Little House on the Prairie
Novel Exploration
Mrs. M. Jones’ 4th Grade Class
Greenway Park Elementary
January 2012
Let’s Meet the Author:
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957)
Laura was born in a log cabin in the “Big
Woods” ofWisconsin. She traveled with her family to
the vast prairie of Kansas, and to the plains of
Minnesota in a covered wagon. During their
journeys they faced many hardships and dangers.
Laura grew up to become a teacher and author of
books of her memories of life on the American
frontier. She wanted others to experience her growth
from a pioneer girl to a teacher and wife of a farmer.
She wrote a series of books entitled:“Little House”
which tell of a strong family working together in the
face of hardship.
Whole Class
Chapter 1: “Going West” pgs.1-15
Theme: Home & Family
Author’s Purpose: Entertain
Sum-It-Up!: In chapter 1, we are introduced to the main characters of the
novel, the Ingalls’ family. There is Ma & Pa Ingalls and the their 3 daughters,
Mary, Laura, and baby Carrie and also their dog, Jack. The family were
leaving their home in the Big Woods of Wisconsin to move out west to Indian
country of Kansas. The family packed up everything they owned and left
behind everything & everyone they knew for a “new” to live in the vast land
beyond. We think this chapter is sort of sad and scary, because the Ingalls are
leaving behind everything and don’t know what to expect on the long journey
to their new home. We have all felt this way when we’ve move to a new home
before.
“Crossing the Creek”
By: Icina
Chapter 2 Pages: 16-27
Theme: Courage
In Chapter 2 the Ingalls Family will face the dangers of crossing
the creek! In these days most people were heading west. Mainly to
gain more land for farming. One of these families were Ma and Pa
Ingalls and there three daughters Mary, Laura and Carrie. They were
headed west crossing the creek to Kansas. But this was no ordinary
creek, this was the rushing creek to Kansas. While crossing the creek
horses clutched in fear. This chapter has a lot of risk-taking actions
considering that most people & animals die on the voyage across the
creek. I have felt this way before when I had to take a dangerous risk
to save someone!
Camp On The High Prairie
Ch.3
Pgs.28-37
By: Hannah
The Ingalls family had to stop and camp because their journey to the indian territory would
be a long , long time. They had to stop and sleep to let the horses settle and get more energy
for the next day so they could travel. The Ingalls had to put up with bad situations like having
wolves in the wilderness all around them. It is was terrifying thing to do but they had to do it
so they could get to were they needed to go.
Prairie Day
Chapter 4 By: Sasha
In chapter 4 Laura and Mary woke up on a warm sunny day. We smelled coffee and bacon. We heard
pancakes sizzling, so we scrambled out of bed. When we went outside to play we heard birds chirping, it
was wonderful! When we were done eating, we washed the dishes while Ma made the beds in the wagon.
We put the clean dishes in the box, and then went exploring. We were chasing gophers, I ran and ran, but
could not catch one. So instead of chasing a gopher we had to pick flowers and weeds for Ma. Our little
petticoats were whiter than snow. I was really happy. The feeling of this chapter was happiness and family.
When we were in the wagon I heard a mockingbird sing for a little while. One time in Russia we went
exploring in the woods; just like Laura and Mary did in this chapter.
The House On the Prairie
Alex
chapter 5 pg:52-70

In this chapter Mary, Laura, Pa, and Ma just got to the
prairie. Pa has already started unpacking then
building our house. Pa is building a stable to go along
with the house because we need some where to keep
Pet and Patty. Pa had to make a couple trips to the
creek bottom to pick up logs. It’s hard for us at this
time. I think we will all like the house. I think we would
be like everybody else so once we move in we will be
fine. I got to see the Verdigris River, it was really cool.
I’m liking the house on the prairie. Even though it
was a long a trip to get here. I hated crossing the
creek, Pa had to lead the horses. I'm so glad that’s
over, “whew!!!” I really liked the vast woods of
Wisconsin. The Indians are good people so far, they
are minding their business and not bothering us. I
have felt like this before because I have had
experience moving before.
