Teaching History: The Gold Rush

 

Entering week two in our school year, my elementary-aged kids are having a blast! Starting the year off with learning about the gold rush of 1849 was a wise choice—and a fun one. With little prep needed, I had all of the resources below on hand from previous years teaching my other kids—although they were never used together. Piecing them together has made the past week and a half go smoothly and has been tremendously enjoyable—the perfect start for a new year!

By the Great Horn Spoon! by Sid Fleischman is an absolute winner. Where has this author been my whole life? Of course I know him from The Whipping Boy but why did I not ever explore his other works until recently? Take his McBroom books for example. Have you READ McBroom and the Big Wind? I mean actually read it. Out loud. To your kids. It is the BEST book to read aloud. It is hilarious and so much fun. Make sure you add the hillbilly accent. You have to. It makes the whole book. I read that recently to my kids and had so much fun and was ready to change that to becoming my new favorite children's book. That was before I discovered By the Great Horn Spoon. It is incredible and keeps my kids on their toes as I read it to them! We have been using this as a read-aloud before we start our day right after Bible.

Goldtown Beginnings Series by Susan K. Marlow is perfect for my son who is learning to read. It is meant for ages 6–8. He is on the older end of that but it has been perfect for him. There are enough easy words for building his confidence and enough challenging words to help strengthen his reading skills.

Heroes and Heroines of the Past: American History by Amy Puetz is a favorite series in our homeschool. Including the history of the 49ers, my kids have been able to have hands-on history activities this week including making skillet bread from that time period. This program includes stories, facts, recipes, crafts, and writing practice which my kids have enjoyed. 

Exploring Creation with Chemistry and Physics by Apologia begins with learning about different properties. This includes teaching the difference between gold and fools gold. The kids loved how even their science lesson tied in with what they were learning about in their other subjects. 

Little House on the Prairie: Season 2, Episode 9: At the End of the Rainbow came to my mind during our science lesson. It is a cute episode where Laura and her friend learn about the California gold rush and Sutter's Mill. This was a great way to add a video component to the mix so I could get some chores done while the kids were able to add to their studies in a way that could relate!