The Little House Collection
Little House Series
on Goodreads (155,315)
What’s inside...
The Little House Collection by Laura Ingalls Wilder is a series of autobiographical children's novels that chronicle the author's childhood in the American Midwest during the late 19th century. The series follows the life of the Ingalls family as they navigate the challenges and adventures of pioneer life, moving from the woods of Wisconsin to the vast prairies of Kansas, Minnesota, and the Dakota Territory. Through the eyes of young Laura, readers experience the joys and hardships of growing up on the frontier, including building new homes, farming the land, facing natural disasters, and forging strong community ties. The collection is celebrated for its detailed and heartfelt depiction of family, resilience, and the pioneering spirit.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
0-1
Length
100 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think Laura felt when her family moved to a new place? Have you ever felt the same way?
What are some differences and similarities between your daily life and the lives of the characters in these stories?
Why do you think it's important for Laura's family to work together? Can you think of a time when our family worked together like that?
How do the characters in the book use their imagination to have fun? What are some ways you like to use your imagination?
What lessons do you think we can learn from Laura and her family's adventures and challenges?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight the historical context of the story before starting, which can spark curiosity about how people lived during Laura’s time.
Encourage your child to compare their personal experiences with those of the characters, which enhances empathy and personal connection to the story.
Ask your child to predict what might happen next in the story at various points, fostering critical thinking and engagement.
After reading, encourage your child to draw a picture or write a short story about their favorite scene or character. This helps deepen their understanding and personal connection to the story.
Use the themes of family, perseverance, and adaptability in the book to discuss similar values in your family’s life, making the conversation relevant and meaningful.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and adaptability
Explanation: Throughout the series, the Ingalls family faces numerous challenges, from harsh winters to economic hardship. Their ability to persist and adapt to changing circumstances is a recurring theme.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of persevering through difficult situations, adapting to change, and staying positive, qualities that are beneficial in everyday life challenges.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work and cooperation
Explanation: The Ingalls family often works together to build homes, farm the land, and complete daily chores. This cooperation is essential for their survival and success.
Real-World Application: This lesson can teach children the importance of contributing to household tasks, working together with siblings or classmates, and understanding that collective efforts often yield better results.
Example Lesson: Importance of family and community
Explanation: In each book, the bonds between family members and their interactions with the wider community play a crucial role. The family relies on and supports each other, and the community comes together in times of need.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value and nurture relationships with family members and peers, understanding the importance of a supportive social network.
Example Lesson: Developing a relationship with nature
Explanation: Laura and her family have a profound connection with the natural world, respecting the land and learning from it. Their lifestyle is closely tied to nature’s cycles and resources.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and appreciate the natural world around them, fostering curiosity and care for the environment.
Example Lesson: Self-sufficiency and resourcefulness
Explanation: The Ingalls family often creates solutions with limited resources, whether it's making their own toys or finding ways to earn money when times are tough.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be more resourceful with what they have and to think creatively in solving problems, which are invaluable skills in everyday life and in overcoming personal challenges.