Primary Sources: 

This is an image of the original Homestead Act of 1862. Click on this link to view the entire website and a readable form of the Act for students to explore! This act changed life for many people who lived in America and people who immigrated to America intending to become a citizen. This is the sole reason that Matti and his family from our childrens book traveled to America.   This is a wonderful way to open up conversation about immigration, new Homesteaders and life in the early 1900's!     The image below is of the first Homesteader in America!

Secondary Sources: 

This is a wonderful You Tube video that shows how life would have been for Homesteaders in the late 1800's and early 1900's. It will show students how hard it must have been to start a new life and literally build it from the ground up. 

4:21Add toAdded to queue Pioneer Homesteaders on the Frontierby MossyCove13,740 views 

Here are two excellent video's about the Soudan Iron Ore Mines in Minnesota, which are mines Matti and his family first worked in from our children's literature. They show wonderful images inside the mines and insight to the conditions men worked in during the time. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oByRE8VNVE&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4RONKYjFY0

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Song of Sampo Lake 

Song of Sampo Lake Vocabulary

Song of Sampo Lake Vocab Activities

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Song of Sampo Lake Lesson Plans