As I read one of the classic children’s books, The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton, it turned out to be an unexpected history lesson. This wonderful book begins with a charming little house on a hill, living through days and nights and the seasons. She loves the countryside and the changes. The early illustrations capture all the images of the seasons. At this point in the book children are hooked, because they love the little house. As I turned the pages they knew summer followed spring, then autumn then winter. Each page was predictable.
The next page was the game changer. A road is being built by the little house, yet the children couldn’t see what was happening on that page. How could they not see?
I went back and forth between the previous page and this page, asking plenty of questions. Were they so focused on the house that they couldn’t see ‘the big picture’? Once the children saw what was happening, the story changed; there was much more than just the little house. We talked about steam shovels and trucks, and the smoke from the steam roller. From this point forward, every page in this book shows a significant change, and we jumped in with both feet. The tenement houses were built, and that was the trigger for history. We talked about the buildings; they were different. Then a child commented on the cars passing by. Yes, they were different, too.
The cars started most of the conversation. I told children that my grandmother drove those cars and my mother was a little girl riding in those cars. Generations are a concrete way to teach history to young children. It’s their closest connection to an abstract concept. Children identify history through their parents and grandparents, and a few lucky ones may have a great grandparent. It starts with something close to home, like a car, and that can be the catalyst to talking about history. That’s exactly what we did. The next page, and the next, and so on were steps in history. Trains and subway cars were a natural curiosity, since children were captivated by cars. Then came the twenty-five and thirty-five foot buildings. We talked about Boston and about Groton, and who has the tall buildings. We even imagined how high twenty-five stories would be.
Of course we never forgot about the little house, especially when she was moved from the city back to the country. This was perhaps the most exciting page; it sparked great conversation. Children asked how they did that, moving the house, and also asked how deep the hole was, and if the house was okay. This is the pinnacle in education. This page is all about math, science, engineering, kindness, history, and language. I think that’s why children like this page. There is so much to talk about and so much to learn.
The rest of the book is wonderfully predictable, as it should be. After all the lessons and learning and dialogue that transpired while reading this book, the little house comes to rest at a new place in the country, much like where the story began.
When I was in first grade, this was the one book I remember my teacher reading aloud. Frankly, that is my strongest memory of first grade. Now that I am the teacher, I have a greater understanding of how a picture book can teach history and beyond. That’s what I do.
Jennie
P.S. Stay tuned for Part 3.
A Teacher's Reflections 
Learning about generations and the family connection is so important. When my step-daughters were young, they asked me if I had fought in WW1. (There was a remembrance programme on TV at the time) I told them I was not born. They said “WW2 then?” I told them I was still not born. I explained that my grandfather was too young to fight in the first war, but my father was in the army all through WW2. They finally made the connection.
Best wishes, Pete.
That’s a great story, Pete! I’m glad you you were able to make the family connection for them. Yes, it’s so important.
I love this book and the history within its pages. A perfect book for your eager young learners.
It really is, Darlene. I’m so glad you like the book. Many thanks!
That’s a wonderful book, Jennie and it give you the opportunity to expose bits of history these children may not otherwise learn. Good job (as always).
Thanks, Dan! It really is.
I remember reading this to my kiddos and enjoying the easy-to-understand historical aspect of it, too. This also shows how a common theme makes a story relevant no matter the decade(s) it represents. Again: books & reading are fundamental to living & growing…just sayin’… 😉
Well said, Laura! You are spot on…just sayin’ 😀
You make me want to read this book!
It’s so good! Thanks, Jacqui.
There are so many great lessons in that book.
Yes, indeed!
The little house was a book I read as a kid. I never forgot the story and how I felt about the poor house being surrounded by the city. Virginia Lee Burton also wrote Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel another favorite of mine
When you never forget a book, that tells you how good it is. Like you, this is one I vividly remember. I also remember Mike Mulligan. There’s a chapter book, My Father’s Dragon, and the authors loved Mary Anne, Mike’s steam shovel. They have the same one in their book.
What an honor to Mary Ann and Virginia.
Yes, very much so.
Another great book!
Yes!
That illustrator is very familiar. Who was it? I think the same artist did some of my little Golden Books.
The author, Virginia Lee Burton, also did the illustrations, which won the Caldecott Medal in 1943. She didn’t illustrate any Golden Books.
History and real life connections – I love it.
Yes! 😀
Sadly we see this happening in so many once beautiful neighbourhoods.
I know, and it’s sad.
a great book and an even greater lesson!
Yes, and yes! Thank you, Beth.
Your lesson shows the power of books, considering it’s the thing that stands out in your mind about first grade.
Well said, Pete, and true. It’d definitely my #1 memory.
I remember this book! from my childhood!! Haven’t seen it again until now. Wow! Thank you Jennie.
