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Little House on the Prairie

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Practical Skills We Want to Learn Because of Little House on the Prairie

January 9, 2019 By Little House on the Prairie
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“The true way to live is to enjoy every moment as it passes, and surely it is in the everyday things around us that the beauty of life lies.”

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Practical Skills We Want to Learn Because of Little House on the Prairie

If you’re like me, watching the Ingalls Family in “Little House on the Prairie” inspires you to learn new skills. Even though most of us will never become homesteaders like Laura and her Pa and her Ma, we can adopt some of the hands-on arts that they made part of their everyday lives. Recapturing some of their pioneering spirits gives us a deeper appreciation for the simple things of life.

Cook From Scratch

As pioneers, the Ingalls cooked from scratch out of necessity. This homemade cooking and baking of affectionately-prepared meals connected them and brought them together. They worked together to cook, serve, and clean. They baked homemade bread, cakes, and pies; gathered fresh eggs, made bacon, preserves, and many other homestead staples.

Practical Skills We Want to Learn Because of Little House on the Prairie

Grow Food in the Garden

Gardening may appear to be about simply growing food for nourishment, but there are many lessons that can be garnered, especially in the case of Ingalls garden and Pa’s crop fields. The family learned faith, patience, perseverance, the value of hard work, and tenacity. The children cultivated the skills to help grow their own food, weed the garden, sell the vegetables and store some away for winter. They learned about the seasons in their garden and helped alongside Ma and Pa to grow good, healthful food for them to eat.

Practical Skills We Want to Learn Because of Little House on the Prairie

Explore the Outdoors

The Ingalls family were great adventurers. They went exploring in the wilderness, made long and sometimes challenging trips to find new land, and observed the value of the wild country daily. They lived closely in tune with the land, cared for it, cleared lands and forged a living from it. They also enjoyed some free time, with plenty of room to play outdoor games, being connected to nature and wildlife.

Practical Skills We Want to Learn Because of Little House on the Prairie

Care for Animals

The Ingalls family loved animals – Laura, especially. She loved her beloved dog, Jack, and the Little House on the Prairie books contain a great many charming tales of her fondness for Jack. In season 3, episode 8 of the TV series, entitled Fred, Laura decides that her family needs a goat. No one can forget the love Laura had for her horse Bunny, either. And although she was a family pet, she was also a fundamental part of the family being able to travel from place to place. Many of the animals the Ingalls cared for also provided them with nourishment, such as milk, butter, and beef. Today, many people still raise their own animals and livestock to provide food and other essentials for their families.

Practical Skills We Want to Learn Because of Little House on the Prairie

Sew Your Clothes

Ma made all of the clothes for the family. She lovingly stitched each piece by hand. We are a culture of consumerism nowadays and can learn a great deal about simplicity from this one act of the Ingalls family. The Ingalls family was self-reliant and made do with what they had on hand, mended clothing, and repurposed scraps into useful things like quilts. Nothing was wasted.

Practical Skills We Want to Learn Because of Little House on the Prairie

Go Fishing for Supper

During the pioneer era, food could be scarce and fishing was a major source of food. Pa taught his girls to fish and the whole family was able to contribute to their meals this way. They ate a lot of fresh fish and it helped them to be self-supporting.

Practical Skills We Want to Learn Because of Little House on the Prairie

Cook Over a Fire

There’s something cozy and meaningful about being able to cook your meal over an open fire. The Ingalls had to cook this way often until the later years when they got a cookstove. Ma was able to create nourishing meals no matter where they were – in a wide-open prairie or in their log cabin. Even today, people get satisfaction when they prepare a meal over a fire rather than using the modern appliances that our homes provide. The Ingalls did not have the luxury of central heat and air. So, they used a fire both to heat their home and to cook and prepare their meals. Aside from the practical applications of having a fire, it also made their small cabin cozy and comfortable.

Practical Skills We Want to Learn Because of Little House on the Prairie

Hang Clothes on a Line

Out of necessity, the Ingalls hung their clothes on the clothesline each day after washing them by hand. Today, while we have the modern technology of a dryer, many people still use a clothesline to dry their clothes. It not only saves the cost of electricity but also gives them a fresh airy scent. The Ingalls children helped their Ma with the laundry, and being outdoors made the chore more enjoyable.

Practical Skills We Want to Learn Because of Little House on the Prairie

Learn Woodworking

Pa learned how to do just about everything they needed to do. And if he didn’t know how to do something – he read books and learned through jumping right in and trying to do it. He learned how to be a wheelwright in the Christmas at Plum Creek episode to earn extra money to surprise Ma with a cookstove, he repaired an antique chair, and Pa always worked with wood to create things for the family. He hand-carved their wood mantle and carved CI + CI into it with love and care. He also built Carrie a cradle, Ma a carved headboard, Laura a saddle for her pony, and many more treasured gifts.

Practical Skills We Want to Learn Because of Little House on the Prairie

What are some of your favorite practical skills that you learned or were inspired to learn from Little House on the Prairie?

