A Day in the Life of a Pioneer: Process

Process

With your two family members, decide which role you would like to assume. Click on each person to learn about his/her role in the family before you make your choice.

Father
Mother
Child

Now that you have chosen your identity, begin searching about how you can contribute on your family's journey to "The West". Click on Pioneer Life to view what your days on the frontier are like.

Scroll down and take a look at the links of your pioneer person.

Please record your findings in your journal. What do you need in order to survive your journey? Remember, Uncle Charlie, Aunt Martha, and Cousin Bobby are still back east waiting to here from you! They want to join you out west! Can you help them?!

Father

You are responsible for reaching the west safely.

Your duties include: protecting your family, hunting, repairing the wagon, and setting up camp for the night. Click on the duties listed below to learn about your responsibilities.

Dangers Tools Conestoga Wagon Camping

Click on your supply list to examine what supplies you have brought on your journey. What are the most important supplies you have used on your journey? Choose 10 supplies and record your thoughts in your journal.

Once you have chosen your 10 supplies... meet with your other two family members and share you thoughts with them. Do they agree with your supply suggestions?

After you have met with your family members, write a letter to Uncle Charlie. Share any other hardships you have come across with him. What tips or suggestions can you give him to ensure safe travels?

Remember, the year is 1845. Computers have not yet been invented; so please handwrite your letter. What do you think the actual final copy of your letter would look like? Be creative! Once you finish your letter, be sure to share it with your other family members before mailing it to Uncle Charlie!

Mother

You are responsible for taking care of the family.

Your duties include: cooking, washing the clothes, cleaning the tools and utensils, and caring for the animals. Click on the duties listed below to learn about your responsibilities.

Cooking Recipes Clothing Tools Animals

Once you have chosen your 10 supplies... meet with your other two family members and share you thoughts with them. Do they agree with your supply suggestions?

After you have met with your family members, write a letter to Aunt Martha. Share any other hardships you have come across with her. What tips or suggestions can you give her to ensure safe travels?

Remember, the year is 1845. Computers have not yet been invented; so please handwrite your letter. What do you think the actual final copy of your letter would look like? Be creative! Once you finish your letter, be sure to share it with your other family members before mailing it to Aunt Martha!

Child

You are responsible for completing many chores for your father and mother.

Your duties include: finding firewood, helping with the animals, preparing the table at meal time, gathering berries, cleaning the wagon, and entertaining your family. Click on the duties listed below to learn about your responsibilities.

Finding Firewood Conestoga Wagon Songs Pioneer Toys

Once you have chosen your 10 supplies... meet with your other two family members and share you thoughts with them. Do they agree with your supply suggestions?

After you have met with your family members, write a letter to Cousin Bobby. Share any other hardships you have come across with him. What tips or suggestions can you give him to ensure safe travels?

Remember, the year is 1845. Computers have not yet been invented; so please handwrite your letter. What do you think the actual final copy of your letter would look like? Be creative! Once you finish your letter, be sure to share it with your other family members before mailing it to Cousin Bobby!