Films on the westward expansion

[Dhahabu]

We're currently learning about the westward expansion and my kids are really enjoying it and realizing how tough life was for the early pioneers. I'd like to find a film I could show them to give them more of a window into what life was like then. My boys are 7 and 5 so it would have to be pretty tame, although I'm sure they would enjoy a bit of cowboy stuff too! We've just read Dandelions by Eve Bunting - anything like that (in film) would be ideal!

 

Thanks

[Lori D.]

We're currently learning about the westward expansion and my kids are really enjoying it and realizing how tough life was for the early pioneers. I'd like to find a film I could show them to give them more of a window into what life was like then. My boys are 7 and 5 so it would have to be pretty tame, although I'm sure they would enjoy a bit of cowboy stuff too! We've just read Dandelions by Eve Bunting - anything like that (in film) would be ideal!

 

Thanks

 

 

Sarah Plain and Tall

 

Little House on the Prairie (1974 -- movie that was the pilot for the TV series)

 

-- short YouTube video of 4th graders helping to rebuild a sod house

 

-- short YouTube video

 

Pioneer Life for Children DVD Series by Schlessinger Media (check your local library, but also available used)

- Daily Pioneer Life

- The Pioneer Journey Westward

- Westward Expansion in the U.S.

 

The PBS mini-series "Frontier House" *might* be a possibility (3 or 4 families go to live for a year in pioneer conditions, including building a log cabin), but there's a lot of "reality-TV" type of arguing throughout. I'd say this one is more for age 9+.

 

Heartland is well-done, but too realistic and intense for children under 10-12yo.

[Dhahabu]

Thanks. Any other ideas...anyone?