history resources

13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History

August 11, 2022 | 3 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, I have thirteen amazing ideas for fun gifts for kids who love history. Whether you’re looking for one to go with ancient civilizations or current history, you’ll love these gift ideas.

Do you have a child or adult in your life who can’t get enough history in their life? Maybe it’s you?

Whether it be ancient history, modern history, world or local, you’re sure to find an idea on this list.

I have curated a list of 13 history related items for you to make gift giving to your favorite historian a little bit easier.

13 Amazing and Fun Gifts for Kids Who Love History

Too, if you have a hands-on learner, then history games, stories, and even old letters bring history to life.

Besides gifts, you can use these ideas in your every day homeschool.

History Gifts for Kids

Before I had hands-on learners, I used only worksheets to learn about history.

However, I quickly learned that my kids were not remembering what we were learning.

So, not only did I switch my curriculum to Story of the World starting in first grade, I also added in history games.

For example, I added in Professor Noggin’s Ancient Civilizations Trivia Card Game.

It was my first time using games to learn history.

Little did I know then that one game could create a lifelong love for history.

Since then I’ve been adding history gifts for my kids to feed their love for learning.

So, I know you’ll find an idea or two here for your kids or for the history lover in your life.

Other Fun History Resources

Add these to your first of the year homeschool supply list.

13 Gifts for History Buffs

You'll love these ideas for a history lover of any age. Add them in your curriculum too.

Encyclopedia of World History

Colorful and full of information this has been a staple for history reference in our homeschool but it makes a great gift for any kid that loves delving into the past!

You can find info on the first humans, dinosaurs, Ancient Egypt, the Aztec Empire, the First World War, Medieval times, and a whole lot more.

Tea Sampler, 6 Assorted Loose Leaf Teas, American History Set with all the Teas Thrown in the Boston Harbor in 1773

I love a hot cup of tea with honey and think the fact that these 6 loose leaf teas that come in pretty tins were actually researched and are teas that were found to have been dumped into the Boston Harbor in 1773.

They make a thoughtful gift that will be enjoyed for its historical reference and its delicious flavor and aroma as well. Pair with a historically patterned tea cup and you have an amazing and winning gift.

Photo Credit: www.letterjoy.co

The #1 Historic Mail Gift

If you or your favorite history buff are like me and miss getting real mail, besides bills, this subscription letter service makes opening the mailbox a lot more fun-at least once a week.

You can opt for 3 months, 6 months, or a full year of it. They cover historical events from 1600 to 1960, everything from presidents to voting rights, the Civil War to American Expansion.

They are real letters, written by a variety of famous historical figures and some eyewitnesses to histories greatest events on beautiful parchment paper or fine cotton paper. I love a gift that keeps on giving and doesn’t end right after its opened.

History of the World

If your history person loves history and board games this gift was tailor made for them.

It covers from the start of civilization right up the 20th century.

Use strategy, cunning, and your civilizations best attributes to defeat the opponent.

I would recommend this for adults or older precocious teenage history lovers as the rules are bit harder to master then some games. My teen loves complicated role playing games so I know he could handle this one and it is definitely on our gameschooling wish list!

Documents of Freedom Bundle. Declaration of Independence, United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

These replicas of historical documents make a great framed gift to adorn office walls, hallways, homeschool spaces, or living rooms. Place them in a pretty wooden frame to protect and enhance the display and they make a great gift for anyone.

This set is less than $15 and includes the Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights.

We are studying Government this year in our homeschool and I just ordered a set and some frames to hang them in our homeschool space ( the living room).

Don't Make Me Repeat Myself. - History Teacher/Student Cup

As an avid coffee drinker and a history loving homeschool mom this one appeals to me on several levels- practicality, history reference, and funny mom humor.

Gift it on its own or add it to the Boston Tea Party bundle above and tickle someone's historical funny bone and warm their heart!

History of the World in 1,000 Objects

I am always a big fan of DK books and of course anything from the Smithsonian is going to be chock full of great artifacts with amazing photos and loads of information.

It covers from 20,000 BC to present times and highlights well known and not so well known pieces from history.

Great coffee table book for your home and makes an inviting read for your homeschooler!