“Moving in”
Chapter 6 pgs.71- 79
azariah stewart
Theme: pioneers life on the frontier.
This chapter is about a pioneer girl moving into a
little house on the prairie. Ma tells them to grab all the stuff out of
the wagon since they were moving in the house. As soon as they
dumped everything on the ground Laura and Mary went inside the
house. Pa and Ma was right behind them looking in the house. At
night Laura drowsily heard wolves howling, now they were not sure if
they were safe. Pa , Ma , Laura, and Mary were happy because they could
move into the house . I can relate to this chapter like when I had to move to a
different house.
“The Wolf Pack” Chapter 7 pgs.88-99
By: Ciarah
In chapter 7, they told us that Pa went to go hunt for some
meat and when he was coming back a pack of wolves
surrounded him like they were cattle trying to graze. I bet
the wolves were saying to each other “Should we eat him or
the horse?” I remember a time when I felt like Pa it was
when I went to the zoo and all the cages were open, there
was no fence, just a rope tied and connected to logs. A lion
was staring at me and growling. The theme of this story is
that Pa was surrounded by wolves while he was hunting. Pa
was scared and frightened. Luckily, Pa made it out alive! I
think this chapter was saying to me “What if that happened
to my dad if I was alive during that time?” I would scared
and frightened too!
“Two Stout Doors”
Chapter 8 pgs. 99-106
Destiny
Theme : Pioneers & Life on the frontier.
 This chapter is about a pioneer girl trying to make doors for the
house and the barn where the ponies live. Pa asks Laura if she wanted
to help. Pa has to make the doors out of wood and he has to make the
door knob out of a string. It took him a long time to make them, but
they were able to get them done. Any time you wanted to open the
door, all you had to do was pull the string. Pet and Patty prickled, or
wiggled their ears they were so happy! Now they were safe!
Everyone's mood was happy because the doors were fixed and they
were now safe. Ma told Pa that making both doors was too much, but
Pa said it’s just what they needed. I can relate to this chapter like when I
helped my dad fix the windows that got broken at our house.
Chapter 9 Fire on the Hearth pg 107-119
By: Jakayla
Laura and Mary were out gathering items needed for Pa to
continue the house. They were traveling in the wagon observing
animals grazing. They saw flowers like larkspur.The joy of singing
songs from the birds were in the air. The excitement of looking for
Indians was on Laura’s mind. The girls played in the creek, but
could not wade in the water past their ankles. Minnows were
nibbling on Mary and Laura’s ankles. This gave them a funny,
squiggling feeling. At home mud and brick had been stacked and
Pa had completed the chimney. We gazed at the mantle after the
fireplace was completed. Ma placed her china doll on the mantle.
I think this chapter was very happy because now they can stay
warm. I have a fireplace just like Laura.
“a roof and a floor”
chapter 10
theme: nature
pages120-131
by: Aniyah
 In this chapter Pa is going to build a
roof and floor. Mr.Edwards helps
him by lending him nails. Laura and
Mary went exploring since all of the
chores were done. Pa was finishing
the house and everything was nice
and warm inside. When Pa was
finished they thought he did a
splendid job! Pa was hauling logs
over and over again. The characters
in this story are the Ingalls family
and Mr.Edwards. This chapter was
risk taking because Pa was building
and he had to work carefully. It was
dangerous for pa to go on the roof. I
went exploring just like Laura and
Mary did.
“Indians in the House”
Chapter 11 by: Laura
This chapter is about two Indians coming to the Ingalls house and
they point at things so that Ma can cook it for them. Ma hurried as
fast as she could and got the cornbread and made it. They ate it all up
until the last crumb. They were rumpling the cornbread. Then they
got up and went to where the tobacco was and stole all of it and left.
They did all of this while Pa was gone hunting. Jack was so sullen.
The characters in this chapter are Mary, Laura, Pa, Ma, Jack and the
Indians. I think the Indians were being mean by stealing all the
tobacco and just coming in and eating when they weren’t invited,
because Pa had just gone to Independence to get the things that they
need and they come and steal it. Some strangers go to other people’s
house, just like the Indians came to the Ingalls house .
