Going West! Journey on a Wagon Train to Settle a Frontier Town by Carol A. Johmann and Elizabeth J. Rieth highlights the values of teamwork, determination, and resourcefulness. Through the experiences of pioneers traveling west, young readers learn about the challenges of building a new life and the rewards of perseverance. The book emphasizes problem-solving and cooperation as families work together to overcome hardships. It inspires an appreciation for history and the resilience of those who shaped the frontier.

We include Going West! in our homeschool curriculum to create interactive and creative learning opportunities. Here are a few examples:

• Critical Thinking: Students compare pioneer life to modern times, discussing technological advances, societal changes, and resilience to gain historical perspective.
• Writing Skills: Diary entries and letters from a pioneer’s perspective develop narrative techniques, creativity, and empathy.
• Project-Based Learning: Hands-on tasks like building wagon models or mapping key routes reinforce historical knowledge and spatial awareness.
• Historical Context: Activities and discussions explore westward expansion’s impact on Indigenous peoples and American identity.