Around the World TOOB, 10 Figurines

Now for the much younger historians in your life. These have been a favorite in my household for years. Since Pre K days we have used them in sensory bins and dramatic play.

I have used them when strewing and learning about a particular topic, and they have been wonderful additions to dioramas and even in fairy gardens with a historical theme.

We have created our own board games using the figurines from everything from the civil war theme to the wild west.

Wild West TOOB - 11 Hand Painted Toy Figurines

Give these wild west hands on figures for any modern unit study.

Knights & Dragons Toob Hand Painted Toy Miniature Figurines

What kind doesn't love to learn about dragons ? They'll love this fun kit.

White Mountain American History - Jigsaw Puzzle

There is just something so relaxing about working alone or with company on a jigsaw puzzle spread across the table.

I know for me jigsaw puzzles are even better if they are geared to something you are interested in.

Grab this American History themed one to gift on its own or pair it with a coffee mug or tea cup to enjoy while putting it together.

Children's War. World War 2 Replica Memorabilia Pack.

What better way to learn about World War II than a hands-on history pack.

Timeline Inventions Card Game Fun Educational Trivia

FAMILY TRIVIA GAME: Was the light bulb invented before or after glasses? In Timeline Inventions, you can learn the answer to this question and many more all while having fun! Each card has a different invention and on the opposite side of the card is the date it was invented. It's up to you to figure out when each even takes place

FUN EDUCATIONAL GAME: Players start with one randomly drawn card in the middle of the table to form the timeline. On your turn, you place a card before or after it depending on when you think this happened. Leave the card in place if you are correct or discard it and draw a new one if you’re wrong. The first player to get rid of all their cards wins

Geronimo Stilton Adventure The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Mayan Craft)

July 31, 2022 | Leave a Comment
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Your kids will be off to another Geronimo Stilton adventure when they read the next Geronimo Stilton books. The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time will delight your kids who love to time travel.

Too, I have a hands-on history LEGO temple craft which will keep your learners engaged.

Add in my Meso-America Lapbook about Ancient Maya and you have a full history and literature unit study.

Geronimo Stilton Adventure The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Mayan Craft)

Besides being a special edition book, the time machine will take your kids to learn about ancient Rome in 45 BC, the Maya Empire 1005, and to the Palace of Versailles in 1682 CE.

You could just use this wonderful book for reference about those history topics. I always have a great history encyclopedia close too if we want to do further research.

Although the fun and adventurous Geronimo Stilton is on another adventure, this book can be used for historical fiction.

Geronimo Stilton Books Reading Level

In addition, if you not heard about this fun series of books, here are some quick facts.

Geronimo Stilton is a fun loving and adventurous mouse who runs a newspaper. However, as he states his favorite activity is writing adventure stories.
The books are full of color pictures and crazy fonts. This may be distracting for some kids, but others love it.
Geronimo Stilton’s author is Elisabetta Dami who is an Italian author of children’s book. She also has a passion for archaeology and visiting historical places which she embeds in the books.
And the reading age is 7 to 10 years old.

The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Geronimo Stilton Special Edition)

And wow was this little book packed!

While it is a fun book with lots of great illustrations and font type, color, and size changes to keep it interesting for readers I love that it was so chock full of information.

Today, we focused on the Mayan civilization, but will come back to these other time periods in the book.

Back in Time, The Second Journey Through Time

Another tip, if you didn’t want your kids to read the entire book for the sake of time or because you have a reluctant reader is to focus on the middle section which is the Mayans.

Each story is distinctly broken up. You can have your children read the first part to find out how Geronimo travels.

Then skip to the Maya Civilization, saving the other parts for another unit study.

We incorporated history, art, science, reading, and more into this fun LEGO activity.

I was impressed by how much history is covered.

These are the things this section covers.

Exploring the Americas
Maps of the Yucatan Peninsula
Tropical Rainforest
Mayan Fashion and Customs
Chichen Itza
The Legend of The Mayan Sun god
Pok-Ta-Pok
Mysteries of the Maya

You’ll love learning just as much as your kids.

We put together a simple LEGO build to share that will help keep your kids engaged while you teach them all about the Mayans.

Here are some simple instructions but encourage your child to use critical thinking to put it together as well.

