culture, politics, and geography. Kids will recreate one of the six national flags that have flown over the state, make castings of local wildlife tracks, design a ranch’s branding iron, celebrate Juneteenth by reciting General Order Number 3, build a miniature Battle of Flowers float, and more. This valuable resource also includes a timeline of significant events, a list of historic sites to visit or explore online, and web resources for further study.

Texas Activity Book (Color and Learn)

A New Way to Enjoy Texas with Your Family

For hours of excitement, give your kids the Texas Activity Book by Paula Ellis! They'll enjoy learning about the Lone Star State through pictures and puzzles. It's also perfect for keeping kids entertained on the car ride to your next destination.

Texas Longhorn Bull Cow Toy Figure

DETAILED & REALISTIC. Crafted with precision and authentic detail to create a lifelike toy that teaches and inspires toddlers and kids; helps introduce children to animals. From the first sketch to the intricate finishing touches, we see value in every detail.

Susanna of the Alamo: A True Story

“Remember the Alamo!” is one of the most familiar battle cries in American history, yet few know about the brave woman who inspired it. Susanna Dickinson’s story reveals the crucial role she played during that turbulent period in Texas-American history.

The Boy in the Alamo

The classic story of the siege of the Alamo, as told for young readers. Originally published in 1958, thousands of children each year enjoy this story from the unique point of view of twelve-year old Billy Campbell.

Plains Warrior: Chief Quanah Parker and the Comanches

A biography of the legendary Comanche leader profiles the son of a white woman, who fiercely defended tribal lands against those who tried to seize them and who, after being moved with his people to a reservation, fought for the recognition and decent treatment of his tribe.

Make Way for Sam Houston

Colorful Sam Houston leaps to life in the pages of this fresh and funny biography, set against the story of Texas's fight for independence from Mexico.

Trail Fever: The Life of a Texas Cowboy

The story of one of Texas's most famous cowboys is filled with cattle drives, stampedes, floods, droughts, freezing desert nights, raiders and bandits, and one man's endurance and love of life on the plains.

Below are some hands-on resources.

MORE RESOURCES FOR LEARNING ABOUT THE STATE OF TEXAS

Grab these other Texas unit study resources below.

Also, look at the minibooks included in this free Texas homeschool lapbook.

Minibooks about Texas

Next, look at some of the topics covered in the lapbook with the minibooks.

Map of the geography of Texas
Trivia and Natural Regions
Founding Fathers of Texas
Fun Facts
Famous Texans
XIT Ranch
And a fun book Texas “Ainglish”

How to Get the Free Texas Lapbook

Now, how to grab the free lapbook. It’s a subscriber freebie. And I have a list of links for this unit study included in the download.

1) Sign up on my list.
2) Grab the freebie now.
3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Daniel Boone Facts For Kids About Colonial Life and Fun Kids’ Games (DIY Button Whirligig)

February 19, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m sharing Daniel Boone facts for kids about colonial life as he grew up. And grab my unit study on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.

Daniel Boone was born on November 2, 1794.

Although resources vary on how long the colonial period lasted, Daniel Boone was born during it and was raised during the period of the American Revolution.

However, life was very hard for colonial children.

While their parents came seeking religious freedom, more space, or a chance for prosperity, colonists did not know how to survive the harsh winters of the wilderness.

Many fell sick or died. Daniel Boone was a child of the early colonial days and proved his strength, endurance, and ingenuity as he forged a path westward.

Daniel Boone Facts For Kids About Colonial Life and Fun Kids' Games (DIY Button Whirligig)

In colonial times, children never saw the four walls of a schoolhouse.

Like today’s homeschooled children, they were taught the basics by their parents and then whatever they needed to know as an apprentice to a trade.

If you were a girl you were taught to manage a house and get married young, maybe even by 16.

Boys would learn their fathers trade or would leave home to learn a trade as an apprentice by 14 years old.

Children During Colonial Times

They had to share in their families hard chores like chopping wood, preserving food, caring for animals, scrubbing laundry, carrying water, tending to the fire, gardening, churning butter, and etc.

It was a very hard life, but children still played games.

They had their own simple toys and pastimes.

And they played with dolls, simple carved figures, went fishing, played games with one another, took care of their pets, and did riddles and tongue twisters.

