Sod Houses

Watch a video (different than the one above) about sod houses -- like the one Sam's family is going to build -- here: Life in a Sod House

Here is a definition of sod.

The Homestead Act of 1862

Please learn about how Sam's family was able to claim land in the Dakotas by reading about (click this link) The Homestead Act of 1862 and be prepared to discuss this tomorrow.

Chapter Twelve

Why do you think Sam seems resentful or angry every time Billy says something smart, like when Billy asked Pa about digging into the hill, on page 82?

Chapter Twelve

The word "cheroot" appears twice in this chapter.  Please find it in context, reread those parts, and then explain what you think the word means, along with explaining why you think that.

Chapter Twelve

On page 80, Sam new that Pa was successful in obtaining the land even before he met up with him.  How did he know, and how do you know that this is how he knew?

Chapter Eleven

Why do you think Harold remains a topic of conversation and disagreement for Sam and Billy?  Explain yourself fully.

Chapter Eleven

After Ma had made it clearly known that she wanted to live where she could have neighbors and be close to a town, why did she (and the rest of the family) decide to stop and settle where they did?  Be sure to revisit the chapter and explain yourself completely and thoroughly.

Johnathon

You need to revisit the posts for chapters nine and ten.  Your level of effort is unacceptable.

Chapter Ten

Sam and Billy reacted quite differently to their stop in the town.  What do you think accounted for their differing perspectives?

Chapter Nine

Do you think it was fair for Pa to hold Mr. Lasker responsible for Billy's disappearance?  Please be sure to explain yourself thoroughly.

Chapter Eight

Why do you think it was so important to Billy and Sam to have a funeral for the horse that drowned in the Mississippi Rive?

Chapter Seven

It seems that Sam's attitude about his family's journey is changing a bit, as well as his relationship with Billy. Do you agree? Please provide some evidence that shows these things, or explain why you disagree.

Chapter Six

In this chapter we learn more about how Ma feels about the family's expedition.  Using examples from the text, please explain how you think she feels and why you believe that.

Chapter Five

Were you surprised that Grandpa and Grandma were not accompanying the rest of the family on the journey west?  Why do you think they were not going?  Please explain why you think what you do.

Chapter Four

Despite the risks in doing so, Pa thinks setting out for the Dakota Territory is a good idea.  What seems to be his motivation?

Chapter Four

Sam and Billy seem to have very different opinions and feelings about Harold.  Why do you think that is?

Chapter Three

Please reread pages 14-16 before responding to this.

Sam's father grew very upset when he found Sam wearing his Civil War jacket.  What do you think caused him to be so agitated?  Why do you think he told Grandpa that the world after the War "is better... for a man with vision"?

Chapter Two

In this chapter, Sam seems very preoccupied, and his mind wanders while he is in school. What's on his mind and how do you think he is feeling?  Please use evidence from the text to support your thinking.

Chapter One

Please revisit chapter one in order to respond thoughtfully to this.  At the end of this chapter, Billy says to Sam, "Harold says there's no such thing as always."  Why do you think Billy mentioned this to Sam and what do you think he meant by it?