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Filed Under: Community, Inspirations Tagged With: Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie, Ma Ingalls, Pa Ingalls

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Comments

  1. Mark Brown says

    September 16, 2020 at 2:20 pm

    I’m a 56 year old man and in these trying times I watch the series to destress. This world needs more simplicity. I don’t care about anyone’s politics or religion – ethnicity or sexual preference but we need simplicity in our lives again. This is what’s missing in the world.

    Reply
    • Ron Planting says

      August 8, 2021 at 2:16 am

      Ik ben 65 en ben het helemaal met u eens mijnheer Brown, wees blij dat je nog gezond bent waardeer het leven en de simpele dingen die jou blij maken .
      Het leven is te vol stress nu, en oa hierin haal ik ook veel voorbeelden uit de serie die mij weer blij maken en de weg wijzen.

      I’m 65 and totally agree with you Mr Brown, be happy you’re still healthy appreciate life and the simple things that make you happy.
      Life is too full of stress now, and in this I also get many examples from the series that make me happy again and show the way.

      Reply
    • Les lesterson says

      November 7, 2021 at 10:54 am

      I agree, today people care more about themselves than others.and in accepting others viewpoints.

      Reply
    • Donna A Pollock says

      May 21, 2022 at 6:08 pm

      I agree with you.

      Reply
  2. Hope Drews says

    June 20, 2020 at 12:20 pm

    I love Laura Ingalls Wilder, I wish she were still alive!!

    Reply
  3. Alice says

    April 29, 2020 at 1:11 pm

    I’ve been rewatching the show lately and wondered what the Cl + Cl carved into the fireplace mantle means. Does anyone know? Would love to know. Thanks in advance 😊

    Reply
    • Julie says

      May 1, 2020 at 9:09 pm

      I believe it stands for Charles Ingalls & Caroline Ingalls!

      Reply
    • PATRICIA FINNERTY says

      May 12, 2020 at 4:27 pm

      It means, Caroline ingalls & Charles ingalls.

      Reply
    • Jo Ann says

      June 16, 2021 at 6:24 pm

      It is Charles and Caroline’s initials

      Reply
  4. Peggy Knecht says

    January 28, 2020 at 11:51 am

    I grew up watching the show , and reading all of the books. My family did most of those things. We even made our own ice cream. Laundry is still my favorite chore because I get outside, and socialize with my friends and neighbors.My mom taught me to embroider, and quilt. We also had a vegetable garden.

    Reply
    • Peggy Knecht says

      January 28, 2020 at 11:52 am

      I also learned to knit.

      Reply
  5. Suzie Homemaker says

    January 27, 2020 at 3:29 pm

    All that and embroider, knit,crochet. Learned all from Mom.

    Reply
  6. Cynthia Thomas says

    August 23, 2019 at 2:49 pm

    Between This Show and Walton’s Show
    My All Time Favourite!!! Til this Day I Still watch these show’s even though I seen it thousands of times… Continue to til I’m Gone…I’m 56 years old

    Reply
    • Sandy says

      January 30, 2020 at 11:14 pm

      I feel the same way Cynthia. I love watching them more now than ever, you don’t see shows like this any more. Good shows with good values and a life lesson in each. I’m 55.

      Reply
  7. Sharon brock says

    August 21, 2019 at 5:22 am

    Love it

    Reply
  8. Carmen says

    August 20, 2019 at 11:58 am

    My girls and then my grandchildren grew up watching this show. Loved it.

    Reply
  9. Robbin says

    January 18, 2018 at 5:28 pm

    I grew up on LHOTP, both the books & tv show (probably the best set of books my babysitter ever gave me). I gave my daughter her own set when she was in grade school. One of the things we were able to bond over, was using Ma’s receipt (we call it a recipe these days) to make bread & my daughter excels at it. In this age of ‘gotta have it now, gotta have it new’, it’s nice to take a step back & do like our forefathers. Far too many skills have been lost & it’s sad.

    Reply
  10. Anna Douglas says

    January 16, 2018 at 10:49 pm

    I’m 14 years old and LOVE Laura Ingalls. If she were still alive we would be the best of friends. Me and my family do all these things above. I love to embroider but my little sister is much better than I am. Me and my little sister took sewing lessons last summer and made Laura Ingalls dresses, we play Laura Ingalls all the time I’m always Laura and my sister is always Mary. If i was given the option to go back to the Laura Ingalls times I would do it in a heart beat.

    Reply
    • Anna says

      May 6, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      I am 13 and feel the exact same way, although unluckily only me and my mum enjoy little house on the prairie, my brothers and sisters say it is boring.

      Reply
    • Caity says

      May 17, 2020 at 4:37 pm

      You took the words right out of my mouth. I feel exactly the same way!

      Reply
  11. jody says

    January 8, 2018 at 10:44 pm

    If Little House was part of school curriculum…The world would inevitably, in my opinion, be a better place. And our children would have survival skills, compassion and morals along w/ creativity.