Challenge them to make it bigger and use the whole baseplate!

Geronimo Stilton – Build a LEGO Temple of Kukulcan

You will need:

A large LEGO baseplate
A couple handfuls of LEGO- Cream, brown, or yellow

If you don’t already have a collection of LEGO, look at the large creative box.

LEGO is an amazing learning tool for all ages and this is a good basic set to start with.

Even your teen will still love learning with them and creating.

Start by creating a base that is 10×10 studs wide on your baseplate.

So that is the little studs that stick up on top of the LEGO.

You can do it with a combination of 1×2, 2×2’s, and 2×4 sized bricks. They don’t all need to be the same.

Place your next layer leaving a border of 1 stud showing all the way around on your base layer.

Continue the same way, leaving a 1 stud border around 4 more times until your top is just 1 or 2 2×2 bricks stacked.

Create steps by centering 1×2 bricks all the way up.

Your pyramid of Kukulkan is done!

To extend this lesson a little bit I also challenged the kids to create rainforest animals using LEGO.

We used this page on rainforest animals for inspiration!

This little add on activity gives your kids some science and art with their history lesson and its fun to see what they come up with.

Look at the kids activities from the rainforest.

And the undergrowth..

Other Geronimo Stilton Books and Activities

You’ll love these other tips on the Geronimo Stilton books.

And if you love this book, check out Journey Through Time and the topics are how the dinosaurs became extinct, how the Great Pyramid of Giza was built, and what life was like at King Arthur’s court.

Also, if you have younger kids they’ll love this Geronimo Stilton 12 Inch Plush Doll Character while you read aloud. (adorable)

When I do these simple hands on activities I like to let the kids work on them while I am either doing a read aloud or showing a short video on our subject.

They absorb information while their hands work believe it or not!

To round out a mini study you could also use the book to…

Create other famous structures from Chichen Itza
Have them make a salt dough map of the Yucatan Peninsula
Create a list of resources from the rainforests
Taste test some of those treats from the rainforest (a multi sensory approach works great and kids will never forget where those items come from)
Create ancient Mayan fashion from scrap fabric
Look up vocabulary words from the pages like-cacao, artisanal, obsidian, toxins, etc…
Create a Mayan hut with popsicle stick
Make Mayan Flatbread
Create a Maya Calendar
Recreate their own version of Pok-a-Tok

18 Colorful and Free Lapbooks for History Unit Studies

July 15, 2022 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’ve rounded up 18 colorful and free lapbooks for your history unit studies. On my homeschool lapbooks page you can find them in chronological order if you plan that way.

If you’re wanting to cover history through a hands-on approach, then you’ll love lapbooks.

Besides, lapbooking can be used by a student on any level. And it can be crafty or not.

Lapbooks can be as much as the product of the student as he wants it to be, or he can use part put together.

18 Colorful and Free Lapbooks for History Unit Studies

Note: Some of the lapbooks were free for a limited time.

Too, it’s a great hands-on tool for reviewing history.

In addition, there are many other reasons to use lapbooks while doing your history unit study.

If you’re focusing on reading a living book about history, then create separate mini books for the 5ws and 1H of writing — who, what, when, where, why, and how.

Some history unit studies will be more reading literature focused while others may be more event focused.

And with free lapbooks you can mix and match mini books depending on the history topic you’re focusing on.

8 Easy Mini Books to Make for a History Lapbook

For example, look at these other mini books that your children could create based on any history topic.

1. Make an easy foldable timeline.

Timelines can be as easy or as complicated and extensive as your student wants. I love this one by Home School in the Woods.

2. Write a mini biography about a history maker.

In addition, a mini biography can be written in a quick glance fashion.

3. Sketch a geographical area referenced in your history topic.

Also, storing a hand drawn sketch in a pocket is a great reference tool for you student.

4. Draw mini maps.

Even a pretend map or mythical map brings a history to life.

5. Use strips to write vocabulary words.

Too, when your student uses sentence strips for vocabulary words, writing is not as overwhelming.

6. Compare natural resources of an area if your history topic is slanted toward natural resources.

Then how the natural resources of an area affects the people of the local area is another fun topic to write about.

