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Farmer Boy, Chapter 24

Social Studies
Childs Play 
In the 1800s, parents depended upon their children to carry out necessary jobs and many children’s games and activities related to adult work. Children were also expected to develop a sense of cooperation and fair play, share possessions with siblings and friends, help neighbors and friends who were sick so learning to play with others was important. (for example: good sportsmanship, good attitude, honesty)

Play in the 1800s was very different that it is today. They didn’t have television, video games or any thing electronic. If it was especially cold, they often played games inside. Common games were: Dominoes, TiddlyWinks, Pick up Sticks, and cards and other educational board games like Snakes and Ladders (or Chutes and Ladders). Playing with baby dolls and marbles was also common. They had lots of physical play-especially outside. We read in Farmer Boy that they worked and went to school, and they also had some time to play. They played baseball too. Not only did Almanzo make his bobsled, but he also used it to help pull lumber. He probably also used it for sledding and of course if there is snow involved a snowball fight is eminent too.

Almanzo and his Father made his bobsled. They began by chopping down two similar oak trees that were crooked to make the runners. This could be challenging as “no two trees are alike, not even a blade of grass. Every thing is different from everything else, if you look at it. They had two trees that were a little alike.”

Today how would you get a bobsled? Most would purchase it from a store that they drove to. In the 1800s this was not an option.

What games and things do you do for fun outside?
(chalk on sidewalk, bike riding, running relays, playing in sandbox, playing in a fort, playing a sport like basketball or baseball, etc.)

What do you do for fun inside?
(play board games, with specific toys, etc.)

Many of the games they played during Almanzo’s time taught him life skills like how to build something. What are you learning as you play? (good sportsmanship, caring for one another, sharing, memory skills, etc.)

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