Extension Activities

1. Debate

A debate is a formal discussion or contest in which opposing sides of a question are argued.

Today, we will stage a debate between Nettie, Harrison, and Ben. The debate will center on Chapter 13 when Ben proposes to his brother and sister to build a barn.

Your objective is to persuade the other two to either build the barn or not build the barn, depending on which character you portray.

Your audience will vote on which character was most persuasive.

2. Eulogy

You will write a eulogy for Father. You will include personal information about Father’s values and beliefs, as you believe them to be. You may also include your personal feelings toward him. You are to write as if you are Ben, Harrison, or Nettie. This will be ½ page minimum in length.

3. Interview

You will write a minimum of 10 questions you would like to ask one of the characters in the book. They should be serious questions that reflect what this character experienced.

4. Would you want to have lived in 1855?

Using mostly Internet resources, you will write a 2 - 3 page paper about the Oregon Territory and the time period of 1855. You will specifically address what the Oregon Territory was, the living conditions, work conditions, and the educational conditions of the place and time.

You will conclude your paper by stating if you would like to have lived at this time in the Oregon Territory. You will specifically address in detail why or why not.