Fresh Water to Drink
(Chapter 12 Pages 147-161)
By: Cindy
The main idea of this chapter is that Mr. Scott helped Pa make a well. Pa told Mr. Scott that if
he went down the well without a candle it could be dangerous because there wasn’t
good oxygen. Mr. Scott did not believe him, so he went down the well without the
candle and he almost died because he didn’t listen. It was a terrifying moment
because we didn’t know what was going to happen to him. Laura and Mary were
scared. The good thing was that Mr. Scott got out of the well safe and sound, but with
the help of Ma and Pa. Although he had some scratches he was still fine. Mr. Scott
thanked Pa and Ma for saving him. Baby Carrie wasn’t there at that moment because
she was sleeping. We were also thankful for Mr. Scott’s help in making the well. Mr.
Scott told Pa he thought it was foolish to have died if he went down the well without
a candle, but he said he was wrong to think that. We were happy too because we got to
drink water from the well. If this had ever happened to me or my family I would to be
terrified because we don’t know if they would be saved or not. For me this chapter was
interesting and risk taking . My grandpa once fell in the well and I was screaming for
help because I was terrified.
Texas Longhorns
Anthony (Ch.13) Pgs.162-171
The main idea of this chapter is that Pa finds
some cowboys and wants to join their group.
The cowboys let him in the group on one
condition he has to help them make their
cattle to sleep. In return they will give him a
big piece of meat, a cow, and it’s baby calf.
He started hanging out with them for a few
days and while he has gone Ma, Laura, Marry,
and even Jack were lonely while Pa was gone.
When he returned they had a big dinner that
night. They were in great joy because they had
a great dinner and Carrie loved the milk she
had drink. The cowboys even let Pa keep his
brimmed hat he wore when he was with
them. The theme of this chapter is Pioneers
and life on the frontier. I think this chapter is
exiting and surprising.
“INDIAN CAMP” CHAPTER 14
pg.172-181
By- ROBERT
In this chapter, there is an Indian sleeping in his tent. Pa, Mary, &
Laura went to see the Indian’s camp out. They found beads “a vast
number of beads.” They came home late , because they did not know
what time it was & they were so happy. Laura didn’t want to give her
beads to Carrie. Mary did give her beads to Carrie. So Laura said “
Carrie can have mine.” Ma had already started making her calico
blanket when Pa, Mary, Laura & Jack left the house. They were
happy & they showed some courage by going to the Indian camp. I
too didn’t want to give my baby sister something just like Laura did
with the beads. I finally gave it to her and we both were happy.
Fever ’n’ Ague By Bode
Pg.182~198 Ch.15
Theme : Sickness/Friendship
Mood : I think that this chapter is surprising that the
whole family all got sick at the same time! That can be
very rare! I’m scared something bad will happen!
Berries! Berries! Berries are growing and the Ingalls
are eating. But all the sudden their backs were aching
and they were getting hot and cold. Mosquitoes had
been around causing malaria. A doctor and the
Scott’s came over and said that watermelons had
caused this but Pa didn’t believe them and ate a
watermelon lusciously . I also get sick and need a
doctor with medicine. I felt scared while reading this
chapter that something bad would happen. It didn’t,
the problem was fixed!
Characters: Laura, Mary, Carrie, Pa, Ma, Mr. and Mrs.
Scott, Mr. Tan, and Jack.
Justin
Fire in the chimney
Chapter 16 pg. 199-207
Theme:
Bravery, quick thinking ,
risk-taking
This chapter is about Pa leaving to town.
Laura heard a little crackling in the
chimney. Ma discontinued her singing.
Baby Carrie was in Mary's hands . The
chimney is on fire! Ma seized a long pole
and struck at the roaring fire, and burning
sticks fell around her. Laura grabbed the
back of the rocking chair. Mary and baby
Carrie came sliding across the floor. Very
quickly Laura picked up the burning stick
and flung it into the fireplace just as Ma
came in. “That’s a good girl!” Ma said. Pa
soon came home and was talking about
tobacco, Quinine.