Instead of turning to their local Target or Walmart, natural objects were turned into playthings.

A dried apple might become a doll’s head, seashells made lovely little dishes, the pits from fruits could be used as counters in games, and flowers were braided together for a crown.

Nothing ran on batteries, just imagination.

More Colonial Life Activities

Colonial Life After the Mayflower Voyage & Fun and Simple Candle New England Craft

Also, if you want to add more Daniel Boone resources to your study, look at these books.

Daniel Boone Books

10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study

Whether you want to add a hands-on unit study or are looking for a few resources, you'll love one of these.

1. Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer

Struggle against the Shawnee defenders of Kentucky. Drawing from popular narrative, public record, documentation from Boone's own hand, and recollection gathered by 19th-century antiquarians, the author employs the methods of the new social history to produce a portrait that defines Daniel Boone and the times he helped shape.

2. Who Was Daniel Boone? (Who Was?)

Called the "Great Pathfinder", Daniel Boone is most famous for opening up the West to settlers through Kentucky. A symbol of America's pioneering spirit Boone was a skilled outdoorsman and an avid reader although he never attended school. Sydelle Kramer skillfully recounts Boone's many adventures such as the day he rescued his own daughter from kidnappers.

3. The Dangerous Book for Boys

The bestselling book—more than 1.5 million copies sold—for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what the big deal with girls is—now a Prime Original Series created by Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Greg Mottola (Superbad).

In this digital age, there is still a place for knots, skimming stones and stories of incredible courage. This book recaptures Sunday afternoons, stimulates curiosity, and makes for great father-son activities. The brothers Conn and Hal have put together a wonderful collection of all things that make being young or young at heart fun—building go-carts and electromagnets, identifying insects and spiders, and flying the world's best paper airplanes.

4. Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.All ages

5. Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History)

Written for readers age 10 and up -- enjoyed by adults!In search of open spaces and land to call his own, Daniel Boone fearlessly led a band of brave settlers into the bountiful Kentucky wilderness. Daniel's expert hunting ability, incredible outdoor survival skills, and courage under fire helped his companions stay alive in a dangerous and unknown land despite threatening encounters with soldiers, Indians, and even other settlers.

6. History Pockets: Explorers of North America, Grades 4-6+

The book includes the following pockets:

Introduction to Explorers of North America
Christopher Columbus
John Cabot
Hernando Cortes
Jacques Cartier
Sir Francis Drake
Henry Hudson
Daniel Boone
James Cook
Lewis and Clark
John Wesley Powell

7. Daniel Boone: Trailblazer

Born in Pennsylvania in 1734, Daniel Boone cut a path west, carving his name into trees. Although he endured repeated property losses, he became a household name and was greatly admired for his surveying skills and the many claims he laid, opening the west for further settlement.

8. Survive & Thrive: A Pocket Guide To Wilderness Safety Skills, Plus 16 Quick-Check Skill Cards

Gear up for outdoor adventure, learn to stay alive, and help yourself thrive – feeling confident that you can handle whatever comes your way!

Accidents happen and nature can be unpredictable, which is why this ultra-portable survival kit is a must-have for casual nature explorers and slightly more adventurous campers in need of essential outdoor guidance that they can carry along with them.

9. Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

Titles In This Set:The Blizzard ChallengeThe Desert ChallengeThe Jungle ChallengeThe Sea ChallengeThe River ChallengeThe Earthquake ChallengeThe Volcano ChallengeThe Safari ChallengeThe Cave ChallengeThe Mountain ChallengeThe Arctic ChallengeThe Sailing Challenge

10. Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans)

A general account of the life of the prominent American frontiersman who is especially remembered for helping to settle Kentucky

Moreover, look at some of the games colonial children played.

5 Colonial Games to Try With Your Kids

1. Marbles

In colonial times, marbles were made from smooth stones or were rolled from natural clay.

There was a cluster of marbles at the center of the circle and children would take turns shooting larger marbles at the center out of the ring.

If they were playing for keepsies then they got to keep any marbles they knocked out and if playing for funsies everyone kept their own marbles and just played for the fun of it.

2. Blindman’s Bluff

This is a version of tag.

The person who is “it” is blindfolded and tries to reach out and find the other players. If they can touch someone, that person is then “it”.

