Megan O'Hara

Summary:
This is a story about what it was like to live on a farm in the 1880's. Living on a farm was hard work, even for children. Although the stories are true, these fictional characters explain what their daily chores consisted of. Each day had it's own set of chores, but there were also additional chores to be completed each day. Grace, the narrator, explained what happened each day of the week.

Personal Reaction:
This was a great story to read and was really easy to follow. As Grace show more explained their daily routine, she explained definitions of unfamiliar words. I thought this was a great way to help expand a child's vocabulary. Also, there were instructions on how they made wool into clothes, how to grow beans, how to churn butter, and there was even a recipe for an apple fruit cake. I loved the great detail that Megan O'Hara gave when writing this story. The book was illustrated by using photographs to help give that realistic effect.

Classroom Extension Ideas:
1. Gardening was one way of how you got your food. This picture book gives instructions on how to grow your own beans. This would be a great hands on activity for students to do. They can grow their own beans and then observe and record the results.
2. During the husking bee, it was common for the children to make corn husk dolls. This picture book gives instructions on how to make one. This would be another great activity for the students to engage in and experience. show less