7. Use a trifold mini book to compare 3 events or 3 people.

Moreover, if you’re wanting to compare and contrast, a trifold books can compare three people, three events, or even three dates.

8. A layered book could help your students visual the main religions or cultural difference.

As you can see this is a very short list of the mini books that you can include in your lapbook or that you can find in free lapbooks.

The advantage of course to any lapbook or history study is that you can follow your child’s interest.

And another advantage to the free lapbooks I create is that they are all colorful. Visual appeal matters.

For instance, when I graded lapbooks created by my children visual appeal counted. Because we live in a digital age, visual appeal matters more than ever.

Adding clip art to illustrate a history topic properly is equally important.

History Lapbook Materials

Additionally, the beauty of your history lapbook is that very little materials are needed. Sure, you can make it fancy like we have done at times.

For example, we used strips of leather and a beautiful colorful shell with a feather as a clasp to close our Plains Indians lapbook.

Too, look at these beautiful Suede Leather Cords and gorgeous Ocean Tone Colored File Folders Letter Size.

Also, I love colorful file folders instead of the drab plain ones.

Too, one more technique we like is to use the bright color for the inside of the file folder.

If your file folder is bright colored on both sides, then it doesn’t matter.

It’s just more visually appealing and it stays pretty through the years.

More Lapbook Ideas

If you’ve never used a lapbook with history, this is a great time to start.

Once your children do one or two they can get hooked on lapbooks and history.

Besides, look at this video, How to Homeschool EZ by Tina Robertson I have for you.

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Colorful and Free Lapbooks for History Unit Studies

You'll love this roundup of free lapbooks to bring your history topics to life.

The Trail of Tears 1820 - 1845 Unit Study & Lapbook

This unit study will focus of course on the culture and life of a few different Native American people, I wanted to expose the injustices and ugly side of American history. Those are teachable moments too of examples that we do not want to be like. The ugly side of history is something we do not shy away from, but I do think it should be approached in age appropriate ways.

American Revolution Unit Study and Lapbook 1775 - 1783

The American Revolution was the political upheaval during the last half of the 18th century in which thirteen colonies in North America joined together to break free from the British Empire, combining to become the United States of America.

American Civil War – The War Between the ‘Tates 1861 – 1865 Unit Study and Lapbook

I believe this government cannot endure, permanently half slave and half free…It will become all one thing, or all the other. “A House Divided” speech, June 16, 1858 Abraham Lincoln

Free Ancient Greece Lapbook

I finally have the rest of the minibooks for the free Ancient Greece lapboook that seems like it took us half a year to cover.

Free American History Lapbook - The Old West Through the Life of Wyatt Earp

I have the newest lapbook, which is the American history lapbook, learning about The Old West through the life of Wyatt Earp finished.

Free Marco Polo Unit Study, Lapbook, and Hands-on Ideas

Marco Polo 1254 to 1324 – A unit study and lapbook about the life of Marco Polo and Genghis Khan, as well as how the Silk Road came under the control of the Mongol rule.

French and Indian War 1754 -1763

The French and British discovered prior to the French and Indian war that they were claiming lands that were not empty. The Iroquois had been in the New York State for several hundred years before Europeans arrived. The British and French tried to get different Indian tribes on their side, including the Iroquois.

Iroquois Lapbook

In 1754 the British and the Iroquois Confederacy met and made an alliance. Britain provided the Iroquois with weapons and supplies, and the Native Americans helped the British fight against the French for control of the colonies.

Prior to 1775, the Indians had been dragged into many wars and the period prior to the American Revolution was no different. The Europeans had brought over superior weapons of destruction like guns, steel tomahawks, cannon and their diseases.

Ancient Civilizations II

Ancient Civilization Lapbook covering Sumer, Mesopotamia, The Babylonian & Hammurabi, Minoan and Mycenaean , Ancient Egypt, Greece, Phoenician, Ancient Greece & Rome Pockets, and Celts.

Plains Indians. Unit Study & Lapbook

I was born upon the prairie where the wind blew free, and there was nothing to break the light of the sun.

I was born where there were no enclosures, and where everything drew free breath.

I want to die there, and not within walls.”

