The Little House

The Little House by Virginia Burton



Genre: Caldecott Award
Grade Level: 3-5
Summary: A classic book about a city growing up over time around a little house in the country. The house used to be curious of what the city was like until the city started to expand all the way to the house. Then, family members of the people that built the house found it and wanted to move it back to the country.
Theme/Skill: Becoming aware that their city has changed over the years for better or for worse. Gaining respect for older things.
Pre-reading activities: Ask students if they know whether they live in a city (urban setting), suburb, or the country (urban setting). Do you think that where you live has always been the same? We are going to read a story that has seen many changes in its time. Are there other things in the world that go through changes?
Post-reading activities: Connect to prior knowledge about change. Were the changes in the story good for the community? Why did they want to save this old house? Is everything worth saving? Explain if you agree or disagree please.
Assessment: Make a timeline of what each student thinks that their community may have seen over time about change. Find out different interesting facts about his/her community. For example, when the fire department was built, the first store built in your area, or if the tree in your front lawn was planted by someone in your family. Interview older family members or neighbors to find out if they remember buildings, monuments, and natural resources that were around a while ago. Were they knocked down or what happened?
Reflection: This is a great way to build memories and relationships by interviewing. Building social skills and historical awareness of what may have been added recently or in the recent years in their community.