We start with the classic book, unabridged, and split it into smaller portions to create small wins! Especially for less confident readers.
The Swiss Family Robinson Annotated to Teach Kids Crucial LIFE SKILLS
We are full of hope in our household, but we do still see the scary things going on in the world.
Giving our family the gift of Life Skills, especially wilderness and homesteading, skills has not only given us peace of mind, but made us feel so much closer as a family!
đOur Swiss Family Robinson series will teach your family things like how toâŠ
đ„Start campfires
đMake Camping Bread
đ„ŁMake Portable Soup
đŁPrimitive Modes of Trapping and Fishing
đ§How to Get Pure Water
đčMake & use a bow & arrow
đœCarve Dishes & Spoons
đCook Fish & fowl
& more!
Don't miss out on using your 20% off your first purchase discount code!
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How do the books work?
1. The Classic Story
2. The Life Skills
Every other story chapter, we insert a skills chapter that matches what the character is doing. For example: In The Swiss Family Robinson when Mrs. Robinson makes Portable Soup, the next chapter includes an authentic Portable soup recipe.
3. The Results
Children and Families who read our books experience a stronger connection with each other, reduced anxiety, and increased confidence and capability!
The Syllabus: What Each Book Teaches Families
Book 1: The Swiss Family Robinson & the Great Shipwreck
The Swiss Family Robinson & the Great Shipwreck (SFR 1)
Delve into the beloved story of the Swiss family Robinson and their adventures on the desert island!
In this book, learn the skills their family used to survive!
This book is annotated with excerpts from:
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- MORNING BELLS; OR WAKING THOUGHTS FOR LITTLE ONES by Frances Ridley Havergal.
A Book of Prayers and Thoughts for Morning Time that Teaches About the Holy Ghost - MAKING HOME PROFITABLE by KATE V. SAINT-MAUR (1912)
How to Raise Ducks & Geese for Meat & Eggs - THE DOLLAR HEN by MILO M. HASTINGS (1911)
Various Poultry Products - THE LADYâS COMPANION (1753)
A Recipe for Portable Soup - THE LOBSTER FISHERY OF MAINE by John N. Cobb
Methods of Lobster Fishing. - TWENTY QUICK SOUPS by MRS. S. T. RORER (1894)
Recipes for Bisque of Clam, Clam Club, Mock Oyster Soup - WOODCRAFT AND CAMPING (1884) by "Nessmuk" George W. Sears
How to Construct a Shanty Tent - WOODCRAFT by E. H. KREPS (1919)
Different Kinds of Campfires, When to Use them, and How to Start them.
Book 2: The Swiss Family Robinson & the First Exploration
The Swiss Family Robinson & the First Exploration (SFR 2)
Delve into the beloved story of the Swiss family Robinson and their adventures on the desert island! In this book, learn the skills their family used to survive!
This book is annotated with excerpts from:
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- MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS FOR ALL DAYS OF THE WEEK by Johann Habermann. (First published in 1565)
Prayer for Monday Morning - THE COCOANUT by WILLIAM S LYON (1903)
How Cocoanuts are Farmed - BIBLE ANIMALS by REV. J. G. WOOD, M.A., F.L.S. (1883)
About Apes and Monkeys in the Bible - WOODCRAFT AND CAMPING by "NESSMUK" GEORGE W. SEARS (1884)
How to Cook Fowl - MILCH COWS AND DAIRY FARMING by CHARLES L. FLINT (1859)
Butter and the Butter dairy
Book 3:Â The Swiss Family Robinson and Their Home in the Giant TreeÂ
The Swiss Family Robinson and Their Home in the Giant Tree (SFR 3)
Delve into the beloved story of the Swiss family Robinson and their adventures on the desert island! In this book, learn the skills their family used to survive!
This book is annotated with excerpts from:
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- THE BOOK OF CAMP-LORE AND WOODCRAFT by DAN BEARD (1920)
Signal Fires - DOMESTIC ANIMALS, HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION OF THE HORSE, MULE, CATTLE, SHEEP, SWINE, POULTRY, AND FARM DOGS. by R. L. ALLEN (1865)
All About Milk and Cheese - SHELTERS, SHACKS, AND SHANTIES by D.C. Beard (1916)
Tree-top Houses and How to Build Them
Book 4: The Swiss Family Robinson and the Lost ChestÂ
The Swiss Family Robinson and the Lost Chest (SFR 4)
Delve into the beloved story of the Swiss family Robinson and their adventures on the desert island! In this book, learn the skills their family used to survive!
This book is annotated with excerpts from:
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- MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS FOR ALL DAYS OF THE WEEK (Christliche Gebet fĂŒr alle Not und StĂ€nde der ganzen Christenheit) by Johann Habermann.