~Ten Bears, Comanche Chief~

The FBI Unit Study and Lapbook

J. Edgar Hoover was named Assistant Director on August 22, 1921. We focused on the time period around his start with the FBI.

Ancient Civilizations Multiple Free Lapbooks

Ancient Rome
Ancient Babylon
Ancient Phoenicia

Famous Pharaohs and Queens of Egypt.
Ancient Assyria
Ancient China

Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D.

This Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook covers from 1185 – 1600 A.D.{1185 – 1600 A.D.} From the end of the Heian Period to the Beginning of Tokugawa {Edo} Period.

Vikings Lapbook Unit Study and Hands-on Activities

Your kids will love this Vikings lapbook and Vikings Unit Study. Barbarians as we use the term today had a very different meaning to the Ancient Greeks. The term Barbarian was coined by the Ancient Greeks and then used by the Romans.

BEST Westward Ho Unit Study and Lapbook!

The Oregon Trail was given National Historic Trail designation in 1978, honoring this great migration that helped assure that one day the Oregon country would one day be part of the United States.

Lewis and Clark Fun Homeschool Unit Study and Lapbook

Studying about Lewis and Clark has been one of the best ways to study American History. Begin with this mission statement by Thomas Jefferson below.

The object of your mission is to explore the Missouri river & such principal stream of it, as, by it’s course and communication with the waters of the Pacific Ocean…may offer the most direct & practicable water communication across this continent for the purpose of commerce.

Words by President Thomas Jefferson, June, 1803.

RMS Titanic Unit Study and Free Lapbook

RMS Titanic – {April 14/15, 1912}

Daniel Boone - North American Explorer

Before Washington began to fight the battles of the Revolution in the east, Daniel Boone and other famous hunters were fighting bears and Indians in what was then called the west. By that war in the woods, these brave and hardy men helped us to get possession of that part of the country.

Fun No Sew Pioneer Rag Doll For Kids Westward Expansion Activity

July 10, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Add this pioneer rag doll westward expansion activity to the BEST Westward Ho Unit Study and Lapbook. It’s just too cute.

And if you love the Little House on the Prairie series, or just pioneers in general making a no sew pioneer rag doll is a perfect hands-on activity to learn a little about the culture back then.

Your child will be creating art, doing a little math, learning history and geography.

Also, your child will be working those fine motor skills, learning basic skills, and having fun while doing it.

Fun No Sew Pioneer Rag Doll For Kids Westward Expansion Activity

While kids today have technology at their fingertips, during pioneer times toys were simpler and less expensive.

For instance, one favorite of little girls was rag dolls.

Too, they were sometimes sewn and more elaborate. And a simple one could even be made from a square handkerchief.

With all the bells and whistles of today’s toys, your children will certainly enjoy making and playing with a simple pioneer rag doll.

Besides it can be made with just a few dollars or free if you already have the scrap fabric on hand.

Further, if you were a reader as a child the chances are you remember Laura Ingalls little corn cob doll wrapped in a handkerchief named Susan.

Westward Expansion Activity

Oh how Laura loved and cherished her!

Similarly, small children who set out with their family to cross the Oregon Trail must have clutched their little simple ragdolls to their chest.

They drew comfort from them over every bump, sickness, broken axle, and excitement of wild new lands

And as they slept in snug beds in fresh new pine cabins that whispered “home” they drew their dolls closer.

Let’s try to capture a little of that innocent, but rugged childhood spirit of the pioneer child with this easy no sew rag doll craft.

Also, what a sweet memory you will make with your little one while you create one of these dolls and teach them basic life skills.

Encourage your child to do as much of this project as possible – cutting, measuring, tying, and folding so they can get the most from this project.

Next, to get started look at this easy supply list.

14” x 10” square of muslin or other light fabric
3- 1”x12” muslin strips
2- ¼”x6” muslin strips
Scrap patterned fabric
Cotton batting or cotton balls
Scissors
Ruler/measuring tape

Then look at these directions.

First, lay the light muslin fabric out flat and place a small handful of cotton batting or about 4-5 cotton balls directly in the center.

Pinch fabric around the cotton and give it a half twist, tie off tightly just below the cotton with one of your muslin strips, cut off the excess.

