Hide the Thimble

• Laura and Mary Ingalls played a game of "Hide the Thimble" to pass the time during cold, dark winter days and nights.
  
  This game works best in small groups of two to four players. Give one player a sewing thimble or other small object. He hides the thimble within the playing area while the other players count to 50. Once the other players have reached 50, they begin to search for the thimble. The player who finds the thimble becomes the hider and the game begins again.
  
  

Reader's Theater

• Perform a portion of one of the books for another classroom to help students build public speaking skills and confidence in reading aloud.
  
  Choose a chapter that has several characters, such as Ma, Pa, Laura and Mary. This will allow the largest number of students to participate. Give each student a script of what she should say, and include instructions for actions found within the novel's text. Allow students ample rehearsal time to become comfortable with their lines and actions before performing. If you are able, allow students to construct costumes to wear during the performance.
  
  

Churning Butter

• Show students how hard the Ingalls family had to work even for simple foods such as butter.
  
  Give each student a clean baby food jar. Fill each jar with about 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream. Be sure the screw-top lid of each jar is secured tightly. Have students shake their jars until butter forms, about 20 minutes. Allow them to spread their butter on bread and sample it.
  
  

Button String

• Laura and Mary strung some beads they found at the Native American camp with buttons from Ma's button jar to create new jewelry.
  
  Give each child a piece of string and a wide variety of buttons. Buttons can be found at craft stores, discount retailers, thrift stores and garage sales. If you wish, give each child a few beads to add into his button string. Secure one button to the end of the string with a double knot. This will keep the buttons from falling off the string. Allow the children to add buttons or beads to the string. Once finished, tie the string around each child's wrist to create a bracelet.