Distance Learning

A Day in the Life of a Homesteader

Grade Level:
Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
Subject:
Social Studies
Common Core Standards:
3.SL.1, 3.SL.1.a, 3.SL.1.b, 3.SL.1.c, 3.SL.1.d, 4.SL.1, 4.SL.1.a, 4.SL.1.b, 4.SL.1.c, 4.SL.1.d, 5.SL.1, 5.SL.1.a, 5.SL.1.b, 5.SL.1.c, 5.SL.1.d

Program Format:

  1. This program begins with a brief introduction to the National Park Service for first time students of our programs.
  2. A brief of overview of the Homestead Act is discussed.
    1. (Note: If you want a class on the requirements and impacts of the Homestead Act, please register for the Homestead Act of 1862.)
  3. A discussion on the types of houses built on the plains.
  4. A discussion on the chores of a homestead child.
  5. A guided discussion on the inside of a log cabin with pictures. 
  6. Summary and questions.

Objectives: 

  1. Gain an understanding of the Homestead Act of 1862.
  2. Learn about life in the homesteading era.
  3. Understand the daily routine of a homesteader.

How to Participate:

Homestead National Historical Park participates in video calls to provide our distance learning opportunities. We partner with the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) to schedule programs. CILC accounts are free, and there is no charge for any of our programs.

Register a program using CILC (select "Homestead National Historical Park" from the Content Provider field to discover all our program offerings).

If you are unable to register through CILC, please call our Education Specialist at (402) 223-3514 or send them an e-mail.

Tags: homestead act of 1862 homesteading homesteader

Last updated: January 29, 2026