Then, line your 3 12” muslin strips up evenly, knot off one end, and then braid all the way to the other end. Finish it off with a knot.

After that, open your doll skirt and place these braided strips centered up against the underside of the head.

Westward Expansion Unit

In addition, fold the skirting back down and knot it just below the arms to separate the bodice from the skirt and also this will help to hold the arms in place.

Then, move on to make the sun bonnet.

Begin by cutting a triangle that is roughly 10” at the widest end, and wrap around the head making the point stick out over the face. Knot it under the chin.

Lastly, finish off your doll by cutting a rectangle out of scrap fabric 10”- 12” long, and 6” tall.

Cut into the fabric ¼” down and 4 ½” in on each side to create an apron shape like this.

Don’t worry about being exact, this is a rag doll after all!

Finally, tie the apron around the waist with the strings that you made.

Your doll is ready to cuddle and enjoy.

Further, if you want to extend the learning, have your child research other toys that children used in pioneer times.

For instance, ask a question like which of these toys do you think they would have taken along on long journeys during westward expansion?

Additionally, have your children research various fabrics and patterns that were popular in those days like gingham and broadcloth.

Older children can delve into learning about how those fabrics were made.

Too, they can learn the cost of making a doll or a dress in that period.

Westward Expansion Activity Ideas

Another great thing about this activity is that it works just as easily for a one on one project at home as it does as an activity for a large co-op.

Finally, try these other hands-on activity to create a fun unit study.

Fun Pioneer Peg Dolls For Kids Westward Expansion Hands On Activities

July 7, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Making these pioneer peg dolls for kids westward expansion hands on activities for your BEST Westward Ho Unit Study and Lapbook are just too fun.

What better way to learn about pioneers and heading west.

Create an entire family or many families to travel on your wagon train.

They are a great size to go with popsicle stick wagons.

And log cabins make a great edition to a pioneer themed diorama.

Fun Pioneer Peg Dolls For Kids Westward Expansion Hands On Activities

Too, preschoolers to highschoolers can create their own versions at whatever level they are at; and have fun doing it.

In addition, this project is a great hands-on activity to do while reading aloud or watching a movie.

If you have a documentary on the subject this project will keep hands busy while they take in and process all the information.

First, learn about the history of peg dolls and learn why they are called peg dolls.

At the Wales Museum of History, it says “The tradition of making peg dolls out of wooden clothes pegs comes from a time when people had little money to spend on toys.”

Westward Expansion for Kids

This makes for great conversation discussing how kids made their own toys from what they had.

Your kids will love making their own from what they have. Use my idea here or let them create their own peg dolls.

Next learn about the Oregon Trail. The Oregon trail was the path of a great migration of people from the east to the west.

The pioneers were a hearty bunch who traveled across the country to find more freedoms, land, opportunity, better hunting, and adventure!

Would you enjoy setting off on this challenging adventure with your family?

When families packed up to head west, they had to pack carefully.

But remember they couldn’t really just walk down the street to a store to get what they needed once on the trail.

So, they needed to take all their supplies with them like food, tools, seeds, for planting, clothing, and animals.

Do you think you could pack enough to survive off of it for months and still fit your family into your car today?

Another awesome point is that this craft is inexpensive to make.

For example, if you have paint and fabric scraps on hand you can get a bag of 8 unfinished peg dolls at hobby lobby for less than $3.

It makes this a very affordable project for even big families.

Best Books About Westward Expansion

10 Westward Expansion Resources

Add in a few books and resources to bring the study of the Oregon Trail to life during the United States expansion of the west.

Your Life as a Pioneer on the Oregon Trail (The Way It Was)

Your Life as a Pioneer on The Oregon Trail, has some funny illustrations and great information for this unit study.

Little House on the Prairie Series 7 Books Collection

Of course ALL the Little House Books are some of the best about pioneer life.

The Ingalls are the most famous pioneers and westward moving families.

Westward Expansion (A True Book: Westward Expansion)

A True Book: Westward Expansion takes readers on an amazing journey to a fascinating time in U.S. history when the country was experiencing dynamic change and expanding westward.