3. Hoop Rolling

In this game children would take a large hoop and a stick and keep the hoop rolling as long as they could by pushing it along with the stick.

They might also toss the hoop back and forth to each other using their stick to catch and toss it.

4. Cat’s Cradle

A long piece of string with the ends tied together would be twisted into a certain formation with your hands

The second player would then take it by twisting it into a different formation.

And it would go back and forth into more and more complex patterns until a mistake was made or it could not be turned into anything further.

5. Button Whirligig/BuzzSaw

I am showing you how to make one below but for now here are the basic instructions.

A button, or some other item for weight was placed on a string and held between the hands.

Then you wind it up, much like you would a towel for popping and pull your hands away from each other and it would spin.

Sometimes it would making a whirl or buzzing noise depending on the item

More Daniel Boone Facts for Kids Activities

Finally, look at how to make a button whirligig.

How to Make A Button Whirligig

You will need:

String or twine
Large button

Directions:

First, cut a string about 36” long.

Thread the string through your button.

If it has 4 holes you will want to thread it diagonally through two holes, If only two holes then just go through one.

Tie a knot in the loose ends and slide the button to the center opposite the knot.

Tie knots in either end and create a loop like this to hold onto.

Hold each end and wind it by rotating both ends to wrap it up, much like you would wind up a towel to pop it.

Pull the ends apart and watch it spin, if you get it going fast enough your whirligig may make a low buzzing sound ( hence the name buzz saw).

10 Facts about Daniel Boone and Fun Hands-on Apothecary Salve

February 6, 2023 | Leave a Comment
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Today, I have fun 10 facts about Daniel Boone and 10 popular jobs of the colonial times when Daniel Boone made his contributions. And grab my unit study on my page Daniel Boone – North American Explorer.

This hands-on activity is learning how to create a useful medicinal item from a plant source just like an apothecary in colonial times.

10 Facts about Daniel Boone and Fun Hands-on Apothecary Salve

Many people today, even modern science, still use plants and plant based products to treat illnesses inside and outside of the body.

At home essential oils are a favorite of many for treating simple things topically.

We are going to utilize the essential oil made from the lavender plant to create a salve that can safely be used for many ailments.

For example, ailments include:

rashes
bug bites
burns
sunburn
acne
psoriasis
scrapes
eczema
stings
scars
diaper rash, and
dry itchy skin.

Your child will enjoy creating their very own “medicine” like the apothecary of long ago.

With this craft you could also easily dive into a study on flowers and plants and their medicinal uses.

10 Facts About Daniel Boone

He was born October 22, 1734 in Pennsylvania when it was still a colony.
Daniel grew up in a Quaker home in Pennsylvania.
He was best known as an American explorer and frontiersman, but he was also a surveyor, land spectator, and a militia officer.
Daniel Boone was a Shawnee chief’s adopted son after he and his party were captured.
He did NOT in fact wear a coonskin cap even though he is often portrayed in illustrations wearing on but preferred a classic flat, broad-brimmed hat.
While Boones grammar and spelling were poor, he could sign his name unlike other frontiersmen who just marked it with an X.
Boone married Rebecca Bryan on August 14, 1756. They had ten children together- six sons and four daughters.
Boone was described as being about 5 foot 8 or 9 inches tall. He had blonde hair and blue eyes.
The Shawnee, during his capture, named him Sheltowee (Big Turtle).
He died September 26, 1820, in Missouri of natural causes.

Next, many professions of the colonial times were learned by being passed down from parent to child or through apprenticeships rather than at schools.

Colonists would often trade goods and services as payment as they began to specialize in specific areas.

Moreover, here are 10 trades of the colonial times that you can dive deeper into.

Colonial Period Jobs

Apothecary- An apothecary was basically the equivalent of today’s pharmacist. They created medicines from plants, minerals, and herbs from the area and then sold them. They would often prescribe medicines and sometimes even perform minor surgeries. Much like today’s pharmacies they would also offer other items like tobacco, spices, candles, etc.
Blacksmith- The Blacksmith held a very important position in the community. They used a forge to create as well as fix iron items like: horseshoes, tools, nails, ax heads, hinges and kitchen utensils to name a few.
Chandler (Candlemaker)- Earliest settlers made their own candles but eventually there were candlemakers who had shops where candles were usually made and sold using tallow by dipping the wick repeatedly until the desired thickness was reached. Bayberry and myrtle could also be used for wax in addition to tallow.
Cobbler (Shoemaker)- This trade was another very important one as people spent a lot of time walking, cobblers made and repaired shoes for the colonists. Some specialized in making men’s boots, or maybe just women’s or children’s shoes.
Cooper-The cooper was in charge of making watertight containers such as vats, tubs, troughs, barrels and buckets. These containers might store everything from wine, flour, and gunpowder as well as tobacco.

