| Genre | Children's Literature-Fiction-Picture Book |
|---|---|
| Suggested Age Range | 4-8 |
| Suggested Grade | Pre-K - 3rd Grade |
| Lexile Level | AD610L |
| Bibliographic Information | Burton, V. L. (1942). The little house. Houghton Mifflin |
Central Theme
The primary theme of "The Little House" centers on the tension between progress and preservation, exploring how rapid urbanization can threaten the simple beauty of rural life. Virginia Lee Burton masterfully illustrates the cyclical nature of change through the Little House's journey from peaceful countryside to bustling city center and back to rural tranquility. The story demonstrates that while progress and development are inevitable parts of human society, there is enduring value in preserving natural spaces and simpler ways of life. The Little House serves as a symbol of resilience and the importance of finding where one truly belongs, suggesting that happiness comes not from being part of the newest or most modern environment, but from being in a place that matches one's essential nature. Burton's theme resonates with readers of all ages as it addresses universal questions about what we gain and lose as communities grow and change, ultimately advocating for balance between development and conservation.
Educational Value of the Theme
This theme provides rich opportunities for 3rd grade students to discuss concepts of community, change over time, and environmental stewardship. The story helps young readers understand that progress isn't always better and that different places and lifestyles have their own unique value, fostering critical thinking about development and the importance of preserving natural spaces for future generations.
Listen to the Story here.
Classroom Activity
"Imagine you are the Little House and you could talk to the family who built you long ago. Write a letter to them describing all the changes you have seen over the years. Tell them about your feelings when the city grew up around you, what you missed most about the countryside, and how you felt when you were finally moved to your new home in the country. Use details from the story to help explain what it was like to watch the world change around you. Remember to write your letter using 'I' statements since you are the Little House telling your own story."
Lesson Sketch
Objective:
After reading "The Little House" and examining the illustrations, students will identify and describe changes in communities over time by creating a timeline with at least four specific examples of how the Little House's surroundings changed from country to city, using both the text and visual evidence from the story.
Discussion Questions:
1. How did the Little House feel about each change that happened around her? Find specific words from the story that show her emotions as the seasons passed and the city grew. Why do you think her feelings changed over time?
2. Compare the beginning and end of the story. What was the same about the Little House's two locations in the country? What does this tell us about what makes a place feel like "home"?
3. The story shows both positive and negative aspects of progress and development. What good things came with the city's growth? What problems did it create? Do you think all change is good or bad? Explain your thinking using examples from the story.
Standards-Based Activity:
Standard:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.2.7 - Use information gained from the illustrations and words in a print or digital text to demonstrate understanding of its characters, setting, or plot.
Activity:
Students will create a visual timeline showing the transformation of the Little House's environment using both Burton's illustrations and text descriptions. The timeline will include six key stages: the original countryside setting, the first roads and houses, the growing town, the busy city, the industrial period, and the return to the country. For each stage, students will draw or describe what they see in Burton's illustrations, write a sentence about how the Little House felt during this time period, and identify one specific change that occurred. Students will then write a reflection paragraph comparing the first and last scenes, explaining what remained constant about the Little House throughout all the changes and what this teaches us about the difference between a house and a home.
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Basic
1. Roanoke Valley Preservation Foundation - The Little House Teaching Guide
Teaching: The Little House Project
This comprehensive resource provides a complete workbook of lesson plans specifically designed for "The Little House," including community walking tours, neighborhood observation activities, and hands-on projects that help students connect the book's themes to their own communities.
Professional
2. California State University - Changes Now and Long Ago Activities
Step-by-Step Activities for Community Changes
This educational resource offers detailed step-by-step activities using "The Little House" to teach concepts of community change over time, including discussion guides, extension activities, and connections to social studies curriculum standards.
Business
3. ReadWriteThink - Virginia Lee Burton Author Study
Caldecott Medal Winner Virginia Lee Burton Resources
This site provides background information about the author and illustrator, additional activities related to her other works, and suggestions for extending the lesson through author study activities that help students understand Burton's artistic techniques and storytelling methods.
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