What Was the Wild West?
#25 of 67 in What was...? Series
What’s inside...
Saddle up and get ready for a ride back into the wild and wooly past of the American West. The west was at its wildest from 1865 to 1895, when territories west of the Mississippi River remained untamed and lawless. Famous for cowboys, American Indians, lawmen, gunslingers, pioneers, and prospectors, this period in US history captures the imagination of all kids and now is brought vividly to life. From the Trade Paperback edition.
Discussion points
What do you think life was like for children living in the Wild West?
Why do you think people moved to the Wild West despite its challenges?
How do you think the stories of the Wild West shape our understanding of American history?
What qualities do you think were important for survival in the Wild West?
Can you imagine how communication and travel differences back then affected people’s lives?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their daily life with that of a child in the Wild West; this can lead to deeper understanding and appreciation of historical contexts.
Discuss the moral and ethical questions that arise in the book to help your child develop critical thinking about right and wrong in challenging situations.
Use the book’s illustrations and descriptions to visualize the setting together, and perhaps draw some scenes or characters discussed in the book.
Relate the adventures and stories to current events or family history to make the discussion more relevant and engaging.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Courage and perseverance
Explanation: The book illustrates how the pioneers and figures of the Wild West showed determination and bravery in overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can emulate these virtues by being persistent in solving problems and standing up for what is right in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: The impact of diversity
Explanation: The narrative emphasizes the cultural diversity of the Wild West, highlighting contributions from various ethnic groups.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to appreciate and respect people from all backgrounds, promoting inclusivity in their interactions.
Example Lesson: The importance of law and order
Explanation: The establishment of law in a lawless land is a key theme, demonstrating how rules are necessary for societal function.
Real-World Application: Children learn the significance of following rules and the role they play in maintaining harmony in society.
Example Lesson: Learning from history
Explanation: The book covers historical errors and successes, providing an opportunity to learn from the past.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to analyze consequences of actions and apply learned lessons to avoid past mistakes.