Tone / Mood:
Heart stopping , keeps you wondering….
My grand ma told me that a lady’s house
Caught on fire and she had a lot of stuff
So the firefighters couldn’t get to her.
“Pa Goes To Town “
Chapter 17 208-225 By: Tiarra
Theme: Family & Home
Mood / Tones: They feel
very scared without Pa
for 4 days.
This chapter is about Mary ,Laura , Pa, Ma, and
Jack the dog. They are about to split up for about 4
days. So when they all stepped outside quivering in
the cold waiting for Pa to leave. They felt very
scared without Pa for protection. They didn’t have
anyone to protect them because Jack is sad
because Pa didn’t take him. But they do have
Mr.Edwards. He comes sometimes and helps them
with stuff around the house. But every time he
comes, Jack grins savagely and attacks. They
hope he doesn’t get too aggressive. I have felt this
way before when my dad left us for more then 4
days. I have also pulled up a bucket full of water
when I went to Colonial Village, just like Ma did for
the clothes.
The Tall Indian By CHAD
Chapter 19 Mr. Edwards Meets Santa Claus!!!
By: Jasmine
Pages: 238-252
Theme: HOME and FAMILY
In this chapter it is Christmas time for the Ingalls. On Christmas Eve Pa
and Ma invite Mr. Edwards to their Christmas dinner at their house. He says
no because the river that separates their houses is too deep. Later in the
night he comes and brings gifts for the girls; Mary and Laura. Laura opened
her gifts anxiously, but Mary opened hers slowly. They both got a penny,
candy and a tin cup. Mr. Edwards said that Santa Claus gave them the gifts.
The girls said that this was the best Christmas that they have ever had
because they never have had so many gifts! The prices of everything has
changed, because if I got a penny back then I would be happy because then I
could buy anything like a candy bar. Now, I can’t buy anything with a
penny because a candy bar now cost a $1.00. I would be so mad!
“A Scream in the Night” Theme: Courage
Chapter 20 pg. 253-262
Tone/mood : Nervous & Scared
This chapter is about Pa , Ma , Mary and Laura hearing some one
screaming and mournfully sobbing .Pa went to go see what it was. It
was coming from the Scotts then he went to go see what was wrong .
When he got there the noise stopped it was quiet, then he ran back
home because he had saw a panther the one he had hunted it for days when
it got warmer. This chapter was scary, because screaming means danger. I
was nervous about what was going to happen to the Scotts. I’ve heard
someone screaming before. It was in the middle of the night . It was my
sister. She was scared of dark, because she was three . She woke
everyone up!
Jamie
Chapter 21 “Indian Jamboree”
by NICHOLAS
Pages 263-274
In this chapter, Pa has been gone for a very
long time. Laura & Mary were playing
hopscotch so when Pa comes back they’ll
see him. When he comes home Ma told the
girls to come in the house. The girls heard a
noise; it was the Indians. They were making a
chopping sound with their mouths. Pa came
back with food in the wagon and when Laura
heard the wagon she jumped up and down
because she was happy to see Pa. She
jumped into his arms hugged him, she was so
relieved he was home. This chapter has a
theme of home & family. Pa told Laura & Mary
the Indians were having a jamboree, which was
a celebration or party.
I have had past celebrations like jamborees for
my birthday or other family events.
Chapter 22
“Prairie Fire”
By: Taylor
Pgs. 274-286
In chapter 22, I experienced that in this chapter
Caroline,(ma)Charles,(pa),Mary, baby Carrie ,Laura and the animals
are in a fire. When the sky was dark the Ingalls family noticed that
there was a fire. It wasn’t in the house, but it was close to the house.
Then Charles got sacks of water for him and Caroline to throw at the
fire. Then they got blankets and waved them up and down at the fire.
While doing that Laura started quivering, because she was scared that
her parents would get burnt by the fire. Finally the fire had stopped.
When Laura’s parents were done Caroline was staggering, from what
she was doing, but she said she was ok. I think Caroline and Charles
had courage to put out the fire. I also think this connects to when
there was a fire in my house.
