The following activities would be done before the Westward Expansion literature circle unit began. These would give students some background knowledge about this time period of United States History before they begin reading the selected books.

• Show an episode from the television series "Little House on the Prairie" (approximately 30 minutes)
• Give students Supply List activity where they must choose what they are going to take on their journey west. This will be done again in the closure so students can change their supply list. (approximately 20-25 minutes) (See Supply List Activity)
• OPTIONAL-  Have students read the section in their social studies textbook about the Westward Movement.