I love using read alouds to teach students about historical events. Apples to Oregeon tells the slightly true story of one family's journey west. This is a great way to introduce students to the western immigration in America. This story is told through a young girl's perspective making it an engaging and enjoyable read for students. This book can be used to teach children about the different challenges many families faced during this journey. - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
Delicious and her family are moving from Iowa to Oregon. Her father wants to bring the things that are most important to him, his apple trees. The family travels across the country with the trees on a big covered wagon. Throughout the journey the family faces many different problems. They must protect the apple trees from the wind, heat and cold as they float across rivers and travel long distances.
Delicious is always by her father's side to help him protect the apple trees. Her quick thinking and willingness to help saved the apple trees on more than one occasion. When the family finally makes it to their new home in Oregon, they plant the apple trees in the new soil. Delicious’ father buys her a new pair of boots, to replace the ones she lost on their journey, as a way to thank her for all her help.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
There is so much you can teach with Apples to Oregon. Our book companion for this story addresses a number of reading comprehension skills, integrates a variety of writing styles and introduces grammar and social emotional learning concepts. Here is a sneak peak at some of the different lessons you can use this book to teach.
- Teach students to analyze the setting of a story and how it impacted characters throughout.
- Examine the cause and effect of events throughout the story.
- Integrate informational writing by asking students to research about the setting of the book.
- Teach students about letter formation by asking students to write letters from characters’ perspective.
- Explore the various uses for commas.
- Teach a lesson on capitalization of names.
- Discuss the importance of perseverance and problem solving.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
There are so many different activities included in this book companion. Teachers love how easy it is to select the resource they want to use, print, and be ready to teach. The best part is there is so much variety you can use these activities across multiple grade levels and subject areas. You will be so happy you purchased this resource!
GET THE PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- The Gardener by Sarah Stewart
- Bad Apple, a Tale of Friendship by Edward Hemingway
- Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna
- One Green Apple by Eve Bunting
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
