Journey into the west with Laura Ingalls Wilder and combine the beauty of literature with art and creativity in this Little House on the Prairie art lesson.
There’s something satisfying about slowing down to savor the simple joys of pioneer life, especially when experienced through the eyes of Laura Ingalls Wilder. But what if you could go beyond just reading the story and help your child see and feel the prairie life through the language of art?
Our LiterARTure lesson does just that! Taking inspiration from Little House on the Prairie, this art project blends literature and creativity to make the story come alive in a whole new way. Experiment with paint and mixed media to recreate the wagon that carried the Ingalls family across the United States.
About the Book
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder is a beloved American classic that follows the Ingalls family on they journey west to settle on the frontier. The third book in the Little House series, we glimpse the challenges, triumphs, and deep-rooted faith of early pioneer life through Laura’s honest and often wonder-filled eyes. This book captures themes of courage, family, and gratitude, as the Ingalls’ learned how to survive on the open terrain, before finally building and settling in their own home.
Little House Art Lesson: Covered Wagon in Acrylics
To accompany Little House on the Prairie, Olivia created a charming mixed media art project that depicts a covered wagon on the wild, windswept prairie.
Students will:
- Learn to create a soft prairie background using acrylic craft paints
- Layer canvas fabric (or decorative paper) over paint to create a rustic covered wagon
- Use ink and line work to define and highlight their work
This Little House art lesson is perfect for beginners and experienced artists alike. It reinforces visual storytelling, spatial awareness, and expressive interpretation—all while immersing your child in the world of Little House.
Why Art and Story Work Beautifully Together
Literature and art are both languages of the heart. By illustrating what they read, your children will:
- Deepen their emotional connection to the story
- Practice narrating the setting visually
- Develop fine motor skills and creative expression
- Remember the book more vividly and meaningfully
This kind of multi-sensory learning turns a reading experience into a cherished memory.
How to Use This in Your Homeschool
Here are a few ways to incorporate this lesson into your week:
- Morning Time or Loop Schedule – Read a chapter, then transition into art as a natural flow.
- Book Club or Unit Study – Use this art project as a final celebration or visual narration.
- Literature-Based Learning – Pair it with a pioneer-themed study, copywork from the text, or a short writing prompt: “What do you imagine it would feel like to live on the prairie?”
Tip: While your children paint, play instrumental versions of old folk tunes or hymns for atmosphere to make the whole experience feel magical!
Ready to Bring Little House to Life?
Not only do we have a beautiful Little House art lesson for you, we’ve also gathered a recipe and a handicraft to go along with your Little House creative journey!
Eat Vanity Cakes Like Laura Ingalls Wilder
In Laura’s fourth book, On the Banks of Plum Creek, Ma made vanity cakes for a party. They are described as small cakes made from dough and fried until golden and “puffed up” (like one who is vain!). Make your own vanity cakes with this recipe at littlehouseontheprairie.com!
Make this Easy No-Sew Ragdoll!
Make a doll just like Laura Ingalls Wilder had with this easy, no-sew ragdoll tutorial!