The Oregon Trail 4-Book Paperback Box Set Plus Poster Map

In this boxed set, choose your own trail and complete the journey to Oregon City with all four paperbacks in this exciting series! It's 1850 and your first goal is to get your family, covered wagon full of supplies, and oxen to Chimney Rock on time.

The Oregon Trail: Journey to Willamette Valley Boardgame

It's a race to Willamette Valley as you join the wagon train and seek your fortune in the West!

Apples to Oregon:

Apples, ho! When Papa decides to pull up roots and move from Iowa to Oregon, he can’t bear to leave his precious apple trees behind. Or his peaches, plums, grapes, cherries, and pears. Oh, and he takes his family along too.

Locomotive

It is the summer of 1869, and trains, crews, and family are traveling together, riding America’s brand-new transcontinental railroad. These pages come alive with the details of the trip and the sounds, speed, and strength of the mighty locomotives; the work that keeps them moving; and the thrill of travel from plains to mountain to
ocean

The California Gold Rush and the '49ers

Try your luck, and search for your fortune in California! Follow the joy and heartbreak of the '49ers during the California Gold Rush.

Daily Life in a Covered Wagon

In 1853, the Larkin family loaded up their wagons and headed west in search of a new life. But how did they do it? What did they eat? How did they survive sickness, and attacks from cattle thieves? Drawing on diaries and letters, and illustrated with photographs of actual object from the past, Daily Life in a Covered Wagon explored what life was really like on the wagon trail.

Covered Wagons, Bumpy Trails

Illustrations and simple rhyming text follow Mother, Father, and Baby John as they make the difficult journey by wagon to a new home across the Rocky Mountains in the fertile Sacramento Valley of California. By the creators of Gold Fever.

Western Expansion Project Ideas

I order online too when I need to, and it still costs less. Look at the easy list below:

Unfinished Wood Peg Dolls
Craft Paint/ Paint Pen
Small Paint Brushes
Fabric Scraps
Craft Glue

Next, dive into making these fun pioneer dolls:

Begin by painting the head of your peg doll any skin shade you choose.

We usually just leave ours unfinished wood color so we can get on to the next step in painting.

Start by painting the largest part of the clothing.

You can paint the entire body a solid color for the dresses or half and half to create the boys tops and pants.

Allow paint to dry to the touch. Then move on to the next section.

We like to do the hair next.

You can paint the hair on smooth and leave it as is. Or make a layer of thick blobs of paint to create a texture and dimension.

While the hair is drying, take your tiniest brush and add some details to the face. Add eyes and a mouth.

To the clothes, add a pretty gingham or calico pattern, some suspenders, buttons, and whatever else you like.

Then, let the paint dry completely.

We find that paint pens are also good for adding details and can give you a bit more control over your design.

Finally, to add a little more fun and make them look like true pioneers use some scrap fabric to create a sun bonnet and a “straw hat”.

You can do this for all your dolls or mix it up.

For a bonnet you want to trace a circle on your fabric using something like the bottom of a small paint bottle 1 ½” to 2” in diameter then cut the circle in half.

Try it on your doll’s head and trim it down as needed to make it a good fit.

Once you are happy with the size “paint” your fabric with craft glue and press into place on the head.

Doing this not only adheres it to the doll but also makes it stiffer and a little more durable which is especially helpful if your child will actually be playing with their dolls.

To create the straw hat, you will follow the same step of tracing a small circle onto scrap fabric and “painting” the fabric with glue.

Westward Ho Activities

Press the fabric all around the head to create the crown of the hat, smoothing it as much as you can.

To make the brim just keep shaping it into place so that it stays up, the glue gives it some body so you are able to mold it as you work with it.

When you are happy with the shape let it dry and trim off the excess brim with scissors.

Your pioneer family is finally ready to set off on their adventure together, who knows what they will find as they explore the west!

Finally, here are a few more ideas to make your unit study come alive!

Make a diorama together to show a still life section of the trail.
Create a wagon from popsicle sticks and fabric.
Play classic Oregon Trail on the computer.
Add Little House on The Prairie Art Lessons
Make an edible Louisiana Purchase Map , yum!
Sew your own Prairie Bonnet

You’ll love these other westward expansion hands on activities for your study:

10 Westward Expansion Hands-on History Activities