    Reply
  12. Melody El kortobi says

    January 8, 2018 at 9:30 am

    I use a lot life time skills.i love little house on prairie..try make my life simple I do clothes by hand still cook homemade soups try store food during winter months I sew when I can I was raised in country so if I go without I make do..but love pioneer life

    Reply
  13. Aida Douglas says

    September 25, 2017 at 3:31 pm

    I’m a big fan of Laura Ingalls, I think knowing these skills helps us to be hard workers and knowing that Laura did them once encourages us to want to do them cause we are doing some of the things Laura did. And you never know you might find it to be rather fun.

    Reply
  14. Shirley Fentress says

    September 22, 2017 at 10:01 am

    One of biggest fans, watch everyone I can and age 80 1/2, like to relax watch it.

    Reply
  15. GoTurner says

    August 24, 2017 at 12:19 am

    My 4th grade teacher read the entire Laura Ingalls Wilder series to us during the school year. I fell in love with the simplicity their life held and to this day have this aspect for my life, just to be outside by the water, taking a deep breath while observing the scents of the air, etc. Appreciating the simple aspects of life, and to embrace being content are important lessons to impress upon our children and grandchildren!

    Reply
    • Jill says

      January 18, 2018 at 4:40 pm

      I read the series to my children and now I’m reading the series to my grandchildren, for the third time. Love it.

      Reply
  16. Sherry says

    August 23, 2017 at 4:13 pm

    I love making homemade yogurt, granted it’s in my instant pot but it makes me feel closer to Laura knowing it’s from scratch without additives. I also like to cut my own hair, something I learned watching YouTube videos. Someday I would love to live off the grid. I’ve visited any such places as a child, before it was “cool.”

    Reply
  17. Cheryl Wood says

    August 23, 2017 at 12:44 pm

    I so badly wanted to be Laura and totally identified with ma and pa as if they were my parents. I feel like they raised me. I can do wverything on the list above but don’t really like to sew but I can do it. My husband is a carpenter. Does that count? We run a farm and I preserve all our food and cook over fires and from scratch! Love this lifestyle! We all work…even rhe little children!

    Reply
  18. Michelle says

    August 31, 2016 at 7:29 am

    Surprised to see I know and use all of these skills except for woodworking. Many more skills were important, and would make great hobbies if not immediately useful, including candlemaking, soapmaking, playing an instrument, and foraging for wild vegetation.

    Reply
  19. Trisha Andrews says

    August 30, 2016 at 5:15 pm

    I can’t wait for the “Little House” reruns to premiere on Cozi TV next month. It’s been nearly six months since I saw the Ingalls family and their friends in late 19th century Walnut Grove on the Hallmark Channel because I couldn’t afford to keep the cable on. I also grew up on that show, seeing the first run episodes on NBC every Monday night from 1979 (which was the start of Season 6 when Laura met Almanzo), to the two-hour movie finale in 1984.

    Reply
  20. Karen Fortin says

    August 30, 2016 at 9:37 am

    I watch “Little House…” All the time and still enjoy all the re- runs. My kids grew up on that show!!
    Considering the trash on TV these days I’m so grateful that we can still enjoy these episodes.
    May they never end.

    Reply
    • Eileen Morel says

      November 5, 2016 at 9:44 am

      So true! Little House was my first peek at what a real family could be like!
      Thank you!

      Reply
  21. Jackie says

    August 29, 2016 at 4:27 pm

    Knitting!!! Mostly in the TV show, Ma crochets but she has been known to do the odd knitting as well. That was my inspiration to learn how to knit a couple of years ago. I love watching Little House on the Prairie! There are lots of things I’ve learned from that show and still learning!

    Reply
  22. Deb says

    August 29, 2016 at 11:59 am

    Love, love, love Little House on the Prairie!!!! Even after all these years, just love to watch the show!!!! It doesn’t matter how many times you seen the episode that is on, you still love to watch it!!! I would rather have it on & be a repeat, instead of not being able to watch it at all!!!! Please, please keep a channel just for Little House on the Prairie!!! How great would that be to be able to watch Little House on the Prairie when ever you put the tv on!!! No matter what time of the day or night 24/7!!!! Please make this happen!!!!! Thank you so much

    Reply
    • Jordan Rumsey says

      August 29, 2016 at 4:47 pm

      Im the biggest fan of LHOTP Deb is right please make a channel for it. Even though I already have all 9 Seasons and 4Movies. they need to put “The Little House Years” episode on DVD. Does anyone else seen that episode. Its from season 6 but not on the DVDs

      Reply
    • Shirley says

      January 8, 2018 at 9:41 am

      Hope so, love them all, I am almost 80

      Reply
  23. Thomas Whitten says

    August 29, 2016 at 11:09 am

    All things to know and practice doing. Unfortunately, in our world today so many people with that “got to have it now!” mentality will not bother learn these things. But even if you know just a few of these skills, you’re better off if/when things dramatically change in your current environment. Put in the time and effort to learn these skills and you’ll have peace of mind even if you never need them.

    Reply

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