Curated OER
Orphan Trains
Students are introduced to the concept of orphan trains. In groups, they research the history of the New York Children's Aid Society and begin to identify the social-trade offs involved on the orphan trains. They examine the geneological...
Prestwick House
The Orphan Train
What do a girl in foster care and a 91-year-old widow have in common? A crossword puzzle related to Orphan Train highlights some of the similarities the two characters share in the book. The puzzle pulls out key details from the novel to...
Curated OER
Philanthropy And Children Who Are Homeless Lesson 1: Traveling on the Orphan Train
Young scholars research how the Orphan Train was an example of philanthropy that was aimed at aiding homeless children. They determine how this philanthropic effort continues now by researching contemporary relief agencies. They...
Curated OER
Philanthropy And Children Who Are Homeless Lesson 2: Was the Orphan Train Philanthropic?
Middle schoolers study the lives of homeless children who rode the Orphan Train by reading first person essays of the children's experiences. They examine what rights were denied to the homeless children during the late 1800's and decide...
Curated OER
Types of Trains
Third graders explore different types of trains. In this science lesson, 3rd graders study the "Orphan Train" and write a paragraph about what it would feel like to be riding a train during this time period.
Curated OER
Orphan Trains
Students use readings and discussion to investigate the 19th century practice of Orphan Trains - sending U.S. urban orphans from the East to the Midwest in hopes of procuring them a home. They focus on the concept of social trade-offs.
Curated OER
Traveling on the Orphan Train
Young scholars explore the components and meaning of philanthropy. In this community awareness lesson, students are able to identify and research agencies and organizations that provide services to children in need, compare and contrast...
Curated OER
A Train to Somewhere
In this word search puzzle worksheet, students locate and identify various vocabulary terms related to taking a train on trip somewhere. There are ten words located in the puzzle.
Curated OER
A Family Apart
Pupils create an abc book, acrostic poem, diary, caricature, haiku, and more for the story A Family Apart. In this A Family Apart lesson plan, students also have vocabulary words to use.
Curated OER
Making Good Decisions
Pupils practice the skill of decision making and anticipate the consequences of their choices. In this consequences lesson students complete several worksheets.
Curated OER
Making Good Decisions
Pupils practice reasonable decision making and anticipate the consequences of their choices. In this consequences lesson students discuss trade offs and how to solve problems.
Curated OER
Wild West Book List
Are you teaching a unit on the Wild West and need a good book suggestion that ties in? You've just found an extensive book list that includes titles for both juvenile and advanced readers. Each title is about some aspect of the Wild West...
Curated OER
Maniac Magee Comprehension Questions
Supplement your Maniac Magee lesson plans with a packet of student materials. Included here is a variety of questions about the text. Pupils complete multiple choice and short-answer questions and choose from a variety of extension...
Curated OER
Maniac Magee: A 5th Grade Literature Guide
There's no need to run around trying to plan a unit for the book Maniac Magee, the work has already been done for you. Through a series of whole class, small group, and independent lessons and activities, students practice synthesizing...
Curated OER
My Antonia: Concept Analysis
Use this analysis of My Antonia to help inform your instruction and prepare your pupils for the project and enrichment ideas listed at the end of the resource. The analysis covers big questions related to the text, themes, plot elements,...
Curated OER
Philanthropy Profiler
Students explore the concept of philanthropy. In this Charles Loring Brace lesson, students research the man and his contributions so that they can determine whether he served his community as a philanthropist.
Curated OER
Building a Peace
Learners take a closer look at the rebuilding of Rwanda. In this current events lesson plan, students review the genocide in the country during the 1990's and perform role plays that require them to determine how to rebuild a nation...
Curated OER
Our Troubled World: A Study of Global Issues
Young scholars analyze global issues. In this research skills lesson plan, students research selected global issues. Young scholars create e-collages or digital videos that feature their selected issues.
Curated OER
Commonly Confused Words
In this ESL worksheet, students focus on commonly confused words. Students complete 20 fill in the blank sentences using the drop down menu to self check each question.
Curated OER
Animal Artists
Students read a current events non-fiction article and answer vocabulary and comprehension questions about it. In this animal artists paint for fun lesson plan, students also work on dictionary skills, geography, and creative thinking by...
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: The Orphan Trains
A site telling of the trains during the late 1800s that took orphans and unwanted children from the cities and transported them to the West to work on farms and hopefully be adopted.
Other
Kansas Collection Articles: Orphan Trains of Kansas
This site, presented by The Kansas Collection, provides insight into the westward expansion of orphan children from New York City. The page houses links to stories, newspaper articles, history, and graphics associated with the Orphan...
Books in the Classroom
Carol Hurst's Children's Literature Site: Train to Somewhere
This site contains a review of the book "Train to Somewhere," as well as related books and other Internet sites.
PBS
Pbs: Archives of the West: Across the Plains in 1844
A memoir by Catherine Sager Pringle, one of the orphans who was taken in by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. Find out about the journey on the Oregon Trail and the Whitman Massacre.