The House on Maple Street by Bonnie Pryor teaches young readers about history and change by following the story of a single house over time. The book shows how communities evolve and how people’s lives are shaped by their surroundings. It promotes an understanding of the past, encouraging children to appreciate the connections between history, family, and place. Through its gentle storytelling, it fosters a sense of continuity and belonging.

Integrated into our literature-based homeschool curriculum, The House on Maple Street serves as a helpful resource for exploring themes of continuity and change, community, and history. Here are several ways we utilize this book:

• Timeline Project: Students create a timeline detailing the changes the house and street undergo through the ages, establishing chronological order and appreciating historical context.
• Character Study: Focusing on the different individuals and families that inhabit the house, students delve into character analysis, exploring motivations, challenges, and growth. 
• Creative Writing: Inspired by the book's structure, students write their own short story about a location significant to them, imagining its past and future. 
• Art and History Integration: Students research architectural styles mentioned in the book, then create their own artistic rendition of the house at various points in time.