Grade 2 Read-Aloud

Westward Expansion: Supplemental Guide 267

Dear Family Member,

Your child has been learning about the westward expansion of the United States.

We will continue this topic over the next few days, learning about the Pony Express, the

Oregon Trail, and the transcontinental railroad. Your child will also learn how the lives

of the buffalo and the Plains Native Americans were negatively affected by westward

expansion.

Below are some suggestions for activities that you may do at home to reinforce what

your child will be learning about westward expansion.

1. Westward Expansion

After a few days, have your child complete the activity on the back of this letter. Have

him/her write the correct title for each picture, choosing from

the word bank. Then have him/her write a sentence about it.

2. I’ve Been Working on the Railroad

Your child will be listening to the song “I’ve Been Working

on the Railroad” while learning about the transcontinental

railroad.

5B-2

I’ve been working on the railroad

All the live-long day.

I’ve been working on the railroad

Just to pass the time away.

Can’t you hear the whistle blowing,

Rise up so early in the morn;

Can’t you hear the captain shouting,

“Dinah, blow your horn!”

Dinah, won’t you blow,

Dinah, won’t you blow,

Dinah, won’t you blow your horn?

Dinah, won’t you blow,

Dinah, won’t you blow,

Dinah, won’t you blow your horn?

3. Read Aloud Each Day

Try to set aside time each day to read to your child as well as listen to your child read

to you. Remember to use the recommended trade book list sent with the fi rst family letter.

Any opportunity your child has to tell you about what s/he is learning at school and to

practice it at home is helpful.