We didn’t realize we were being taught about pioneer life when we listened to our 4th Grade teacher read a chapter every afternoon from one of Laura Ingalls Wilder‘s books. Looking back over the years, I can now appreciate the quality of the writing which carried us over the prairies with Jack under the wagon to the various homes. We FELT Nellie Olsen’s snobbishness.
Storytelling quality has brought the Little House series down through the years to give pleasure and nourish the learning Every day, children all over the world along with those who read aloud to the children. I would have loved to have Laura as a teacher…imagine how she must have been able to explain the concepts to the kids. Her love for words and dedication to education led her to insist on a better Library in Mansfield, MO. These characteristics help everyone to enjoy reading about important historical times in the Midwestern states of America.
Sure, we know that the Ingalls family was only one of thousands who were settling and taming the land. Laura’s delightful stories keep those days and times alive in our memories. Because of these stories, there are special spots all over the Midwest where visitors from all over the worl can enjoy memorabilia and learn. The vision at Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes and Museums is to expand and offer visitors of all ages a ‘living’ experience of the farm where Laura lived with Almanzo and Rose when she began her journalistic career, never dreaming that she would one day write historical fiction in a realistic style that teaches while it pleases.
Laura’s writing does more than please families who can relate to American pioneer life because their own ancestors experienced much the same day to day life. Laura’s wholesome stories of children finding their place, solving conflicts, caring for one another, enduring harsh experiences and overcoming….children living a child’s life resonates with children all over the globe. No matter what language they speak, no matter what their culture is or how their family is arranged, the children can see themselves and their dream in the stories of the Ingalls family.
When readers have enjoyed the stories, they benefit even more from being able to visit Rocky Ridge Farm and walking past the little writing desk where Laura sat writing the stories. Beautiful is the only way to describe the experience of seeing the yellow tablet and pencil still laying there as if Laura might be coming back to tell more.
Your gift to the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Homes and Museums can help keep these treasures safe and available for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Please consider donating today…be an influence on the future as the treasures from Laura’s life and those of her family join her stories and continue to teach…far beyond a small South Dakota classroom
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