Lesson 10: Summertime and Harvest
Activities
Activity 1: Life in the Woods vs. Life Today
On the page "Life in the Big Woods vs. Life Today" page, your child can record one thing that she learned about how life in the woods was different than her own life today.
Activity 2: Seasons on the Farm
Materials: markers
On the first "Seasons on the Farm" sheet, your child will read descriptions of the four seasons in the woods. Ask her to record the words and phrases the author uses to describe the environment and the people in each season. In each circle, she will illustrate the woods according to the author's description. On page 2, your child can illustrate her home or community during the four seasons and write interesting and descriptive words and phrases for each season.
Student Activity Page
Student Activity Page
Activity 3: Bees
Materials: drawing paper*, markers*
Pa finds a treasure of honey when he is in the woods. Ask your child what she knows about honeybees. Discuss how flowers and bees are interdependent. Ask your child to describe the relationship between bees and flowers. Read about bees online (some web links are provided). Explore how bees use nectar from flowers and how they help pollinate flowers so that seeds can be made. Ask your child what would happen in nature if all the bees disappeared.
Let your child select from one of the following options.
Option 1
For this option, your child will design an illustration that represents the interdependence between bees and flowers. She can title her artwork and label the important parts of the picture. Then design a picture that illustrates what the world would be like if all the bees suddenly disappeared.
Option 2
For this option, your child can write a paragraph that describes the interdependence between bees and flowers. Then she will write a second paragraph that describes what the world would be like if all of the bees suddenly disappeared. Encourage your child to read her paragraphs aloud.
Activity 4: The Boy (or Girl) Who Cried...
Materials: journal, markers
Compare Pa's story about Charley to the story, "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." You can tell your child the story or read a version of the story at the following web link or from a book. Ask your child how the stories are similar and how they are different.
Web Link
Then ask your child to think of her own version of the story. Let her answer the questions at the top of the page called "The Boy (or Girl) Who Cried..." as she thinks about what her story will be about. She can write her story in her journal and illustrate it in the box at the bottom of the page. This is a creative writing assignment that will not be edited or revised.
Student Activity Page