Grade 2 Read-Aloud

5B-1

Westward Expansion: Supplemental Guide 233

Dear Family Member,

During the next several days your child will be learning about the westward expansion

of the United States during the 1800s. Your child will learn about the invention of the

steamboat, travel on the Erie Canal, and the effects of westward expansion on Native

Americans.

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

your child will be learning about westward expansion.

1. Quilts

Your child will be creating quilt squares showing what s/he learns about westward

expansion. After a few days, your child will have learned about the Oregon Trail, the

steamboat, the Erie Canal, Sequoyah, and the Trail of Tears. Using the quilt square

provided with this letter, have your child recreate one of his/her squares to show you what

he/she has learned about one of the topics.

2. Transportation Today

Your child will learn about the forms of transportation used during the time of

westward expansion, including horses and wagons, trains and railroads, steamboats, and

canals. You may wish to talk about the differences in these forms of transportation and

the types of transportation used today as you travel to and from your home.

3. Sayings and Phrases: Back to the Drawing Board

Your child will learn the saying “back to the drawing board” in the lesson about

Sequoyah. Try to help your child understand that people use this saying when something

they’re doing doesn’t work out and they feel the need to start over from the beginning.

Ask your child how this saying relates to the story of Sequoyah. (His wife burned all of

his work, so he had to start over.) Use the saying “back to the drawing board” when

something does not work out as planned and you need to start over from the beginning.

4. 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. A list of books related to westward expansion is attached to this 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.

1B-3