Out Where the West Begins: And Other Western Verses
What’s inside...
This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923, which may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, and errant marks, either from the original artifact or introduced during the scanning process. Despite these imperfections, this work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization. It has been brought back into print as part of a commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide, and readers are encouraged to appreciate the value of the book despite its imperfections. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the 'public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
11-12
Length
108 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think life was like in the West based on the poems?
Which character in the verses did you find most interesting, and why?
How do the landscapes described in the book compare to where we live?
What feelings do the poet's words evoke when you think about the West?
If you could meet the author, what would you ask him about his inspiration for these verses?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use vivid imagery in your questions to make the historical context more relatable.
Encourage your child to visualize the scenes by asking them to describe the settings or characters in their own words.
Link discussions to personal experiences or familiar stories to deepen the connection with the book’s themes.
Provide encouragement and positive feedback to keep them engaged and confident in expressing their thoughts.
Invite them to create their own short poem or verse about the West after reading to foster creativity and personal connection with the material.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience and perseverance
Explanation: Through the depiction of the harsh yet rewarding life in the West, the poems illustrate the importance of perseverance and resilience in the face of challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to embrace challenges in their lives, whether in school or in their personal activities, understanding that persistence leads to achievements.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for nature
Explanation: The verses paint vivid pictures of the natural landscape of the West, fostering an appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the natural environment.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and respect the natural world around them, promoting outdoor activities and environmental consciousness.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness
Explanation: The book includes diverse aspects of Western life and heritage, helping children understand and respect different historical and cultural backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by showing respect and curiosity about different cultures they encounter, promoting inclusivity and empathy.
Example Lesson: Courage and boldness
Explanation: Characters in the poems often face daunting situations that require bravery to overcome, illustrating the virtue of courage.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to face their own fears and stand up for what is right, be it in confronting a bully or trying something new.
Example Lesson: Value of hard work
Explanation: The narrative celebrates the diligent efforts of pioneers and cowboys who shaped the West, highlighting the rewards of hard work.
Real-World Application: This can teach children the importance of dedication in tasks such as their studies or chores, helping them appreciate the outcomes of their labor.