Samantha Turn of the Century Unit Study
~1900’s Turn of the Century~
Unit Study
Welcome to the wonder- filled world of Samantha Parkington, and the 6th Unit Study in the American Girl History series !
In this unit, we’ll step back in time to explore what daily life was like at the turn of the century—and see it all through the eyes of a young girl growing up in bustling New York City.
Imagine learning the etiquette of high tea, practicing graceful ballroom dancing, and strolling through Central Park in your finest clothes… and then, just around the corner, discovering a very different reality—children working long, grueling hours in shirtwaist factories and families crowded into tiny tenement apartments. Together, we’ll explore both the beauty and the hardship of this amazing time in history.
We’ll learn about the Industrial Revolution and how new machines and inventions were rapidly changing everyday life. We’ll wander through the World’s Fair, marveling at innovations that must have felt magical to the people seeing them for the very first time. We’ll imagine the journey of immigrant children arriving in America for the first time as they begin life in a brand-new country.
Along the way, we’ll get to know the President famously connected to the “teddy bear”—can you guess who it is?
The teddy bear isn’t the only thing he is known for… I think you’ll like learning about some of the other things too!
Through stories, activities, and hands-on learning, this unit will bring history to life!
NO MORE BORING HISTORY!
What an exciting time it was to live at the turn of the century…and what an exciting time it is to rediscover it together!
Hope you enjoy this unit !
*Below you will find a list of companion resources I made for this *FREE* Turn of the Century Unit Study.
They are all available in the Book Store by clicking the links below or by clicking the Book Store tab at the top of this page.
+If this is the first time you are doing one of these units, you can read what topics are covered in each unit in an overview FREE American Girl History Units post.
*Turn of the Century (AG Samantha) Unit PDF Version–
This entire unit study in an easy Printable PDF form (including live links and extra planners, etc), with no ads or other distractions!
???What’s The Difference Between The PDF Version and The Printable POWER Pack???
Click the link above for a full video explanation!
*Turn of the Century (AG Samantha) Printable POWER Pack–
Printable copy work pages, science worksheets, mapping activities, vocabulary BINGO, word searches, and other fun learning activities specifically made for this unit.
+ALL of the Turn of the Century America- AG Samantha Resources…. so far!
+Samantha Printable Power Pack
+Turn of the Century (Samantha) Unit Study- PDF Version
+Turn of the Century Books and Resources List
+Samantha- Turn of the Century Pinterest Board
+Turn of the Century (Samantha) Christmas Pinterest Board
Definitely check out the TOP 10 HISTORY HELPS series for even more ideas!
There are ideas for every type of learner and every age student!
+Top 10 History PODCASTS
+Top 10 History SONGS
+Top 10 History TIMELINES
+Top 10 History AUDIOBOOKS
+Top 10 History MOVIES
+Top 10 History BOOKS (Seriously the ULTIMATE history book list!!)
+Top 10 History GAMES
+Top 10 HANDS-ON History Projects
+Top 10 History PRINTABLES
+Top 10 History FIELD TRIPS
And a bonus…
+Top 10 History for the HOLIDAYS
*For those of you who are using this unit for your whole family (or just looking for even more ideas!) and may be looking for more resources for your older kids, you can find lots of online reading, activities, etc in my Free Early American History Curriculum.
*Q & A’s For The Free American Girl History Unit Studies-
Do you have some questions about this series of Free History Unit Studies?
+WHAT do you need to buy for these units?
+ARE these unit studies all really FREE?
+WHERE do I find these American Girl Books?
+HOW do I use these unit studies?
+CAN I really teach these lesson to my children TOGETHER?
+WHAT is a History Timeline Binder?
You can read the answers to these questions, along with lots of helpful tips, in the first post in the series:
Native American History: American Girl Kaya Unit Study
*Note:
I am in no way affiliated with, or compensated by the American Girl Company. This post does contain links to products on Amazon (just for some extra fun resources and books). If you choose to purchase any of them, I’d really appreciate if you clicked through these links ! There is NO extra cost to you whatsoever, and I will get a small commission from each sale. Thanks friends! 🙂
*Basic Outline and Core Reading For Whole Unit-
“Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904“
*Week 1: “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″– Samantha’s World
1. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- Meet Samantha (p. 1)
2. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- A Growing Country (p. 2-5)
3. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- Factories & Invention (p. 6-7; 26-27; 46-49)
4. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- Immigration (p. 42-45; 50-51)
5. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- City Life, Country Life (p. 10-13; 8-9)
*Week 2: “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″– A Day with Samantha
1. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- A Girl’s Life (p. 36-37)
2. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- Etiquette & Society (p. 32-35 )
3. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- Fun & Entertainment (p.14-17; 28-29)
4. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- Fashion (p. 18-19; 30-31)
5. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- Health & Beauty (p. 20-23 )
*Week 3: “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904”- The Turn of a Century
1. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- The President (p. 24-25)
2. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- The Reformers (p. 52-53 )
3. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- Changes for Women (p. 38-39; 56-57)
4. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- Philanthropy (p. 40-41)
5. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- The Naturalists (p. 54-55)
If your family enjoys listening to audiobooks, there is a new series of American Girl Samantha audio book versions on Amazon.
(I haven’t previewed these yet! Let me know what you think if you do!)
*Daily Lesson Plans- Read It…Watch It…Explore It…Try It! Week By Week*
*Important Note!
#1-
Below you will find just the Week 1 outline for Daily Reading, Videos, Online Activities, Coloring Pages, etc that are directly related to the core reading for each day. Continue to scroll down to find the other headings for each week’s Writing, Copy Work, Vocabulary, Bible, Science, Geography, and Art plans!
#2- At the end of each week’s daily plans you will also find a “Hands-On History” Section (see the image below) that includes all kinds of related ideas for STEM, crafts, cooking, and other projects you can try to make the lessons come alive! You can choose to do a few, all, or none of the activities!
These projects would be perfect to use for the History Museum activity (see details under the Language Arts/Grammar section)!
You could even add an entire week to this unit study by finishing reading the Meet Samantha series of books, working on these projects, and setting up the History Museum!
*Week 1- American Girl Samantha’s World
* American Girl Samantha Series (6 Book Set), Book 1, “Meet Samantha”
There are 6 books in this series, so you could choose how much to read each week (and which books) depending on your child’s level and interests. I just listed one book per week.
*You may also like to check out these Discussion Question & Activities For the Historical American Girl Books Series.
*Week 1: “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″– Samantha’s World
1. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- Meet Samantha (p. 1)
2. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- A Growing Country (p. 2-5)
3. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- Factories & Invention (p. 6-7; 26-27; 46-49)
4. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- Immigration (p. 42-45; 50-51)
5. “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- City Life, Country Life (p. 10-13; 8-9)
+Day 1: Meet Samantha
Life at the Turn of the Century was a time of exciting change, new opportunities, and very different ways of life!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to grow up as a kid in the year 1900?
You might be a child living in a crowded tenement, spending your days working or helping your family take care of your younger siblings. Or… you might be a wealthy child in a grand home spending your days going to school, attending luncheons, and learning how to play the piano. Children’s lives looked very different, even in the same city. This week we will be learning all about what life was like at the Turn of the Century for children in New York State where Samantha lived!
*Core Reading:
– “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p. 1)
– “Meet Samantha”
– Listen to “Meet Samantha” read aloud
*Read It!
*Explaining how centuries are numbered can be a difficult concept to grasp!
So the years that begin with “19..” are the 20th Century? And the years that begin with “18..” are the 19th Century?
See how this could be confusing?
– How To Number The Centuries
– How To Number The Centuries (a little odd, but a good visual)
–Meet Samantha and Her Family!
–Introduction to some of Samantha’s friends & family
–AG Samantha Question Starters
(This is a really sweet set of questions and answers! I couldn’t find the original source online, only the PDF. I’d love to give the author credit! If anyone finds it, let me know!)
*What Was Life Like For a Kid in Early 1900 America?
–Kids in the Early 1900’s (from the Mini Pages….just for fun 🙂)
–Children’s Lives at the Turn of the Twentieth Century
-ABrief Look at Life in 1900 America
– Lesson Plans, Primary Sources, Activities, etc (From The Tenement Museum)
–Daily Life for Turn of the Century Children
–What Was School Like in the Early 1900’s?
(This has some good information, but lots of external links, so pay attention to that)
*Watch This!
-American Girl Meet Samantha!
– ‘Samantha, An American Girl Holiday’
This is the full length video on YouTube, but you may prefer to purchase the American Girl Samantha Movie
–Life In September 1900 (about 5 minutes)
–1900-1909 Life In America (about 8 minutes)
–The 20th Century For Kids
(This includes the entire 20th Century, but is a great introduction!)
*Explore It More!
– Meet Samantha Guide
–Meet Samantha Activities
–Numbering The Centuries Printable Practice!
–More Century Practice
*Coloring- to use for notebooking, lap booking, etc….or just for fun!
–Coloring Page of American Girl Samantha Parkington
–American Girl Samantha Coloring Page
-Samantha’s Life Lapbook
–How To Draw Samantha
+Day 2: A Growing Country: The Industrial Revolution
#1– The Industrial Revolution
You might notice that some books say the Industrial Revolution happened in the 1700s, and others say it began the 1800s or even early 1900s. WHY?!
It’s because the Industrial Revolution didn’t happen all at once. It was a long period of MANY BIG changes. The Industrial Revolution first began in Europe, and over time those changes spread to other parts of the world.
In the late 1800s, right around the Turn of the Century, America began to see more and more of this kind of growth. Because this time in the United States came after the earlier changes in Europe, it is sometimes called the Second Industrial Revolution.
*Core Reading:
– “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- A Growing Country (p. 2-5 )
– “Meet Samantha”
*Read It!
–What Was the Industrial Revolution? (Read, or listen and follow along!)
–Factories!
–Introduction to the Industrial Revolution
It might be good to point out that this period spanned quite a long number of years, and we are just highlighting what took place during the early 1900’s.
–How Did The Industrial Revolution Begin in The United States?
–Timeline of America’s Industrial Revolution
–The Industrial Revolution for Kids
–Quick Overview of The Second Industrial Revolution
*Watch This!
–5 Things To Know About The Industrial Revolution (about 3 minutes)
–The Beginnings of the Industrial Revolution
–The Industrial Revolution Video (Video geared toward students- about 10 minutes)
–Samuel Slater Video
(Made by a dad and his daughter! This could make a fun project for your family too!)
–>The videos below are a bit longer and more detailed-
–What Happened In The Year 1904?
(Even if you chose not to watch, forward through the great images! About 8 minutes)
–How Did The Industrial Revolution Begin?
