Classroom Activities for Farmhouse by Sophie Blackall

As a teacher, I am always on the lookout for captivating books that not only engage my students but also provide valuable learning opportunities. Sophie Blackall’s delightful book, ‘Farmhouse,’ is the perfect choice to immerse my young learners in exploring past and present, history, and creativity. In this blog post, I’ll share our adventures and the valuable skills and knowledge we’ve gained through our exploration of this remarkable book.

Immersed in Farm Chores: We delved into the world of the Swantak family and their daily farm chores, thanks to the engaging activities suggested in the book. Each student chose a specific task, such as milking cows or picking apples, and thoroughly explored the topic. Through their written summaries and vivid illustrations, my students showcased their understanding of the farm chores, demonstrating their growing comprehension skills.
Comparing Homes: Farmhouse vs. Urban Dwellings: One of the most fascinating discussions we had centred around the comparisons between the farmhouse depicted in the book and our own homes. Through visual charts we created together, my kiddos gained a deeper understanding of the unique features and characteristics of each type of home. They enthusiastically shared their observations, broadening their knowledge of different lifestyles and communities.
Dressing Up in the Past: Intrigued by the clothing of the characters, we embarked on a fashion adventure into the 1930s to 1940s. After researching clothing styles from that era, the kiddos compared them to the clothes we wear today.
Rhyme Time and Storytelling: We had an absolute blast crafting rhyming sentences using words and themes from the book. These playful exercises not only strengthened our phonemic awareness but also sparked our creativity and storytelling skills. Inspired by the cumulative tale structure found in Farmhouse, my students created their own captivating cumulative stories, intertwining family moments and treasured memories.
Artistic Expressions: From Potato Prints to Personal House Collages: Our classroom transformed into an art studio as we explored two incredible projects. Drawing inspiration from the wallpaper in the story, we ventured into potato printing. With carved designs and vibrant paint, my students created stunning prints reminiscent of the Farmhouse aesthetic. Additionally, we embarked on a personal house collage project, capturing a cross-section of our own homes and including artifacts that hold special meaning for each student. These artistic endeavors encouraged self-expression, fine motor skills, and a deeper connection to our personal spaces.