Grade: 4
*This is an introductory lesson I taught during my student teaching internship.
1. Read aloud “Across the Oregon Trail in a Covered Wagon” story about the Dockens family. This story discusses the route the pioneers took, the dangers and illnesses on the route, various landmarks, forts, shortcuts, activities, and ways of life for the pioneers on the Oregon Trail.
2. Have students color the worksheet as directed during the story.
Grade: 4
*This is an activity I had my fourth grade students complete during my student teaching internship.
1. This is a follow up art activity to be completed after reading and studying about the Oregon Trail.
2. Have the students think about what the various landmarks, animals, and other items seen from the covered wagon on the Oregon Trail.
3. Have students design a post card based on a sight or landmark from the Oregon Trail.
4. I had them decorate one side like a picture postcard and then write a journal entry on the other side, just like many of the journals we read while studying the Oregon Trail.
Adaptation: Allow below-level writers to write a shorter journal entry that is at their level.