–What Was The Second Industrial Revolution
*Explore It More!
–Industrial Revolution Online Word Search
–Who Was Samuel Slater?
–The Second Industrial Revolution
(Lots of links to full lesson plans, power points, games, etc…)
–Brain Pop- The Industrial Revolution Flash Cards
–Jeopardy- The Industrial Revolution Game
–Interactive Lesson on the Second Industrial Revolution
(This is a bit challenging, but your older students might enjoy it!)
+ Coloring –
–Industrial Revolution Factory Coloring Page
–Industrial Revolution Little Book
–Textile Industry Revolution Coloring Page
(Scroll down and click on the image you want to print!)
–Industrial Revolution Town Coloring Page
+Day 3: 1900’s Inventions & Industry
*Today’s lesson is a bit lengthy, so you may like to camp here for a few days before you move on, or just simply choose a few highlights to make the point!
At the turn of the century, the world was changing faster than ever before!
However, there were both positive and negative consequences of this “progress”.
+The positives-
New ideas and inventions were popping up everywhere, making life easier, faster, and more exciting. People who traveled by horse and buggy were beginning to hear about a machine called the automobile, and many didn’t believe the brother inventors Orville and Wilbur Wright would ever really succeed, but they were amazed by the airplane which made it possible humans to fly!
During this time, people also gathered to celebrate these incredible achievements at big events like the 1904 World’s Fair. At this fair, visitors could see new inventions, taste new foods, and imagine what the future might look like.
It was a truly a time full of wonder!
+The negatives-
Not all the changes were good however, especially for children. As people moved toward cities to find work in the new factories, many children were went to work. The factories were sometimes unsafe, and the children worked long hours instead of going to school or playing to help their families earn money. This problem was known as child labor.
*Core Reading-
-“Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p. 6-7; 26-27; 46-49)
– “Meet Samantha”
*Read It!
+”Positive Progress”
Below are just a few turn of the century inventors/inventions that changed the world as we know it !
–WOW! Inventions & Inventors
–Inventions of the early 1900’s…. You will be amazed !
–Turn of the Century Innovations!
-Alexander Graham Bell
– Henry Ford
(Henry Ford created the assembly line to maximize production…this lesson would go well with the assembly line activity listed below !)
–Henry Ford Changes the World
–The Wright Brothers
(First flight, Kitty Hawk, NC in 1903!)
–The Steam Engine
–Movie Theaters
–Theatres in Early 1900’s NY
(Aimed at older readers, but very informative)
+The 1904 World’s Fair
–What Was The St. Louis World’s Fair?
–Photos Of The 1904 World’s Fair
(This article contains some more advanced reading too, but the original photos are so cool!)
– Showcase of Inventions at the Fair
– World’s Fair Food Finds!
– Food Fun At The Fair! Facts and Fiction
+Negative “Progress”
Some sad results of so many quick changes that happened during the Industrial Revolution.
–Bad Working Conditions
–Children and Labor
(You can listen to this article read aloud… with some folks talking in the kitchen lol!)
–The Industrial Revolution and Child Labor
–Child Labor, Factories, Industiralization
–Breaker Boys, Matchgirls, and Newsies
–The Dust Bowl
(There were MANY causes that came together to create this disaster in American History, and one of them was the Industrial Revolution in farming.)
**If you want to learn more about the Dust Bowl, you can read it in the beginning of my *FREE* America’s Great Depression (AG Kit) Unit Study.
*Watch This!
+The Industrial Revolution In America
–Seeds of Progress: The Early 1900’s
(Very informative video- 52 minutes…lots of original footage of daily life …written for older audience, but even if you only watch a bit of it, the images are great!)
–The Industrial Revolution & America (about 3 minutes)
–Mother Necessity (Schoolhouse Rocks!)
+Child Labor
–Children At Work (about 4 minutes)
–A Mill Girl’s Morning Routine (about 3 minutes)
–Who Were The Lowell Girls? (about 2 minutes)
+The 1904 World’s Fair
–1904 St. Louis World’s Fair (about 10 minutes)
–Food Fun At The Fair (about 4 minutes)
–1904 World’s Fair Playlist
(This has lots of amazing videos- from the Missouri Historical Society)
–Meet Me In St. Louis
(The opening scene of the movie, and the classic song! Just for fun, but point out the period clothing and house!)
–An Accidental Invention at The Fair
*Explore It More!
–Alexander Graham Bell and Quick Quiz (online- see if you can beat the computer!)
–Henry Ford and Quick Quiz
–Assembly Line Activity
(While this is geared toward a classroom setting, I think it could be easily tweaked to work at home…also see the Henry Ford Bio above as it is a nice fit for this activity.)
–The Industrial Revolution Activity Ideas
–Construct Your Own Car Assembly Line!
–PLAY and Test Your Industrial Revolution Knowledge
–Industrial Revolution Crossword Puzzle
–The Faces of The Factory Kids
(A beautiful documentary collection of photos by Lewis Hine)
–Understanding Child Labor Matching Activity
+ Coloring pages to use for notebooking, lap booking, etc…. or just for fun!
–1904 World’s Fair Ice Cream Coloring Page
–Factory Coloring Page
–Alexander Graham Bell Coloring Page
–Henry Ford Coloring Page
–The Horseless Carriage Coloring Page
–The Wright Brothers Coloring Page
–The 1913 T-Ford Coloring Page
–Bandaid Invention Coloring Page
–Grocery Cart Invention Coloring Page
+Day 4: Immigration and Ellis Island
*Core Reading-
– “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p. 42-45; 50-51)
– “Meet Samantha”
*Read It!
–What Is Immigration?
–All About Immigration
–Immigrating to America a first hand account
-Coming To America- Immigration
–Becoming A Citizen of America
+Immigrant Stories- In Their Own Words!
(I highly suggest listening to these, but you can also read them)
–Kathleen Tries Pizza For The First Time
–Isadore Tries a Tomato
–Emma & William Remember Packing For America
–Morris Remembers Crossing To America
–Gertrude Remembers Changing Her Name
–Birgitta Remembers Starting School
+Ellis Island
–What Is Ellis Island?
–All About Ellis Island
–Listen to First Hand Accounts of Arriving In Ellis Island
(This includes things like trying certain foods for the first time and other really fun things!)
–Voices Of Ellis Island
+The Statue of Liberty
–What Is the Statue of Liberty?
–Cool Facts About the Statue of Liberty
–The Statue of Liberty- Ellis Island
*You can read more about immigration in *WEEK 1* of my *FREE* Pioneer America- AG Kirsten Unit Study
*Watch This!
* The Great American Melting Pot (Schoolhouse Rocks)
*What Is Ellis Island? A Kid Explores History
–Immigrants At Ellis Island
–Ellis Island
(5 Part Video series for kids from the National Parks Service)
–Ellis Island- An Immigrant’s Story
* The Story of the Statue of Liberty
–The Statue of Liberty For Kids
–Manhattan: An Immigration Story
(This tells a much fuller picture of immigration from 1500’s to 1900’s, great history tie-ins! About 6 minutes)
*Explore It More!
–City of Immigrants (Mission US)
(You have to create an account to play this game, but it is free)
+Ellis Island
–Be An Ellis Island Investigator!
–Ellis Island Postcard (pg.4)
(Print the postcard and write a letter from the point of view of an immigrant in 1900)
–Immigrant Eyes
(Though this activity is intended to use during a field trip, you could easily use it as a WebQuest based on what you’ve learned this week!)
–Ellis Island Junior Ranger Activity Booklet
+ The Statue of Liberty
-Explore the Statue of Liberty Live Cameras!
– Take a Virtual Tour !
–Statue of Liberty Junior Ranger Booklet
–Statue of Liberty Color By Number
–Statue of Liberty Fact Sheets
+ Coloring-
– Immigrant Families (Turn of the Century)
* Ellis Island Printables:
– What Would You Pack ?
– The Journey to Ellis Island
– Ellis Island
– The Ellis Island Interview
– Ellis Island
*Statue of Liberty Printables
– Statue of Liberty
– Make your own 3-D Statue (printable paper model)
– Statue of Liberty
+Day 5: City Life, Country Life – Turn of the Century New York City
*Core Reading-
– “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p. 10-13; 8-9)
– “Meet Samantha”
*Read It!
–Immigrant Life in New York City and Living Conditions
–A Look Inside a Tenement
(Scroll down to find a video also)
–Life in New York 1900
(Lots of photos and sketches….mostly info on life in a tenement)
–Living Differences between the poor & the wealthy
+City Life in 1904:
–City Life at the Turn of the Century
–Millionaire’s Row Then & Now
–What Was the Gilded Age?
(This would be an excellent time to discuss bias in writing with your older children. Pretty much every single written piece has a bias. That’s ok, as long as we can learn to be observant and critical in our reading !)
+Country Life in 1904:
–Country Life in 1900
–Life in Rural America
*Watch This!
–America 1900-1909 (City and country, about 8 minutes)
–Immigration and new life in NY in 1900
(Original footage…no audio so you may want to forward through some of this video)
–Millionaire’s Row Then & Now (about 3 minutes)
–Daily Life 1920
–Tenement Life, 1890 New York City (about 3 minutes)
–1900- Life In the Country (about 3 minutes)
–Life in the Early 1900’s
(This is an hour long. Listen to the parts you’re interested in, or the whole thing!)
*Explore It More!
–Virtual Tour of 1900 Homes of New York City
–Life in NY City- Early 1900
(Short Into and lots of photos!)
–John Jacob Astor Mansion
(Nice photos of the interior as well. The images won’t open in Safari!!!)
+ Coloring-
–New York Coloring Pages
–DIY Matchbox Brownstone
–Row House Coloring Page
*Week 1- Turn of the Century (1900) Hands-On History Activities!*
At the end of each week’s daily lesson plans, you will find a few suggestions for hands-on history projects and activities related to the week’s focus.
You can totally skip these, do all of them, or pick a few! You can do them scattered throughout this unit, or take one whole PROJECT DAY to work on the ideas you’ve chosen! Have fun making the history you’ve study come to life!
–Paper Plate Weaving & Video History From Lowell Museum
–DIY Fly Ball Governor Activity & Video Explanation
-Build Your Own Wright Brothers “Flyer”
-Imagine you are in charge of creating a World’s Fair!
Your job is to design an exciting event that people from all over the world would want to visit.
+Where will your World’s Fair be held?
+What is the main theme of your fair? (invention, literature, animals of the world, etc)
+What will the main attraction be that will make EVERYONE want to come to the fair?
+What kinds of other exhibits will you have?
+What kinds of food booths/restaurants will be there?
