Explain to the children that once the pioneers found a new place to live, they had to build their own homes. Most pioneer cabins were one rectangular room built with logs. Pioneers used mud and sticks to fill the gaps between the logs. Give each child a small cardboard milk carton and several cinnamon sticks, pretzel rods or straws that have been painted brown for logs. Have the children glue the logs to the carton horizontally to build a cabin. Cut out a rectangular piece of cardboard and fold it in half for the cabin's roof.
Teach the children that pioneers had to prepare and store their own food without refrigeration. Peel, slice and rinse carrots and apples, then place the slices in a pan and cover them with cheesecloth. Shuck corn, cut the kernels off the cob, place them in a shallow pan and cover. Rinse and snap beans, then string them with a needle and thread. Allow all the food to dry for two weeks. Make applesauce, allowing the children to core, peel and slice the apples, then cooking them until soft in an electric frying pan. Press the apples through a strainer or puree them in a blender. Add sugar and cinnamon while the apples are still warm. Make butter by pouring a small amount of heavy whipping cream into baby food jars. Add a pinch of salt to taste, then secure the lids and allow the children to shake the jars until butter is formed.
Explain that the pioneers had to work hard, even the children, who were often responsible for gathering firewood, carding wool, fetching water and caring for younger children. They also helped cook, clean, mend clothes and plant and harvest crops. Children attended school from October to May so they'd be home for planting and harvesting. Allow children to card wool, assist in dipping candles, wash clothing on a washboard, sew a button onto fabric and plant a seed in a small cup. The pioneer children had to walk a long way and often sang as they walked. Teach the children a few pioneer songs, such as "Yankee Doodle," "America the Beautiful" and "Skip to My Lou."
Explain that the trip west was long and difficult. Tell the children that covered wagons could only hold about 2,000 lbs., so the pioneers could only bring necessities. Help the children make a list of items they would need to travel across the country in a covered wagon. The list should include food, water, pots and pans, dishes, tools, warm clothing, bedding, a lantern and oil. Allow the children to compare lists when they are finished.