Chapter 23: INDIAN WAR-CRY
BY ZARIA pages 286-301
In this chapter the uneasy Indians decide to
kill the white settlers. But the Osages
didn’t agree to that idea, so there was
savage yelling and drums and terror all
night long for many days. No one got any
sleep. Laura woke up screaming in the
middle of the night. No one was happy
until the war – cry was over. One Osage
Indian told Pa about the shouting, he said
there was a argument about the settlers.
Because a Osage stop them from deciding
to kill white settlers. Pa was glad, maybe
Indians were not that bad after all. I was
scared that the Ingalls might get killed .
Some wars or arguments affect all of us in
many ways.
Morgan
Indian Ride Away
Ch.24 pg.302-311
Theme: Courage
Indian Ride Away is mostly about Indians coming to close to
Laura’s house. Everybody gets scared and when Laura see’s
the Indian babies. She says that she wants one certain Indian
baby that she thinks is the cutest one of all! Suddenly the
Osage chief yells out war cries! Jack did not like it at all, so he
growled savagely. Laura, Ma, Mary, and Pa were very brave
because there were so many Indians and the Ingalls did not
know what the Indians would do. So Jack is a good guard dog
so if Indians came too close to the Ingalls house it is most
likely that he would get mad. Laura, Ma, Mary, and Pa did not
know what they were doing , so it turned out that they stayed
up all day watching the long line of Indians go by. Even when
the Ingalls went in for dinner they still watched the Indians go
by. The Ingalls family wonders curiously “were they good
Indians or bad Indians?” I feel like this chapter is more of
being scared and brave at the same time. I have felt like this
before because I have been scared at doing something, but
turns out I do it anyway.
" Soldiers"
Chapter 25
Pages: 312-322
Theme: Home & Family
In this chapter, the Ingalls were quietly plowing and planting vegetables in
their garden. Suddenly, Pa yelled because the soldiers from Fort
Washington were coming to move them out of Indian Territory. The
soldiers sent orders to the families to leave the settlement. Pa disagreed
with the government orders and decided to move his family to
Independence on his own terms. This made the Ingalls feel disappointed
that they had to leave their “Little House on the Prairie” after all of their
hard work, dedication, & effort. We have felt like this when we were
forced to do something that we felt was unfair to us.
“Going Out”
Chapter 26
Pages: 322-335
Theme: Memories
Finally time had arrived for the Ingalls to move from their “Little
House” on the prairie. Pa, Ma, and the girls packed everything they
needed for the trip south to Independence. Ma was careful to pack
their clothes in carpetbags for the trip. As they moved down the trail,
Laura looked back at the little house with memories of her family’s
time there. On the road they encountered another family moving
south. They were leaving the prairie headed to a better life; but they
would still miss their home on the prairie. I think this chapter was sad,
because I don’t think the family really wanted to leave their “Little
House on the Prairie.”
Reader Opinions About the Novel….
Bode: “I thought this was an interesting novel to learn about the past.”
Zaria: “this novel was heart -pounding and each chapter was exciting!”
Aniyah: “Ithought this book was risk taking, because the family had to go through a lot of trouble.”
Jakayla: “I really liked this book, because it makes learning about the past fun.”
Justin: “this book is very touching, because it has so many things that people experience in life.”
Jasmine: “This book made me feel surprise and sad at the same time, because I would never think this
would happen in the real life.”
Anthony: “I think this was a fun-loving and entertaining book, because there were so many things that
you didn’t expect and some of the events were fun.”
Morgan: “I thought that this book had a lot of adventure and it made me want to keep reading.”
Alex: “This book made it fun to learn from the past.”
Laura: “I think this book is a very mysterious book, because a the end of the chapter there is a
question mark and then you have to read on to find the answer.”
Cindy: “I think this book is interesting, because all the chapters are full of interesting facts about the
past.”
Tiarra: “I think this book was very good, because it gives me a heads up about the past that’s different
from the future.”
Nicholas: “I think this book is intriguing, because in chapters it showed different emotions of the
different characters.”