+Will you have rides like the giant ferris wheel in the 1904 World’s Fair?
-Build a Popsicle Stick Ferris Wheel
-Make your own World’s Fair Waffle Cones
(You don’t need a waffle cone maker, there are directions for how to make these in a frying pan! Add a scoop of your favorite store bought ice cream, or make your own ice cream!)
-Did you know that Jell-O became wildly popular after people first tried it at the 1904 World’s Fair?!
Try one of these fun Jell-O recipes or make a plain version in a fun shape!
*Week 2: Turn of The Century- Daily Life
* American Girl Samantha Series, Book 2, “Samantha Learns A Lesson ”
+Day 1: 1900’s- A Girl’s Life, ‘Making a House a Home’
#1- There is lots of additional reading choices today under each “Explore It More” category below!
#2- Don’t forget you can find fun activities that go along with these Turn of the Century handiwork in the Week 2 Hands-On History Projects at the end of the week!
*Core Reading:
– “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p. 36-37)
– “Samantha Learns A Lesson”
+Read It!
–A Day in the Life of a 1910 Homemaker
– A 1900 Homemakers Daily Life
(These are both a bit long for younger children, but the photos and information are really fun!)
–Life At The Turn of the Century
(Colored images of daily life at the turn of the 20th Century)
–Creating The Ideal Home 1909
(Photos from exhibit)
–Fashioning Yourself
(Scroll through these slides to learn about sewing at the turn of the century!)
–Fashion 1905-1925
(Click each photo to enlarge them!)
–Ladies’ Home Journal
(archived copies from the early 1900’s…fun to look through the fashions and advertisements especially)
–Children’s Lives At The Turn of the Twentieth Century
(I was able to download this book for free currently. The pictures are beautiful!)
*Full books written in the early 1900’s on homemaking skills.
You can read them online, or download them as a PDF!
–Six Little Cooks: Aunt Jane’s Cooking Class
(This is an adorable story that also includes recipes, and all kinds of skills that Aunt Jane was sharing with her girls!)
–Housekeeping: Work & Play Books
–Collection of all 6 Books
+Watch This!
–A Girl’s Life- On the Farm in the Early 1900’s
–SINGER for Sewing?
*Further Back in Time
Though these aren’t set in the United States it gives a pretty accurate picture of what life was like in the early 1900’s!
– Further Back in Time for Dinner 1900
– Food Delivery in 1910?
–Making a Cup of Tea in 1900
–Summer Vacation in 1900
(Just for fun! Great images)
+Explore It More!
*Girl’s Life in 1904-
The activities listed below were such an important part of the life of a turn of the century girl.
If you are working through this unit during the holidays, many of the activities I’ve included below would make great homemade gifts!
I really enjoyed learning and doing many of these projects with my kids!
You can find TONS of ideas on my Samantha’s Christmas Pinterest Board too!
*Sewing wasn’t just for fixing holes in socks-
+Quilting-
– Quilting Crazy Quilts (Brief History)
– Stitches & Scissors
(This is a short article from the Molly Brown Museum)
+Embroidery-
–Embroidery (Brief History)
+Needlework
– Needlework (Brief History)
*At the turn of the century, women often created handmade crafts such as decoupage and flower pressing to decorate their homes.
+Decoupage
–Decoupage (Brief History)
(If your kiddos are really interested, this is a great history of decoupage and project video!)
+Flower Pressing
Pressing Flowers ( Brief History)
–Teenage Emily Dickinson’s collection of pressed flowers
(Beautiful example!)
+Collecting
–Collecting
(Though this is speaking about the late 1800’s it is very interesting and is close to our timeline !)
-An ARTICLE about some things your kids might learn from collecting
–Collecting for Kids
–How to start a nature collection
–Start a Postcard Collection
– How To Collect Coins
+Coloring-
–State Postcard Coloring Pages
–Butterfly Collecting Page
–Girl Sewing Coloring Page
(You have to scroll down nearly to the bottom to find this one… yep. Just keep scrolling past Sponge Bob lol)
–Assortment of Sewing Coloring Pages
+Day 2: Turn of the Century Etiquette & Society
*Core Reading-
– “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p. 32-35)
– “Samantha Learns A Lesson”
+Read
* Etiquette for Young Ladies & Gentlemen (1900)
-A short biography of Mrs. Emily Post
(You may like to introduce the term ‘etiquette’ by reading about the “mother” of manners)
–Table Manners for Children
(from 1920, but interesting & comparable to 1904)
–Behaving
(Children’s Etiquette explained 🙂 )
–The Book of Good Manners: “Etiquette for All Occasions” by Mrs. Burton Kingsland
(Archive of original book! There’s an etiquette answer for every situation in this book. Some quite funny to the modern reader :D)
–I Will Be a Lady: A Book for Girls
–“Callers”
–Calling Cards & Etiquette
–Courting and Cards
*Society & Events
–Courtship and Marriage Customs
–What Is a Ball?
–The Vanderbilt Ball
(This event happened in 1881- the pictures of this “costume” ball are pretty amazing!)
–Debutante Balls
–Fashion Etiquette for Dances
-How to be the Belle of the Ball
(Though many are from the mid 1800’s, still relevant)
+Watch
–Definition of Etiquette
(YouTube…short, humorous definition)
–The History of Etiquette From the Beginning 😀
–How To Be a Lady or Gentlemen (Etiquette 1912)
(The setting is England, but a very fun and informative video about etiquette in general!)
–All About Calling Cards
–Visiting Cards and Social Etiquette
–The Vanderbilt Ball
+Explore It More!
*Calling Card Activity
(Make your own calling card)
*Fun Etiquette Activities
*How to host a Victorian Ball
*Listen to some Waltzes
-Learn how to Dance the Waltz yourself
* High Tea
* How to Host Your Own High Tea !
* Proper High Tea
(scroll down to see a nice table setting template )
+ Print to use for notebooking, lap booking, etc…. or just for fun!
* Gala Ball
*Tea Time Coloring Pages
+Day 3: Turn of the Century Fun & Entertainment
*Core Reading:
– “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p. 14-17; 28-29)
– “Samantha Learns A Lesson”
+Read
* Turn of the Century Fun & Games
– Turn of the Century Fun and Games
– Photography
– The Brownie Camera
– Photography as a Kids Hobby
– Bicycles (Listen to this same article here—> History of Bicycles For Kids)
(Though invented well before 1900, it wasn’t until about 1903 before bicycling became safe enough to be considered a form of transportation, and especially enjoyed for entertainment !)
– Bicycling
– Gossima (aka Ping Pong)
– The First Crayons
– How Crayons Are Made (just for fun!)
*Turn of the Century Entertainment
+Music-
–Scott Joplin
–Ragtime
–Scott Joplin Unit Study
–Adelina Patti
+Entertainment for Everyone-
– Swimming
– At the Beach
(This is a short video taken in 1901! Try to note what the “bathers” are wearing!)
– The Bathing Machine!
(Most popular in the 1800’s, but still used at the Turn of the Century!)
–The Circus, The Greatest Show on Earth!
–Amusement Parks
–Coney Island
–Wild West Shows
–Vaudeville
+Holidays-
–Christmas Traditions
–Thanksgiving
–Halloween
* AG Turn of the Century Holiday Ideas
* Samantha’s Christmas Pinterest Board
+Watch
–Meet Scott Joplin
–The Story of Crayons (and more)
–“The Crayon Man” read aloud
–Sample of Music from 1900-1910
–What Is Opera?
(A short and entertaining history of how opera began and slowly made it’s way to America)
-Watch this short Children’s Opera (SO cute!)
(Children’s opera become very popular in the US in the early 1900’s)
-A peek inside The Opera
–Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show
– Vaudeville Shows
–Silent Film
(51 minute documentary all about the first silent films)
– Watch the silent film, Silence is Golden 🙂
+Explore It More!
*Music-
-Listen to this Ragtime Playlist
–Explore Scott Joplin and Ragtime Music
(Click on the play button to listen to “Classics For Kids”; next scroll down to take a fun quiz!)
– Listen to the Maple Leaf Rag
*Movies & Vaudeville-
-Listen to recordings from real vaudeville shows HERE (click on the stage to listen)
– Make your own Silent Film
*Holidays-
–Photos of Christmas in New York
(Early 1900’s)
–The 4th of July
(Pictures of children celebrating in the early 1900’s)
+Print to use for notebooking, lap booking, etc…. or just for fun!
* At the Seaside Paper Dolls
(Scroll down to 1890-1910…. I LOVE THESE !! )
* Scott Joplin
* Circus
* Annie Oakley Wild West
* Children Playing
*Baseball
+Day 4: Fashion at the Turn of the Century
*Core Reading:
– “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p. 18-19, 30-31)
– “Samantha Learns A Lesson”
+Read
* 1900’s Fashion of Every Kind
* A Picture Tour of Fashion in 1904
* 20th Century Fashion
* Who Was the Gibson Girl… and Guy?
* The Gibson Girl in Fashion
* Hats & Fans
* Turn of the Century Kids Fashion
+Watch
* Life & Fashion in 1900
(Short video with original footage)
* The Ultimate Fashion History 1900
(About 35 minutes)
* Who was The Gibson Girl
( 4minutes)
*What To Wear? Dressing in 1900
* Quick Gibson Girl Hair Style!
+Explore It More!
* Fashion of the Early 1900’s Drawings and Descriptions
* Make your own “Strolling Hat”
(Super cute idea from In His Hands Hollow )
* How to make a Hand Fan
(Step by step directions)
– Photos of some of the beautiful clothing by new immigrants at Ellis Island
–Try making your own Drawstring Purse!
(The project isn’t too hard! Be creative and choose a fabric pattern that is represents Turn of the Century fabric!)
+Print-
* Fashion Coloring Pages of 1900
* Children’s Clothing Paper Dolls
* Printable Paper Dolls (HUGE collection !)
* 1900 Turn of the Century Fashion Coloring Pages
(Scroll down to the bottom for the images you can print)
* Gibson Girl Coloring Pages
+Day 5: Turn of the Century Health & Beauty
*Core Reading:
– “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p. 20-23)
– “Samantha Learns A Lesson”
+Read
*Beauty in the Early 1900’s
– 1900-1919 Glamour
– 1900’s Beauty
(Great photos! All in one place…hair, makeup from Glamour Daze)
– Beauty Advice
( Read the Archived 1910 Book Copy )
– Sarah Breedlove (Madam CJ Walker)
(More on her in Week 3 as well!)
* Health & Wellness at the Turn of the Century
– Fitness Fads (This is a blog post, but is very informative and the photos are wonderful!)