I’m so glad this book brought you childhood memories. It’s one of the best. Thank you, Cindy!
Beautiful and very empowering post, Jennie. Your lessons shows your power of books. Thanks.
Yes, the power of books can never be underestimated. I’m glad you enjoyed this, Kamal. Thank you.
You are always welcome dear Jennie and I completely agree with you 💗🙏💗🙏
Thank you, Kamal!
Always welcome Jennie 😊
😍
Jennie, you are a marvel. Everyone around you is blessed. I’m not familiar with this book. Thanks for sharing these delightful illustrations. Hugs.
Thanks for your kind words, Teagan! Hugs.
Love this book! Not being a teacher, I never considered how many important conversations with young children could come out of this story.
Yes, so many conversations! No wonder it’s a classic. Thanks, Marcia.
I remember you sharing this book with us before, Jennie, and it was new to me. Along with history there is so much more that could come out of this story. The classics still have such an important place in our schools.
Yes, yes!!
This seems like a great book for exploring history and change! Also, as I read this post, I was reminded again that your blog is a powerful resource for teachers – as well as it is a great read for all of us who follow you. And seriously, I can imagine young teachers finding your blog and getting a lot of ideas!
It really is, Prior. Thank you for your thoughts here. I started this blog for all the reasons you say. I hope to turn all my teaching stories into a book, an uplifting memoir, so to speak. Perhaps it will give new teachers and also parents a resource and some good stories.
well you might have a series of books to offer – or maybe a “workbook” extension to the memoir that has lessons and the little extras from a master teacher.
anyhow, when it comes time for this project – let me know if you need any help with the manuscript – I can share some of what I have learned (and I actually started my own self-publishing service, but just did not want to do that for “work” – and so after helping a few folks I closed it down – and was glad)
but as I am sure you know, the good news is that you have a lot of content already waiting to use – on your blog.
That’s so nice, Prior. Thank you! I will keep you posted. 🥰
🥰
Hi Jennie, what a lovely sounding picture book. I enjoyed what you shared about it very much. The story I remember most clearly from my young childhood is Sparky and the talking train. I found it a little scary as a girl.
Yes, it is such a lovely picture book. I’m glad you enjoyed this, Robbie. I must look up your Sparky book.
❤️❤️❤️
Thank you, Marsha!
What a captivating book. I got so upset about the road coming, and all that came with it. Thank goodness there’s a happy ending!!
One day I was driving my 6-year-old grandson back to his house after a visit, and I had to insist that he wear his seat belt. I explained that when I was his age, we didn’t have seat belts. He replied, “Well because back then you rode in a horse and buggy.” He was being serious, but I still gave him the stink eye. 🙂
It is definitely a captivating book. As soon as the roads came in, I was sad, too. I love the ending!
What a great story about your grandson! Horse and buggy…😅
Took me a while to laugh about the horse and buggy….. 🙂
A great teacher, book, and learning lesson! “That’s what I do!” I love how picture books can teach history! What an amazing lesson, Jennie!! I just love those kids and you! ❣️💚🥰🤗
It’s one of the best books, Karla. I’m so glad I could turn it into a history lesson for children. Yes, it’s what I do. Thank you for your kind words. I miss you. How is Zeb? How are you?
I miss you so much, Jennie! Zeb is having fun in Kansas City (yes, my granddaughter wanted him back there). SO, guess who is still here hanging with Finn and I? Heart!
I’ve needed Heart, though. I’ve had a rough few weeks (but lots of great memories too, dear friend). I’ve had to have oxygen help after a horrible infection and oxygen crisis (2nd hospital stay in 6 weeks). My hair is gone–treatment is tough but it’s holding the liver lesions stable. It was scary when my enzymes skyrocketed and I was jaundiced. BUT, I have HOPE. I have two appts this week. I really needed the summer, Jennie.
I miss you!! I hope you and Gloria are doing well, too!! ❣️🥰💚 Love and hugs!
Thank you for the update on Zeb, and thank goodness you have Heart with you. Oh Karla, you are going through so much. Having the summer to rest and heal is a blessing. Please keep me posted…I care. Gloria is here on the couch until she has to go to the ‘spa’ to get cleaned before September. Just walking by her many times each day makes me feel good. Hubby is her biggest fan, so it will be a sad day for him when she returns to school. Love and hugs!!! ❤️
How precious, Jennie!! Yes, I’ll keep you updated (email). I have two appts this week.
How sweet Gloria and your hubby are such wonderful friends! School is around the corner! Many blessings and love!❤️
Many thanks, Karla! 💕
You’re welcome, sweet Jennie! ❣️❣️
Pingback: Story Chat Digest: “Was That a Scream?” by Darlene Foster – Marsha Ingrao – Always Write
Thank you!