American Girl Curriculum - Girls of American History Unit 4 1854 Pioneer Times-Kirsten® - Family License

Studying history as a family is, perhaps, the best way to learn.  One of the most important parts of homeschooling is family relationship.  Schooling multiple ages together with the continuity of the same subject matter for literature and history, as well as crafts and field trip experiences gives opportunities for family discussion and builds long lasting and cherished memories.

The experiences practiced in multisensory learning allow each family member to participate in ways that help them understand and retain best.  Brothers and sisters learn together and help each other with projects such as making a braided rug or a log cabin craft, having discussions about the story, historical information, as well as positive character traits such as independence, friendship, etc.  

Multisensory learning is great for every kind of learner - because each learner gets to experience learning the way they are most comfortable - but they also have the opportunity to learn through other senses.  Studies and research have shown that learning material through multiple senses helps children to retain information better.

Get the entire family involved doing a nature study, visiting a symphony or a cave.  This six week unit study using the American Girl® Kirsten® series books is also great for doing school with an additional family or two.  Get together for weekly activities or field trips, while doing the rest of the study on your own with your family.  Get together at the end of the unit for a pioneer party of your own!

The American Girl Kirsten series is available in a six book reader set.  These books can generally be found in most used book stores or online on ebay or Amazon. 

This series of books follows a young girl's journey from Sweeden to America.  See life through her eyes as she has amazing adventures, tragic losses and learns so much about herself.  Strong male characters include her brother and father.

This unit works well for studying early pioneer times, the Oregon Trail, the Gold Rush, and so much more. The early 19th century really covers so much more than the early pioneer times - stretch this time period out to include Josefina and the southwestern states. Many inventions took place as well as the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Louisiana Purchase. This unit was a favorite with my boys. Craft and field trip ideas from the time period are included in the unit to help enhance the study. Some examples of crafts include; sewing projects, wood projects, drawings and more.  Deepen your study with the science of bees and honey.

**Crafts are not included in the purchase of the curriculum, but resources and instruction as to what crafts to purchase are included. Family license allows single family usage for the purchaser only.  Copies are not permitted for use outside of the owner's immediate family.  If you are a co-op or charter school purchasing for a single family - please make a note of the family's name and email address when ordering.