– Patent Medicine and Cure- Alls
– Coca Cola
(A patent medicine ?)
–The History of Coca Cola
* What were people eating at the turn of the century ?
– Turn of the Century Food Facts
–Kellogg’s
(p.22 in Samantha’s World- How Kellogg’s got it’s start)
–Eating Out !
+Watch
* Cooking Through History 1900-1910
(Super interesting and talks about A LOT of information we’ve covered!)
*What Did Americans Eat During the Gilded Age?
(Covers lots of what we talked, and also a bit of a rewind to the “Gilded Age”, and a recipe!)
*Calesthenics
(Short video of actual footage from schoolchildren in 1904!)
* Invention of Corn Flakes!
*The History of Cereal in 90 Seconds
+Explore It More!
* Hair Care
(All in all kind of shocking ! Nice recipe for ” Shampoo Cream” though…no cocaine or cyanide in this recipe! Yikes!)
* DIY Gibson Girl Hairstyle Tutorial
* Receipts (recipes) for Cold Cream
(Including instructions to make your own today!)
* DIY Deodorant Recipe from 1903 !
* The History of Cereal
(Try some of the very first cereals invented (Kelloggs and Post!) that are still found at your local grocery store today: Granola, Grape Nuts, Corn Flakes, Quaker Oats, Rice Krispies, Shredded Wheat for example)
Many of these cereals were invented by accident!
Try inventing your OWN cereal creation or try making this recipe for Homemade Cinnamon Toast Crunch!
* Simple Granola Recipe
*Try some healthy recipes from this 1904 Girls Cookbook
+Print to use for notebooking, lap booking, etc…. or just for fun!
*1900 Coca Cola Ad
*Beauty Product Ad
*Several turn of the century perfume bottles to print and color
*Corn Flakes Coloring Page
*Week 2- Turn of the Century Daily Life Hands-On History Activities!*
You can totally skip these, do all of them, or pick a few! You can do them scattered throughout this unit, or take one whole PROJECT DAY to work on the ideas you’ve chosen! Have fun making the history you’ve study come to life!
– Super fun art activity to make your own “Crazy Quilt” !!
– Quilting Activities
–No Sew Quilt Project (Good for your Littles!)
–Embroidery PROJECTS For Kids
–Embroidery For Kids
– Needlework Sewing Pages For Kids
– Needlework Stitching Cards
-Fun Decoupage Shoeboxes Activity
–HERE are some fun ideas for mom’s & older kids to try
–How to Press Flowers (Easy step by step)
-Try these flower pressing activities
*Week 3: The Turn of a Century (1899-1900)
*
American Girl Samantha Series (6 Book Set), Book 3, “Samantha’s Surprise ”
+Day 1: The President Roosevelt
*Core Reading:
-“Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p.24-25 )
– “Samantha’s Surprise”
+Read
*Theodore Roosevelt-
–Brief Biography
(also Jeopardy Games, Word Searches, Videos, etc…)
–Who Was Theodore Roosevelt?
* The Roosevelts in the White House
–The Roosevelt’s Move Into the White House, 1901–
–The Roosevelt White House/Zoo
(I think your children will appreciate this ! 🙂)
–TR and the White House Gang
(Really fun to read too!)
–Family Life in the White House
* History of the “Teddy” Bear
–The Story of the Teddy Bear (from the National Park Service)
* Theodore Roosevelt National Park
–Theodore Roosevelt on the Frontier (Lots of further reading/activities, etc…)
+Watch
*Theodore Roosevelt-
– Biography of Theodore Roosevelt for Kids
(About 6 minutes)
– Teddy Roosevelt: The Cowboy Who Became President
–Teddy Roosevelt and His Family
–Humorous Teddy Roosevelt Biography
(If you have a sense of humor watch this…it’s unique 😀)
* History of the “Teddy” Bear
–Lively Telling of this story by “Theodore Roosevelt”
(This is very entertaining 🙂 About 3 min)
* Theodore Roosevelt National Park
–Introduction Video to the Life of Theodore Roosevelt in North Dakota
(including a tour of his cabin ! About 15 minutes)
—-> Junior Ranger Follow Up Activities
(To use after watching video above… divided by age groups)
+Explore It More!
–Teddy Roosevelt BrainPop! Game online
–Brief Biography
(also Jeopardy Games, Word Searches, Videos, etc…)
–Take a Virtual Tour of TR’s Birthplace
– NPS Sagamore Hill site
(Really nice virtual tour of the home !!)
–Teddy Roosevelt Printable Activities from the NPS
(Scroll down to PAGE 9 to find these pages)
–Make Your Own Teddy Bear
(Simple DIY for kids)
*The Night At the Museum Movies would be super fun to watch.
They include Teddy Roosevelt (Robin Williams) in each of the 3 movies.
History in every scene, but in a really funny, family friendly presentation.
-Nice Printable Worksheets
(Covers the Life & Presidency of Theodore Roosevelt
– Theodore Roosevelt Coloring Page
– Teddy Roosevelt
– TR’s Life Coloring Pages
+Day 2: The Reformers & The “Progressive” Era
*Core Reading:
– “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p. 52-53)
– “Samantha’s Surprise”
+Read
*What was the Progressive Era ?
–>Progress- noun- a forward or onward movement (as to an objective or a goal)
–>Era– a fixed point in time from which a series of years is reckoned
–>You may like to just cover this topic briefly with your younger children, as it is a bit complex to explain the pros and cons of the actual Progressive philosophy, particularly as reflected in American politics today. My own personal opinion is to really do your own homework to understand this era YOURSELF, so that you will be able to explain the big picture to your children in simple terms.
Industrialization changed a lot of things about our country. The divide between the wealthy (see the Gilded Age) and the poor grew. The dangerous conditions in factories (especially for children) was exposed, and the need for reform was obvious and could no longer be ignored. Clearly, something needed to be done. But WHAT and the best way HOW is still being debated today.
The demand for these social changes at this time is called the Progressive Movement.
Below you will learn about the reforms, and about those who worked for them (the Reformers). Although this era is known for some of it’s positive advancements (such as child labor laws), with all of these new regulations also came much disagreement about how involved the government should be in the lives of individual citizens….and the tension between big business and big government. (The Progressives and Roosevelt)
That is still in general, the debate between “progressives” and “conservatives” today.
-Intro to the Progressive Era
(It’s been shockingly hard to find a unbiased definition of this !)
–What is the Progressive Era ? (A short definition)
–The Progressive Era for Kids
–The Progressives
*Who were some of the Reformers of the Progressive Era?
-Who was Jane Addams ?
–History for Kids- Ida B. Wells
– Jacob Riis
– Booker T. Washington
+Watch
–Introduction to the Progressive Era
–The Progressive Era
(11 Minutes- best for older students)
–The Progressive Era Song
(Set to Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella’ …yep. But this guy really does cover TONS of the important facts of this era. Probably best for middle school and up)
– Who Were the Muckrakers?
*Who were some of the Reformers of the Progressive Era?
–Jane Addams (Hull House)
(5 minutes)
–Ida B. Wells, A Children’s Biography
(short video 2 mins)
–Mother Jones
(Student made video – about 10 minutes)
+Print to use for notebooking, lap booking, etc…. or just for fun!
*Jane Addams
*Ida B. Wells
*Mother Jones
*“How the Other Half Lives” cover
+Day 3: Changes for Women
*Core Reading:
– “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p. 38-39; 56-57)
– “Samantha’s Surprise”
+Read
*What Was the Suffrage Movement?
*What Was the 19th Amendment?
* Nellie Bly
(You could also listen to the Story of Nellie Bly)
*Madam CJ Walker
(Biography and lots of printables and other links to read more)
*Civil Rights for Women & the Suffrage Movement
*Alice Paul Biography & the Suffragist Movement
+Watch
*Women’s Right To Vote-A Kid Explains History
*19th Amendment Song School House Rock
*Who Was Nellie Bly?
(Short video- especially good for young children —5 minutes)
*Biography of Madam CJ Walker
(Inspirational!…about 3 minutes)
*Who Was Alice Paul?
(YouTube Video- about 2 minutes)
+Explore It More!
*20 Suffragists To Explore!
*The Magic Sash
(This is a National Parks series of podcasts telling the story of Suffrage for children. I have not listened to all of these, so please preview them as always! )
*Mary Poppins (Amazon link)
(It isn’t American history, but it would be a fun week to watch ‘Mary Poppins’ as this movie is set at the Turn of the Century and highlights many of the topics we’ve been learning about so far!)
+Print to use for notebooking, lap booking, etc…. or just for fun!
*19th Amendment Coloring Page
*Nellie Bly
*Madam CJ Walker
*Women’s Right to Vote Booklet
*Let Women Vote
*Susan B. Anthony’s House Coloring Page
*Suffrage Bluebird Coloring Page
+Day 4: Philanthropy (Whew! That’s a big word!)
*Core Reading:
– “Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″- (p. 40-41)
– “Samantha’s Surprise”
+Read
– What Is Philanthropy?
– A History of Giving
–The Story of Andrew Carnegie’s Philanthropy
–Booker T. Washington and the Rosenwald School
–Margaret Olivia Sage
+Watch
*What is Philanthropy? (By kids for kids – 1 minute)
*3 T’s of Philanthropy
*Cayden, Kid Philanthropist
(This is a really good video showing what one person can do to make a big difference! 2 minutes)
*Kid President’s Take on How to Change the World
(This kid !! About 3 minutes)
*Andrew Carnegie
+Explore It More!
–20 Ways To Give Back As A Family!
–100 Ways For Your Family To Make A Difference
+Print to use for notebooking, lap booking, etc…. or just for fun!
*Hands to Serve coloring page
*Cheerful Giving coloring page
+Day 5: Naturalists & The Conservation Movement
*Core Reading:
-“Welcome to Samantha’s World 1904″ (p. 54-55)
– “Samantha’s Surprise”
+Read
*Conservationism and the Turn of the Century
–What is conservationism ?
–What was the conservation movement ?
–John Muir- Children’s biography, activities, and printable worksheets
– Who was Ernest Seton Thompson ?
– “The Biography of a Grizzly”
(Full audiobook- about 1 hr 35 minutes)
– Read the full book “The Biography of a Grizzly” online
– “Monarch: The Big Bear of Tallac”
–Biography of Enos Mills
–“Wildlife in the Rockies”
(Full Audiobook by Enos Mills- about 4 hours… this would be great for those car schooling days !)
–Biography of John James Audubon & activities from Garden of Praise
(He lived from 1785-1851…but his work was very influential to this movement so I thought to include him!)
