Almanzo was responsible for planting, tending to and harvesting seasonal crops all through the year while keeping up with his studies. At home or in class, parents, teachers and students can plant a few seasonal crops in a well-lit area following the specifications for the particular plant. Easier plants to tend to are summer herbs such as basil and rosemary. A window garden planted in several medium size pots is a good garden for apartments. Try to use natural insect repellents that would have been used by Farmer Boy, such as orange peels and marigolds.
Life on the farm of Almanzo included regular chores of cleaning, feeding and collecting food from various farm animals. Read the first three chapters of Farmer Boy, where Wilder describes the farm; then, schedule a day to visit a local working farm or petting zoo that has cows, goats and sheep. After the visit, conclude in the class with asking the students to write a summary of their trip, what they liked best and how it is different from what Almanzo did in Farmer Boy.
Bullies affected 8-year-old Almanzo in ways students could identify with in the early 21st century. Big Bill Ritchie was the largest and meanest boy in the class. He and his friends beat and killed the teacher prior to Mr. Corse. Interact with the students by asking them to describe some things bullies do. Then, discuss appropriate ways to react to a bully as individual students or what they can do if they see someone being picked on.
Star Bright was the favorite ox of Almanzo on his farm. It was a young ox and he was responsible for taking care of it. He wanted to prove to his father that he was good enough at taking care of Star Bright and so worthy of having his own horse. Parents and teachers can discuss responsibility with their children and students. Ask students to describe ways that they demonstrate responsibility in their lives or ways that their parents expect them to be responsible. You can create a classroom list on the chalkboard to facilitate discussion.