Hannah of Fairfield: Pioneer Daughters #1
#1 in Pioneer Daughters Series
What’s inside...
The Pioneer Daughters series is a heartwarming portrait of a colonial girl and her family struggling to meet the challenges of pioneer life during the Revolutionary War. In Hannah of Fairfield, Hannah faces various challenges as she grows up in Fairfield, Connecticut. While she prefers nursing a fragile spring lamb back to health, the war demands her attention and the involvement of her community. She grapples with how she can contribute to the war effort as her family prepares to send her brother Ben to join the colonial soldiers.
Discussion points
How do you think Hannah felt when she faced challenges on the farm? Have you ever felt the same way?
Why do you think teamwork was important for Hannah and her community?
What did you learn about life during pioneer times from Hannah's experiences?
If you were in Hannah’s shoes for a day, what would you have done differently, and why?
How do you think being brave helped Hannah? Can you share a time when you had to be brave?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by asking your child what they liked best about the story and why, to get them talking about the book.
Relate Hannah’s challenges and victories to your child’s own experiences, making connections to help them understand the character’s emotions and choices.
Encourage your child to imagine living in pioneer times, discussing how daily life and responsibilities might differ from today.
Discuss the moral lessons in the book, like the importance of courage and community, and ask your child how they can apply these lessons in their own life.
Praise your child’s responses to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and opinions about the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Hannah takes on significant household duties while her father is away, showcasing her ability to manage responsibilities even at a young age.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt a sense of responsibility by taking on small household chores or tasks, learning the importance of contributing to family life.
Example Lesson: Courage in the face of adversity
Explanation: Hannah displays bravery when faced with challenges, such as protecting her family's farm during her father's absence.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and stand up in challenging situations, whether it’s trying something new or standing up for what's right.
Example Lesson: Historical appreciation
Explanation: Set in colonial America, the book provides insights into the daily life and struggles of early settlers.
Real-World Application: Children can gain a deeper appreciation for history and understand the resilience and hard work of people in the past, which can inspire gratitude and perspective.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Hannah’s interactions with her family and friends demonstrate her ability to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more empathetic by considering the feelings of friends and family members, helping them build stronger, more supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: Hannah frequently finds herself devising solutions to problems that arise on the farm or in her community.
Real-World Application: Children can apply problem-solving skills learned from the book in real life, from figuring out how to fix a toy to helping resolve a dispute among friends.