+Watch
*Muir, Founder of National Parks
*“The Mother Teal and the Overland Route”
(Video story – about 5 minutes)
* “The Boy Who Drew Birds”
(about 14 minutes)
–National Parks of the USA
+Explore It More!
*Audubon Biography & activities from Garden of Praise
*Muir Children’s biography, activities, and printable worksheets
*Take a Virtual Tour of LOTS of National Parks
(This won’t open in Safari, only in Chrome)
*Fun Facts About All 59 National Parks
*National Parks Online Activities and Coloring Pages
*National Parks At Home Activity Pack
*National Parks Service Junior Range Activities
*John Muir Worksheet
*John Muir Coloring Page
* Bird Coloring Pages & How-to Drawing Pages
*Collectors John Muir Coin Coloring Page
*John Audubon Coloring Pages (also paint online !)
*Coloring Pages of US National Parks
*National Parks Coloring Pages (LOTS of pages to choose from)
*National Parks Doodle Art Coloring Pages
*Reading Comprehension Ideas: Show what you know!
(This is the same list for each week! Choose which ideas you’d like to work on and come back!)
Show what you know about Samantha and the Turn of the Century!
* Keep a Turn of the Century notebook!
+Make sections and just quickly add in important people (scientists, artists, musicians, leaders, etc), important places (New York City, Ellis Island, Chicago, etc), important events (The World’s Fair, Inventions, etc), and important ideas as you study this period of time. Use these lists later for writing prompts, notebooking, lapbooking, creating a timeline, etc…
+Design a notebook, lapbook, scrapbook, folder, etc…to show what you’re learning.
If you have crafty, creative, or artistic kiddos, any one of these choices are a great way for the kids to show what they know about the Turn of The Century! In the following links, you can find some examples of Notebooking , Lapbooking , and Folders (with templates!)
+See how we made some of these!
–>–>How To Make A History Binder (I made a video if you’d rather watch than read 🙂 )
* Make a History Timeline!
+Timelines can be a constant visual review as you study through history!
If you are continuing on with the rest of the American Girl Units, you can just keep adding to your timeline and you will end up with a really solid visual for Early American History!
I wrote a post recently on how to Create Your Own Timeline… there are ideas for pretty much every personality of family… creative, tech loving, small spaces, hands-on, etc…
* Online Learning Fun
* American Girl Samantha online games from American Girl
* You can find interactive quizzes for many American Girl Doll books, including the series of Samantha books.
* No Groans Book Reports
Does the tiniest mention of a book report fill the rooms with GROANS?!? I don’t blame you! Boring book reports can suck all the fun out of reading a book. HOWEVER, there are some really fun ways you can share about some of the great books you are reading in this Turn of the Century (AG Samantha) unit study!
If you are still doubting me…try one of these Book Reports… show what you know with a Book Report Cake, a Rainbow Report, or a Pizza Box Book Report! See doesn’t this sound fun?!? If you’re still not convinced may try making a book report poster.
This family made a giant poster from the Kristen series!
*Set Up Your Own Turn of the Century World’s Fair!
If this sounds a bit too much to do, no fears! It’s a basically just like MINI museum!
Here are some ideas on how to make your own mini museum (not history specific, but you’ll get the idea)! I have done this just with my kids, but also in a co-op. SUPER fun!!
Start by reading about the World’s Fair and then imagine all the sights, sounds, and smells!
Begin by brainstorming and writing a list of things you’d like to have on display!
This would be a great project to work on throughout this unit study, adding all your hands-on projects, pictures from field trips, creative book reports, art, and even recipes you’ve made to the museum! We hosted a night for friends and family to come learn all about what we had been studying.
*Find whatever outlet that excites your kids!
Maybe they could make a video about some aspect of the Civil War. Perhaps a How-To video for cooking a Civil War Era recipe…or a How-To Play for some of the games…or a recital of music from that era. Whatever they love to do, find a way to use it to show what they know!
“Minds in Bloom” has a really great post for some ideas… 72 to be exact!!
* Try making a diorama.
HERE are some printables to help with the buildings and characters you may want to include. Or if you prefer to make a naturalist diorama here are some Audubon birds to print
*LOTS of Hands-on Activities
Be sure to scroll down to the bottom of this unit to see a list of some of the fun crafts, cooking activities, & other creative ideas!
*Make a short video
Plan a short video showing what you have learned about some aspect of life at the Turn of the Century.
+You could be a kid reporter, reporting on news of the year 1900
+Print out a small picture of Samantha (or other characters you’ve learned about), inventions, buildings, or whatever else you’d like to focus on, affix them to popsicle sticks, and use the diorama as a background, and film a short video. Get creative!
*Write a song using a familiar tune. Change the lyrics to focus on the early 1900’s.
Here are some Fun History Song Examples to get you started!
*Host a Victorian themed party (could just be tea time snacks, or a full feast!). If it is near the holidays, a Christmas themed party would be PERFECT !!
You may like to check out my –> Charles Dickens Unit <— for some fun ideas !
*Language Arts/Grammar Ideas-
**Grammar Practice-
+You may choose to use your regular grammar curriculum, add just a few of the ideas below into the mix, or use it all. Isn’t homeschooling wonderful sometimes? 🙂
+Here’s a website of very short daily grammar reviews
+Fun Grammar offers interactive online games, and Education World has fun editing worksheets.
+Choose a sentence, or photocopy a page of the reading. Depending on what skill you want to emphasize, have your child diagram a few sentences, or find all the verbs, nouns, etc…, or whatever grammar skill needs work.
*Vocabulary Ideas-
+Teaching multiple ages-
Start with the lists below taken from each week’s core reading. You could add more words, easier or more difficult related words, or choose a list of words from some of the other Samantha or Turn of the Century/Industrial Revolution History Books that suit your needs best! You can find a great list of suggested books for this unit American History Book Lists and Early American History Curriculum .
+If your child is old enough to be proficient in using a computer, it might be a fun activity to include copy & pasted images along with some of the particularly foreign words. (ex. debutante, parasol, antiseptic, etc…)
+You will also find a Vocabulary Word Search and Vocabulary BINGO in the Turn of the Century (AG Samantha) Printable POWER Pack.
+Choose any list of vocabulary you’d like to use for this unit. I have included a brief list for each week from the core reading.
Try keeping a notebook of your own words!
1. fictional 2. century 3. tenement 4. manufacturing 5. immigrants
6. tragedy 7. orphan 8. adoption 9. mansion 10. transportation
1.journal 2. publish 3. debutante 4. courtship 5. opera
6. amusement 7. parasol 8. antiseptic 9. vaccine 10. society
1. reformer 2. rights 3. slum 4. cruelty 5. mill
6. suffragist 7. philanthropy 8. charity 9. preserve 10. monument
*Copy Work/Narration ideas-
*Week 1 Copy Work: Turn of the Century Inventors & Immigration
+Copy Work From This Week’s Reading-
Choose a favorite passage from the reading this week to narrate and/or copy
+Quotes From Famous Turn of the Century Inventors-
*Alexander Graham Bell Quotes-
+“When one door closes, another opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon
the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”
+“The day will come when the man at the telephone will be able to see the distant person
whom he is speaking.”
+“God has strewn our paths with wonders and we certainly should not go through life with
our eyes shut.”
+Henry Ford Quotes-
+“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.”
+“If you think you can do a thing, or think you can’t do a thing, you’re right.”
+“Don’t find fault, find a remedy.”
+Copy Some Turn Of The Century Poetry-
The poem below is inscribed (in part) at the base of the Statue of Liberty-
New Colossus
By Emma Lazarus
Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
“Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!” cries she
With silent lips. “Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”
* Copy this week’s Scripture verses-
*Matthew 7:12
*Luke 6:27-36
*Ephesians 4:32
*Philippians 2:3-9
*I John 4:20
*Mark 12:31
*Week 2 Copy Work: Turn of the Century Etiquette and Society
*From This Week’s Reading-
+Choose a favorite passage from the reading this week to narrate and/or copy
*Copy this writing-
Etiquette for Entering a Room
(taken from “Behaving” by SD Powers)
“To walk into the room; and, let me tell you, this isn’t a thing merely to laugh over.
The way in which people enter a room shows whether they have good training,
as plainly as anything else in manners.
Open the door wide enough to walk squarely in, without squeezing or edging through,
as if you didn’t think enough of yourself to give your body room to go…
Don’t rush in, or creep in, but hold yourself straight,
and look directly at the people in the room.
Don’t hesitate; but if you don’t know the visitor, go to your mother,
and stand by her side, till she says,
“Mrs. So-and-so, this is my daughter Adelaide.”
Then move a step forward, and bow, or courtesy,
if you have been taught to do so;
for the courtesy is coming into use again with nice people,
and it is a very graceful salute, when properly done.”
+Copy this week’s Scripture verses-
*Luke 10:1-37
*John 14:15
*Proverbs 14:21
*Week 3 Copy Work: Teddy Roosevelt and the Reformers
*Copy from This Week’s Reading-
+Choose a favorite passage from the reading this week to narrate and/or copy>
*Copy some Teddy Roosevelt Quotes:
+”Believe you can and you’re halfway there!”
+”Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
+”The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.”
*Quotes by the Reformers:
+”Civilization is a method of living, an attitude of equal respect for all men.”
-Jane Addams
+”There is but one kind of love;
God is love, and all his creatures derive theirs from his;
only it is modified by the different degrees of intelligence
in different beings and creatures.”
-James Audubon
+”A true conservationist is a man who knows that the world is not given by his fathers,
but borrowed from his children.”
-James Audubon
+”Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in,
where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.”
-John Muir
* Copy this week’s Scripture verses-
*Matthew 25:14-30
*1 Peter 4:10-11
*Colossians 3:23
*Ephesians 2:10
*Matthew 5:16
*Romans 12:3-8
*Creative Writing Ideas-
*Invent something and draw a picture of it.
Next, write a letter to someone describing what your invention is and what it does. Take a look at how much money someone paid for one of Alexander Graham Bell’s letters !
-—> Bell’s Letters
*Imagine you are seeing America for the very first time from the deck of a ship.
Where would you have come from ? Why did you come to America ?
What will you do when you get off the ship ?
Ask someone in your family about the history of your own family !
Spend a little time each day and write a diary entrance with the thoughts you might have had as an immigrant child arriving in Ellis Island. You could also imagine the same scenario and write a letter “home” to a friend or family member who stayed behind.
Though the following is only a fictional journal, it is a good example if you need help to get started.
—> Diary of an Irish Immigrant
*Postcards-
Sending and collecting postcards was a popular pastime at the turn of the century.
We read about some of the types that people liked to collect. Either buy a postcard or draw one on a large index card. Write a brief note to a friend on the back !