5 More Colonial Jobs

Wheelwright- This profession was responsible for making and repairing wheels used on carriages and wagons. They needed to have the skills to make and fix wheels that were strong enough to be used on rough, new colonial roads.
Gunsmith- This job took care of repairing and making firearms for the community, for the most part they worked on repairing existing guns from England. They needed to be skilled in working with metal as well as wood.
Milliner – One of the few businesses that could be owned and operated by women at the time this was where you went to get items for sewing such as needle, thread, or cloth or purchase already made clothing items like bonnets, aprons, and cloaks.
Printer- A colonial printer was responsible for printing many items, including things like newspapers, legal documents, books, proclamations, and pamphlets. Rather than just typing and printing with benefit of a spell check, setting up the type for each printing was done by hand and might take hours to do
General Storekeeper- This profession was an important one as they carried many basic goods that people needed, everything from coffee to gunpowder and sugar to buttons. This was a hub for the community and often people would gather here to talk politics as well as trade goods.

Books About Daniel Boone

Also, look at some of these fun books.

10 Resources for A Daniel Boone Unit Study

Whether you want to add a hands-on unit study or are looking for a few resources, you'll love one of these.

1. Daniel Boone: The Life and Legend of an American Pioneer

2. Who Was Daniel Boone? (Who Was?)

3. The Dangerous Book for Boys

4. Willy Whitefeather's Outdoor Survival Handbook for Kids

From treating a bee sting to building an overnight shelter, kids will gain the knowledge and confidence they need to survive outdoors.All ages

5. Daniel Boone: Frontiersman (Heroes of History)

6. History Pockets: Explorers of North America, Grades 4-6+

The book includes the following pockets:

Introduction to Explorers of North America
Christopher Columbus
John Cabot
Hernando Cortes
Jacques Cartier
Sir Francis Drake
Henry Hudson
Daniel Boone
James Cook
Lewis and Clark
John Wesley Powell

7. Daniel Boone: Trailblazer

8. Survive & Thrive: A Pocket Guide To Wilderness Safety Skills, Plus 16 Quick-Check Skill Cards

Gear up for outdoor adventure, learn to stay alive, and help yourself thrive – feeling confident that you can handle whatever comes your way!

9. Bear Grylls The Complete Adventures Collection 12 Books Set

10. Daniel Boone: Young Hunter and Tracker (Childhood of Famous Americans)

A general account of the life of the prominent American frontiersman who is especially remembered for helping to settle Kentucky

More Daniel Boone North American Explorer Activities

Finally, look at this fun hands-on lavender salve.

How to Make an All Purpose Lavender Salve

You will need:

¼ cup of beeswax pastilles (yellow or white)
1 Tablespoon of coconut oil
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
10-15 drops lavender essential oil
Craft stick or spoon for stirring.
Small glass container with a lid

How cute is this little mason jar I had on hand?

It made the perfect size container for our little “recipe” today.

Directions:

Combine beeswax and coconut oil in a microwave safe container. I like to use a measuring cup with a spout because it is easy to pour into the container when ready.

Heat in 30 second increments until completely melted.

Add vitamin e and essential oil and stir well with a craft stick.

Pour carefully into your container.

Set it aside undisturbed. Allow it to set.

It should be a little thicker than store bought Neosporin once set.

To use, simply scoop out a small amount and rub onto the affected area.

The heat from your body will help it melt into your skin. What do you think? Ready to give it a try?

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More Daniel Boone Facts for Kids Activities

How to Make A Button Whirligig

10 Facts About Daniel Boone

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5 More Colonial Jobs

Books About Daniel Boone

More Daniel Boone North American Explorer Activities

How to Make an All Purpose Lavender Salve

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