You could also try sending a few postcards and include a request for the person that receives it to send one back!
You can read more about Postcard Collecting at the Turn of the Century
*Calling Cards-
Read this short article about and then create your own ! -> Calling Cards
Be sure your card sets you apart and makes you memorable !
Need more ideas?
Watch How to Make Beautiful Calling Cards … it has lots of really creative ideas !
*Read how to create an acrostic poem. Try writing one of your own!
You could use a word that is a call to action from one of the reformers we learned about this week (words like: suffrage, conservation, nature, equality, etc.). Or you could use each letter of their name as the acrostic (Roosevelt, Audubon, John Muir, etc.).
*Noticing Nature
Take a walk outside with a small sketchpad and a pencil. A slow walk.
Try to use all your senses, noticing things that you might usually not be aware of as you hurry in your play! What do you see? What do you hear? Can you smell any smells that you recognize?
Find a place to sit and choose one piece of nature that you noticed. It could be a tall tree, a tiny bug, a pretty flower, or even a rock. Fold your paper in half. On one half make a sketch of what you see. Pay attention to the smallest details. Then on the other half of your paper, WRITE! You could write a description using lots of adjectives, or you could write a poem. You could tell the story of how you think this piece of nature came to be. Use your imagination and APPRECIATE the beauty of the outdoors!
My friend at Homeschool Fanatic has some really good ideas for Noticing Nature!
She has written a whole series of posts with activities and things to watch for.
*Bible Study: Love One Another
*Week 1: The Golden Rule
*Week 2: The Good Samaritan
*Week 3: The Parable of the Talents
In this Unit Study, we are learning what life was like at the Turn of the 20th Century in America.
It was a time of incredible and rapid change in the history of our country. While many of the changes were exciting and inspiring, some parts of this growth had quite a sad effect on families. The divide between the wealthy and the poor was magnified greatly. We will see this through the eyes of Samantha as we read her stories. She was often confronted by the difference between her life and the lives of other children in her own city. Samantha, like some of those who found themselves to have more, would be challenged to RESPOND to those who had less.
Just a few thoughts regarding Samantha’s choices on what to do about some very difficult issues of injustice she saw happening around her. I did not include any of this in the following Bible Study…only right here. 🙂
Depending on the ages of your children, this could bring up a wonderful opportunity to talk to them about some of the social justice issues we are facing in our country today, and how we, like Samantha, might THINK through what to do about them.
There is a huge difference between REACTING and thoughtfully RESPONDING, and though I do think it is a good general life lesson to learn, it seems especially important in our current culture where we are frequently encouraged to react to our feelings on a matter without much consideration.
While the American Girl books are not written with any religious slant, since this is the “Bible Study” section, I felt it an important (and natural) opportunity to bring up this conversation with our children about some really hard topics. Today (as always), there are many injustices in our society which will challenge us as Christian families and challenge our children…
What can we do? Where can we start?
Right where you are today. Having honest, thoughtful, open, and BIBLICAL conversations with the leaders of the next generation, your children! Also, I don’t thing the importance of understanding the difference between REACTING and RESPONDING can be undervalued. And finally, we can pause and hold our tongues and opinions long enough to find out what God thinks about all these issues! We know His love for people, and that the very foundation of God’s throne is JUSTICE and RIGHTEOUSNESS. Therefore, we know He cares very much about these things. Finally, we can begin to respond with truth and love (like Samantha). Though we are certainly influenced by our culture (like those we read about in this unit), we should keep in mind that we FIRST belong to the Kingdom of God, and should strive always to reflect THAT culture more.
This will require us to continually CHALLENGE ourselves (and therefore our children) to pursue Jesus- His Way, His Truth, and His Life!
I’m glad you’re doing this part of the Unit today .
I hope you will learn how loved YOU are by God, and how He wants to love other people through you !
*Week 1: The Golden Rule
Should Samantha befriend the factory girl ?
Is it “proper” to do so ?
What could Samantha do to help?
Could she really be expected to do anything since she was only a child herself ?
What would you have done if you were Samantha ?
What does the Bible have to say about this ?
Do these Bible stories still apply to us today? How?
THINK about these questions as you do this week’s Bible Study!
SEE if any of your answers change when you have completed the lessons!
*Reading/Watching–
*Read the definition of ‘philanthropy’ in Week 3, Day 4.
*Gizmo Explains the Golden Rule
*What is the Golden Rule ?
*Treat Others Right (short video and Bible Study for Kids from Pursue God Kids )
*Watch this short video- “4 Ways to Do Unto Others” (about 2 minutes)
*I’m the Boss ! (Short video and Bible Lesson on the Golden Rule )
*Science Boomerangs- “Do Unto Others” Object Lesson (about 3 minutes)
*PDF complete Kids Bible Study all about The Golden Rule
(and the Good Samaritan, which is week 2’s topic)
*The Golden Rule- Berenstain Bears
*Bible Story- “The Golden Rule”
*What Does God Say About These Things?
*Matthew 7:12
*Luke 6:27-36
*Ephesians 4:32
*Philippians 2:3-9
*I John 4:20
*Mark 12:31
*Let’s TALK! Ideas to Think About & Discuss-
*What is a “rule”?
*Are rules good or bad to have?
*What is the Golden Rule?
*Tell what this “rule” to live by is in your own words.
*Who gave this rule to live by?
*The words “The Golden Rule” aren’t found in the Bible.
Why do you think this “rule” to live by is called the GOLDEN rule?
*Is the Golden “Rule” just another rule we have to follow ?
Why is this rule so important?
*What are some ways we can practice doing this ?
*How does it make you feel when others are kind to you ?
*Who are the “others” that we are supposed to treat this way?
Does it only include people who are nice to us? People we like ? What about mean people ?
*What happens if you don’t WANT to treat someone kindly after they have hurt you ?
*Can you think of some ways you can work on doing this? What does Jesus tell you to do ?
*Can you think of some times when others (maybe parents or siblings) have treated you kindly when you didn’t “deserve” to be treated that way?
*How does that help you treat others?
*Activities-
*Golden Rule- Norman Rockwell Art Lesson (from Hip Homeschool Moms)
*Activities for “The Golden Rule”
*GAMES and More Activities for “The Golden Rule” (ideas for further study for all ages !)
*Ripples in the Water (hands-on object lesson to emphasize that every act of kindness has an effect )
*Write a list of things you can do this week to “Do to others”…
– think of even the simplest things like picking up something if you drop it, smiling at someone, giving someone a compliment, looking for someone who seems lonely and saying hello…. it’s a good idea to think of some ways that you would like others to treat you.
*Songs-
*“Do Something” (By Matthew West- Great song for all 3 Bible lessons !)
*“My Turn on Earth- The Golden Rule”
* Gotta Love One Another
*“The Golden Rule: How Does It Feel?” (by Heaven Bound Kids)
*“The Golden Rule”
* Luke 6:31 Memory Song
* Coloring/Activity Pages-
*Golden Rule Printable Activities and Coloring Pages
(Scroll down to find LOTS of printables)
*Do Unto Others Coloring Page
*The Golden Rule Coloring Pages
*Golden Rule Printable
*Luke 6:31 Coloring page
*If you’d like extra coloring pages or printable activities to go along with any of the stories from the scriptures listed above, you can find them here:
– Calvary Bible Curriculum (Scripture, Activities, Coloring Pages, and more!)
“Love Your Enemies”
*Week 2: The Good Samaritan
*Reading/Watching-
*What is a Parable? (short video)
*What is a parable? And why did Jesus like to tell them ?
*Definition of parable
*The Parable of the Good Samaritan
*The Good Samaritan (Short video – good introduction for this section. About 4 minutes)
*The Tale of 2 Rival Cities (Veggie Tales)
*Pursue God Kids Tell the Story of the Good Samaritan
*Who Did Jesus Love ? (Devotional from Focus on the Family – includes ideas to discuss further for different ages)
*We Love Because God Loves Us
*The Good Samaritan Lesson (from Bible Fun for Kids)
*Bible Lesson on Loving Others and The Good Samaritan
*Kids Lesson on The Parable of the Good Samaritan (crafts and other ideas included)
*Beginner’s Bible Video- The Good Samaritan
(about 26 minutes)
*Veggie Tales- Are You My Neighbor ? (about 30 minutes)
*What Does God Say About This?
*Luke 10:1-37
*Ephesians 4:32
*Matthew 5:43-47
*Matthew 25:31-40
*John 14:15
*Proverbs 14:21
*John 13:34
*1 Corinthians 16:14
*Ideas to Think About & Discuss-
*What is a parable?
Why do you think that Jesus used them so much to teach?
*What does it mean to “love God with all your heart, soul, strength, and all your mind”?
What does it mean to “love yourself”?
*Who is your neighbor?
*What kind of people are we supposed to love and show kindness to?
Why is this important?
*What kinds of people did Jesus love and show kindness to? Name some.
*Why did Jesus tell the story of the Good Samaritan?
What are some lessons you learned from it?
*Have you ever seen someone that needed help or kindness and you passed by?
Why didn’t you stop and help?
What would you do differently next time?
*Who are some people that you think might be extra hard to help?
Should you still help them? Why or why not?
*Do you have to help every one that needs help?
Why or why not?
*What does God say about loving others?
*Name some of the “Samaritans” (people who needed help) that Samantha noticed in her community.
*Who are some people that YOU have noticed in your community that might need help!
Make a list of some ideas of ways you could help!
*Explore It More!
*Kids Lesson on The Parable of the Good Samaritan (crafts and other ideas included)
*Printable Kindness Calendar with all kinds of ideas and activities
*Hidden Objects Kindness Page
(And lots of other related activities too! Just click on the images to open!)
*Kindness Flags Activity
*Random Acts of Kindness
*Good Samaritan Activities-
–5 Good Samaritan Craft Ideas
–The Good Samaritan Skit
–Good Samaritan Activities
* Songs-
*“Give As Freely”
*“On the Road to Jericho” (music by Keith Green, video)
*“If We Are the Body” (Casting Crowns- this might be a good video to listen to
and discuss. Particularly good if you have older kids involved too.)
*“Hands and Feet” (Audio Adrenaline- oldie but still so good ! Good to discuss who
counts as your neighbor.)
*Love One Another
*Love Your Neighbor As Yourself- Ballad of the Good Samaritan
*Coloring Pages-
*The Good Samaritan Coloring Page
*Good Samaritan Coloring Pages
*The Good Samaritan Printable Puzzles
*The Good Samaritan Printable Activities
*Parables Coloring Pages
– Calvary Bible Curriculum (Scripture, Activities, Coloring Pages, and more!)
“The Good Samaritan”
*Week 3: The Parable of the Talents
*Note:
This parable can become complicated to explain even to adults. However, I think it can best be understood in layers. The first and most obvious understanding (perhaps) is that the talents represent the GIFT of faith in Jesus, or some would argue the Kingdom of God… And the parable shows what we do with this faith in Him that will be judged at the end of the age when Christ comes again.
The idea I have focused on in this lesson is taking whatever God has given us and using it with all we’ve got to show the world WHO He is, and what life for His people in His Kingdom is like!
If you don’t want to use this parable to highlight that thought, the rest of the verses and activities will emphasize that truth still… OR you may like to go even farther and explore some of the other “layers” of understanding this Scripture. His Word is flawless and the depths unfathomable!
*Reading & Watching-
*The Parable of the Talents
(Stories and activities- scroll down for lots!)
*Parable of the Talents
(Reading for younger students)
*The Parable of the Talents
(More detailed reading)
*The Parable of the Talents- Video Object Lesson
*The Parable of the Talents (video)
*Parable of Talents (super cute, acted out by kids!)
*All About The Parable of the Talents from Pursue God Kids
*Garden of Praise Lesson on the Parable of the Talents
*1 Peter 4:10- Break It Down!
*Everybody Is Good At Something
*Whatever You Do…
*Good Gifts (short video under 2 minutes)
*Well Done Good and Faithful Servant (Lesson)
*Use Your Talents (short video about 3 minutes)
*Related Scriptures for Further Reading-
*Matthew 25:14-30
*1 Peter 4:10-11
*Colossians 3:23
*Ephesians 2:10
*Matthew 5:16
*Romans 12:3-8
*Ideas to Think About & Discuss-
*What do we usually mean when we say someone has a “talent” ?
What does the word “talent” mean in the story?
Is a talent in this story, and a someone’s talent/ability the same thing?
Why or why not?
*What do the talents represent in this parable?
*Is this parable mainly about how to spend your money?
Why or why not?
What is the main idea of this parable?
*Why do you think Jesus told this parable?
*What did you learn from this story?
*What are some ways you can use your “talents”?
*Have you ever “buried” your talents and not used them?
*What does this parable have to do with loving OTHERS ?
*How can you use the talents you have to glorify and honor God ?
*What are some ways you can use the things God has given you to serve others?
*Activities for the Parable Talents–
*Hands-On Activities for the Parable of the Talents Lesson
*Pay It Forward- Parable of the Talents Youth Challenge from Seedbed
*Talents Decoder Activity
*God Given Talents Object Lesson
*Parable of the Talents Printables
*Songs-
*“Let It Start With Me” (from No Other Name)
*“Follow You” (by Leeland)
*“We All Have Gifts to Share”
*Colossians 3:23 Song
* “Serve”
*Coloring & Activity Pages-
*Parable of the Talents Printable Activities
(Scroll down to find the printable pages)
*Parable of the Talents Activity Sheets (Free Printables)
*Matthew 25:14-15 Coloring Page #1, #2
*Parable of the Talents Coloring Page
*Calvary Bible Curriculum (Scripture, Activities, Coloring Pages, and more!)
*LOTS of coloring pages are found in the *Activities* section this week.
*Turn of The Century Science Ideas:
*Week 1: Turn of the Century… and Electricity !
*Week 2: 1900’s Fitness Was FUN
*Week 3: What is Ornithology?
*Week 1: Turn of the Century… Electricity !
Electricity played a very large role in the time of history we have been learning about… and the era we call the industrial revolution. People moved away from their country lives to work in the factories of growing cities. We have learned about the amazing advances in technology of that time and also the sad truth of its cost to many of people. Without doubt however, these strides of “progress” would have been impossible without the invention of electricity and the means to bring it to the masses.
* Read-
*The Science of Electricity
*Electricity for Kids
*All about Benjamin Franklin
*Surprising Facts about Benjamin Franklin and His Electric Kite
*Thomas Edison
*Nikola Tesla and Electricity
*Watch-
*Magic School Bus Gets Charged ! (about 23 minutes)
*Elec-tricity ! (Schoolhouse Rocks! about 3 minutes)
*The ELECTRICITY Song
* What is electricity ? (YouTube – about 2 minutes)
*Disney’s Ben & Me (animated movie about Ben Franklin & inventions)
OR
Benjamin Franklin (Liberty’s Kids Video- about 23 minutes)
*Thomas Edison (about 8 minutes)
*Who Really Invented the Light Bulb ? (about 2 minutes)
*Nikola Tesla
**Many of the experiments below include a video as well. You may just like to watch some & take lab notes or make drawings, even if you don’t plan on trying them yourself.
* Discovering & Doing-
*Electricity Experiments (from Steve Spangler Science– LOVE this site !!
**Note- most of these require some extra materials…plan ahead if you’re going to try some of these! )
*Inventors of Tomorrow Electricity Experiments For Kids
*8 Fun Ways to Learn About Electricity (from Homeschool.com )
*Electrical Circuits (interactive online game)
*Static Electricity Experiment
*2 Easy Static Electricity Experiments
*Jumping Goop Experiment (from FrugalFun4Boys – this site always has great ideas!)
*24 SHOCKINGLY Fun Electricity Experiments
*Sortify Current Electricity (Interactive Game from BrainPOP- scroll to bottom for teaching ideas)
*TONS of Electricity Games and Interactive Sites for learning
*Explore Electricity ONLINE with these fun interactive games!
*Interactive Electricity Quiz
* Electricity Coloring Pages-
*Benjamin Franklin Coloring Page
*Thomas Edison Coloring Page
*Nikola Tesla Coloring Page
*Forms of Energy (from Classroom Doodles)
*Electricity Coloring Book (from the Dept. of Energy)
*Week 2: 1900’s Fitness Was FUN!
*Perhaps with the move that many made from country life to city life, there came a new an intense interest in health and fitness. President Roosevelt himself was a picture of what exercise and good attention to health could do for a person. As we studied this week, calisthenics became all the rage and people gathered in new gymnasiums and at parks.
Women started exercise classes and became more active. This was a big change from people’s ideas of the past.
* Reading-
*What is Fitness ?
*Fitness and Exercise
*Fitness For Kids
*Why Exercise?
*What if I Don’t Like Sports ?
*Watch-
*Physical & Health Literacy and Part 2 (for older kids)
*Magic School Bus Works Out ! (full episode about 25 minutes)
*Physical Activity and Kids- Let’s Move It !
*5 Components of Physical Fitness
* Discovering & Doing-
*20 Science of Fitness Ideas
*Brain Breaks !
(STOP and play this fun game right now ! from Your Therapy Source)
*Daily FUN Fitness Calendar
(One simple and fun physical activity to do each day!)
*52 FUN Ideas to Get MOVING Today!
*Yoga Lessons for Kids
(These are so neat! Step by step moves for stories & themes to teach yoga poses to kids ! )
*Have fun and just move ! Try learning:
– The Sid Shuffle
– Forget You
– Can’t Stop the Feeling
*8 Fun Breathing Exercises with Free Printable (great way to take a break !)
*Printable Exercise Goals Chart OR try these Printable Exercise Logs
* Interactive Health & Fitness Game
* Jump Rope Rhymes
* Get Moving With Koo Koo
(A whole You Tube Channel full of fun and funny movement videos!)
* Fitness Coloring Pages-
*Swimming Coloring Pages
*Fitness Coloring Pages
*Yoga Kids Coloring Pages (These go along with the lessons listed above)
*Soccer (Color by number)
*Child Sledding
*Week 3: What Is Ornithology?
*This week we read about John James Audubon. We we learned that Audubon was a naturalist and an artist. We learned that he was very interested in animals and particularly in birds. John was an ornithologist . That word is a mouthful ! This week we will study
ornithology.
* Reading-
*What is ornithology ?
*Ornithology
*Facts about Birds (Simple facts with nice pictures)
*All About Birds (from Enchanted Learning – Printables, Facts, etc…)
*Audubon Bird Guide (pictures AND the bird call for each one !! LOVE THIS !!)
*All About Birds (LOTS of resources)
*Watch-
*You Can Be a Citizen Scientist ! (about 5 minutes)
*An Ornithologist Speaks from Yosemite
*What is Migration ? (about 8 minutes)
*Play Bird Song Hero (Learn bird songs and how birds make them )
*Amazing Bird Videos (Lots of good choices)
* Discovering & Doing-
*Homeschoolers Guide to Project Feeder Watch (FREE printable packet)
*Best Bird Watching Apps for Kids (and everyone else !)
*Ornithology Games for Kids (Online Interactive Games)
*Build a Bird
*OR try this Build a Bird Activity (Be sure to print the bird building cards to use!)
*Build a Bird Nest
*Be a Part of the Great Backyard Bird Count !
*BirdSleuth Explorers Guide (FREE Download from Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
*Science through Local Birds (LOTS of free printable lessons !! )
*All About Feathers (Interactive, Reading, and Videos)
*How To Draw Birds
* Coloring Pages-
*This is the only site you will need for ornithology/bird coloring pages!
The author also includes fantastic tutorials on how to draw many different types of birds !
– Christine Elder
(SO many amazing printable bird coloring pages, labeling pages, and how-to pages ! )
*Turn of the Century Geography Ideas-
*Week 1: Washington D.C. (The White House)
*Week 2: Arizona (The Grand Canyon)
*Week 3: California (The Redwood Forests)
*Week 1: Washington D.C. and The White House
+Reading-
*What is the White House?
*The White House for Kids
*29 White House Facts For Kids
*Take a 360* Tour Through Our White House
*13 Fun Facts About the White House
*Washington D.C.
*The District of Columbia
+Watch This!
*White House History & Fun Facts
*The White House (Little Golden Book Read Aloud- great for your Littles!)
*What is INSIDE the White House?
*Washington DC- Capital of the US
*All About Washington DC For Kids
(This makes mention that our President is now Barak Obama… be sure to update your kiddos on the current President!)
*A Kid Visits Washington DC
+Mapping & Printables-
*Washington DC map and printables
*Interactive Map of Washington DC
*Read about and color the flag of Washington DC
*National Parks Service Washington DC- Junior Ranger Printables
(Scroll to page 12 to begin the mapping activities)
+Hands On-
*Virtual Field Trip to the White House
*Tour the Inside of the White House and HERE
*Play the “Win the White House Game”
*Make a Paper White House or try this Foldable White House
*Decorate the Oval Office (or use these images for your diorama…see directions below)
*Bake Some “White House Cookies” yum!
*Create Your Own White House China
+Coloring Pages-
*Easy Steps- Draw the White House
*White House Coloring Page
*Washington DC Coloring Pages
*Printable Washington DC, White House Booklet
*Washington DC Coloring Page
+ Start a diorama. You may like to create several, one for each week’s theme, or just add on each week to make one larger diorama. I have included lots of links to coloring pages & paper dolls in the lessons that would be good to use.
You can find LOTS of fun pieces to use to make a diorama of the Oval Office- HERE !
*Week 2: Arizona (The Grand Canyon)
+Reading-
*Facts about the Grand Canyon State
*Arizona (State Symbols, Sites, and Famous Friends)
*All About Arizona from Enchanted Learning
*Arizona Fast Facts (many are linked to more information- nice photos too!)
*Tori Tortoise Turns 100 (full illustrated PDF story about Arizona !!)
*John Muir & The National Park
*State Parks of Arizona (Click each one for information and photos)
*Fun Facts About the Grand Canyon You Probably Didn’t Know
*Learn About the Grand Canyon
+Watch This !
*Arizona (about 2 minutes)
*The Grand Canyon and How It Was Made
*Best of the Grand Canyon (National Geographic- 3 min)
*The Jaw Dropping Grand Canyon(about 4 min)
*Really good series of video tours of the Grand Canyon from the National Park Service
(Scroll down for all of the videos!)
*The Grand Canyon Junior Ranger Activities
(These go along with the videos above!)
+ Mapping & Printables-
*State Notebooking Pages (from Notebooking Nook)
*Maps, Worksheets, Coloring Pages, and more (from Enchanted Learning)
*Arizona Mapping Activity
*Printables all about Arizona
*Printable Grand Canyon Lesson!
+Hands On-
*Arizona Recipes
*Arizona Interactive Games Online
*Grand Canyon Paint By Number (free printable)
*Arizona Crafts for Kids Projects (from 3 Boys and a Dog)
*Over the Canyon Edge Craft
+Coloring Pages-
*State of Arizona Coloring Page
*5 Arizona Coloring Pages
*The State of Arizona Coloring Pages
*The Grand Canyon Coloring Page
*10 State of Arizona Coloring Pages
*Grand Canyon Coloring Page
*Week 3: California (The Redwood Forests)
+Reading-
*California (from Enchanted Learning)
*More California Facts
*All About California
*Geography of California Fast Facts
*State Symbols of California
*Redwood National Park
*Wildlife at the Redwoods Park
+Mapping & Printables-
*California Printables
*Printable California Word Search
*State Notebooking Pages
*Redwood Distance Learning (3 lessons- Printables, Lesson, & Videos- NPS)
*California Redwood Ed (lessons and printables in PDF)
*Redwood Activities and Printables
+Watch This !
*Intro to California (about 2 minutes)
*Geography of California (about 1 minute)
*California Rap (about 3 minutes)
*Video Tour of Redwoods National Park (about 12 mins…This is the video shown at the Park) OR THIS VIDEO
*The World’s Tallest Tree
*Redwood National Park Videos
+Hands On-
*California Interactive Game
*Download of Junior Ranger Guide for Redwoods National Park
*8 California Craft Ideas (from 3 Boys and a Dog)
*California Poppy Craft
*Try some California Inspired Recipes
+Coloring Pages-
*State of California Coloring Page
*California Coloring Pages
*State of California Coloring Pages
*California Symbols Coloring Pages
*NPS Redwood Coloring Pages
*Redwood Coloring Pages
*National Park- Redwood Coloring Page
*Add to & finish up your diorama (It might be fun this week to add some of the major landmarks or landforms that we have studied this week to your diorama….)
*Note:
If you have been working your way through the American Girl History series, you may have noticed that Albert Bierstadt was the artist highlighted in the Native America (Kaya) Unit Study, as well as this one. The studies include different facets, but I have added the option of studying Joseph Stella if you’d like! You may even like to study both and work on comparing artistic styles! Very different!
*ART- Option #1- Joseph Stella (Futurism)
+Read-
*Biography of Joseph Stella
*Who Was Joseph Stella? (Short video, good for older students)
*Joseph Stella (Short video)
*Art Works of Joseph Stella
*What Is Futurism?
(Features work by Joseph Stella. Just click on the image to play the video lesson!)
—> Printable for Futurism Lesson Activity
*Coney Island by Joseph Stella Lesson
+Discovering & Doing-
*Build a Bridge!
*Joseph Stella- Line Designs Art Project
*Elements of Art- Line (With activity)
*The Brooklyn Bridge – Art Project
*Flowers, Italy- Art Project
*The Element of Line- Kids Printable!
(Includes some great ideas for kids literature that goes with the lesson!)
*The Line Song!
*Robot Line Drawing
(Still futurism 😀 )
*Line Drawing- Graphic Squares
+Print-
*Bridges Coloring Pages
(This might be a fun start to add to! Add your own lines and make these bridges into a futuristic art piece!)
*FREE Famous Art Works Coloring Pages
(There isn’t a Joseph Stella piece, but there are lots of others to choose from that work with this lesson!)
* Making Art Fun – a show what you know kind of printable
* Some more artist study ideas to use !
* Worksheet on How to Analyze a Artwork
*ART- Option #2- Albert Bierstadt (Landscapes)
*Biography of Albert Bierstadt (from Garden of Praise- Includes all kinds ofprintables, quizzes, etc…)
*Bierstadt in a Week and Landscape Artists Lesson Plan
*Printable Biography
* Discovering & Doing-
*Slideshow of Bierstadt Paintings
*Works of Bierstadt (From the Smithsonian with descriptions and backstories !)
*YouTube Video of Bierstadt’s Life and Work (about 6 minutes)
*The Hudson River School Art Activity
*Bierstadt Wordsearch
*Meet the Artist Printable
*How to Paint the Grand Canyon- Art Lesson (from Deep Space Sparkle)
*Desert Landscapes Art Lesson (from Cassie Stephens)
*Landscape Resist Painting
*How to Draw a Landscape (also directions to turn this into a beautiful translucent piece)
*Kids Art- How to Paint a Watercolor Landscape
*Landscape Drawing Lesson for Kids (with Video)
*Coloring-
*Albert Bierstadt Coloring Page
*Landscape Coloring Page , Landscapes 2
– Making Art Fun – a show what you know kind of printable
– Some more artist study ideas to use !
– Worksheet on How to Analyze a Artwork
*Misc. Recipes, Crafts, Activities, and other Fun Stuff
Remember these unit studies are designed so that your family can enjoy them for FREE anywhere there is internet access ! There are so many wonderful books that you could add to these studies, please by all means use as many as you have access to. 
Check out my favorite books for each of the unit studies HERE or you can check my Pinterest “EXTRAS” for Samantha Unit HERE. IF you are using this unit during the holidays, I also have Christmas Ideas for each American Girl Unit on Pinterest as well. You can find the Samantha’s Christmas Ideas Board —> HERE
If you decide to purchase any of these extra books, I would appreciate it greatly if you could click directly from my links. Amazon will pay me a small commission for it, and it will NOT cost you anything additional. THANKS FRIENDS !!
*I hope you have enjoyed the
Turn of the Century- American Girl Samantha Unit Study !
NEXT in the series is…
—> Kit and America’s Great Depression Unit Study <—
This unit took me about 6 months to create, and I’m SUPER excited to share it!
If you have been blessed by these FREE unit studies, would you share some love and help me keep offering them to other homeschooling families for free? Many thanks friends!
*Other FREE American Girl History Units from Fields of Daisies~
*Overview of All American Girl Unit Studies
(An outline of the scope and sequence covered in each of the AG Units)
*FREE Native America Unit Study- AG Kaya
+Kaya Printable Power Pack (Free!)
+Native America (Kaya) Unit Study- PDF Version
+Native America (Kaya) Printable HISTORY Cards and Bingo Game
+Native America Books and Resources List
+Kaya Native America Pinterest Board
*FREE Colonial America Unit Study – AG Felicity
+Felicity Printable Power Pack
+Colonial America (Felicity) Unit Study- PDF Version
+Colonial America Books and Resources List
+A Colonial America Christmas- Hands-On History (Free)
+A Colonial America Christmas- Printable Power Pack
+Felicity- Colonial America Pinterest Board
+Colonial America (Felicity) Christmas Pinterest Board
*FREE Southwest Frontier America Unit Study – AG Josefina
+Josefina Printable Power Pack
+Southwest Frontier (Josefina) Unit Study- PDF Version
+America’s Southwest Frontier (Josefina) Books & Resources List
+Christmas Southwestern Frontier- Hands-On History (Free)
+Josefina’s Southwestern Frontier Christmas POWER Pack
+Josefina’s Southwestern Frontier Christmas PDF Version
+Josefina- Frontier America Pinterest Board
+Southwestern Frontier (Josefina) Christmas Pinterest Board
*FREE Pioneer America Unit Study – AG Kirsten
+Kirsten Printable Power Pack
+Pioneer America (Kirsten) Unit Study- PDF Version
+FREE* Kirsten’s Swedish Pioneer Christmas Unit
+A Pioneer Christmas- PDF Version
+Kirsten- Pioneer America Pinterest Board
+Pioneer America (Kirsten) Christmas Pinterest Board
*FREE Civil War America Unit Study – AG Addy
+Addy Printable Power Pack
+Civil War (Addy) Unit Study- PDF Version
+Civil War Unit Book and Resources List
+Addy- Civil War America Pinterest Board
+Civil War (Addy) Christmas Pinterest Board
*FREE 1900 Turn of the Century America Unit Study – AG Samantha
+Samantha Printable Power Pack
+Turn of the Century (Samantha) Unit Study- PDF Version
+Turn of the Century Books and Resources List
+Samantha- Turn of the Century Pinterest Board
+Turn of the Century (Samantha) Christmas Pinterest Board
*FREE The Great Depression Unit Study- AG Kit
+The Great Depression (Kit) Unit Study- PDF Version
+The Great Depression (Kit) Printable Printable Power Pack
+Great Depression Books and Resources List
+Kit- The Great Depression Pinterest Board
*FREE World War 2 Unit Study- AG Molly
+World War 2 (Molly) Unit Study- PDF Version
+Molly Printable Power Pack
+WW2 File Folder Game
+World War 2 Unit Study Printables BUNDLE!
+World War 2 Books and Resources List
+Molly- World War 2 Pinterest Board
*American Girl Christmas School- Homeschooling Through the Holidays
–> Check out all the American Girl Printables in the Book Store!
If you loved this Unit Study, check out the Printable Power Packs and the live PDF Versions of the American Girl History Units all in a neat BUNDLE!
And nicely DISCOUNTED of course!
9 Comments
How to make a paper airplane
Very nice post.
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