Prayer for Sunday Morning - A BOYâS WORKSHOP WITH PLANS AND DESIGNS FOR IN-DOOR AND OUT-DOOR WORK by A BOY AND HIS FRIENDS (1884)
Archery: Making and Using a Bow and Arrow - HUNTING WITH THE BOW & ARROW by SAXTON POPE
Ishi Methods of Shooting and Hunting with Bows and Arrows - WOODCRAFT by E. H. KREPS (1919)
How to Build a Fire with Stick and Stone - DEADFALLS AND SNARES (1907) by A.R. Harding
Trail Set Snares
Book 5: The Swiss Family Robinson and the Voyage to the Wreck
The Swiss Family Robinson & the Voyage to the Wreck (SFR 5)
Delve into the beloved story of the Swiss family Robinson and their adventures on the desert island! In this book, learn the skills their family used to survive!
This book is annotated with excerpts from:
- THE HOME ACRE by E.P. Roe
Preparing the Soil for Fruit Trees - AGRICULTURE FOR BEGINNERS by CHARLES WILLIAM BURKETT, FRANK LINCOLN STEVENS, DANIEL HARVEY HILL (1903)
Orchard Insects - THE FIRST BOOK OF FARMING (1923) by CHARLES L. GOODRICH
Water and Plants - CAMP COOKERY (1878 ) by MISS M. PARLOA
Making Bread - THE DOLLAR HEN by MILO M. HASTINGS (1911)
The Dollar Hen Farm
Book 6: The Swiss Family Robinson & the Wild Boar
The Swiss Family Robinson & The Wild Boar (SFR 6)
Delve into the beloved story of the Swiss family Robinson and their adventures on the desert island! In this book, learn the skills their family used to survive!
This book is annotated with excerpts from:
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- BOYSâ MAKE-AT-HOME THINGS by CAROLYN SHERWIN BAILEY & MARIAN ELIZABETH BAILEY (1912)
How to Make a Fleet of Toy Boats - A LIVING FROM THE LAND by WILLIAM B. DURYEE, M.Sc. (1903)
Growing Food in the Garden - MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS FOR ALL DAYS OF THE WEEK by Johann Habermann.
Prayer for Sunday Evening - MORNING BELLS; Or, WAKING THOUGHTS FOR THE LITTLE ONES by Frances Ridley Havergal
Pleasant Gifts - MOTHER STORIES FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT by Howard E. Altemus (1906)
The Good Samaritan - INDIAN SCOUT TALKS: A GUIDE FOR BOY SCOUTS AND CAMP FIRE GIRLS by CHARLES A. EASTMAN (OHIYESĂ)(1914)
Primitive Modes of Trapping and Fishing - OUTDOOR LIFE and INDIAN STORIES by EDWARD S. ELLIS (1912)
How to Get Pure Water
Book 7: The Swiss Family Robinson & the Great Big BuffaloÂ
The Swiss Family Robinson and the Great Big Buffalo (SFR 7)
Delve into the beloved story of the Swiss family Robinson and their adventures on the desert island! In this book, learn the skills their family used to survive!
This book is annotated with excerpts from:
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- A MANUAL OF WOOD CARVING by Charles G. Leland (1890)
How to Carve Dishes & Spoons - WOOD-CARVING DESIGN AND WORKMANSHIP by George Jack (1903)
Tools - THINGS WORTH DOING AND HOW TO DO THEM by Lina Beard and Adelia B. Beard (1906)
How to Make Candles - THE BOOK OF CAMP-LORE AND WOODCRAFT by Dan Beard (1920)
How to Choose a Campsite - THE HOMING PIGEON WAR DEPARTMENT âą JANUARY 1945
How to Train Homing Pigeons
Book 8: The Swiss Family Robinson & the Salt PalaceÂ
The Swiss Family Robinson & the Salt Palace (SFR 8)
Delve into the beloved story of the Swiss family Robinson and their adventures on the desert island! In this book, learn the skills their family used to survive!
This book is annotated with excerpts from:
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- THE BEE-KEEPERâS MANUAL by Henry Taylor (1860)
Beehives, Covers, and Hive Boards - THE MULE: A TREATISE ON THE BREEDING, TRAINING, AND USES, TO WHICH HE MAY BE PUT. by Harvey Riley (1867)
Training Mules - CAMP COOKERY: HOW TO LIVE IN CAMP by Miss M. Paraloa
How to Prepare Fish
Book 9: The Swiss Family Robinson & the War With The ApesÂ
The Swiss Family Robinson & The War With The Apes (SFR 9)
Delve into the beloved story of the Swiss family Robinson and their adventures on the desert island! In this book, learn the skills their family used to survive!
This book is annotated with excerpts from:
- CAMP COOKERY: HOW TO LIVE IN CAMP by Miss M. Paraloa
How to Prepare Birds - HAND-LOOM WEAVING: A MANUAL FOR SCHOOL & HOME By Mattie Phipps Todd (1902)
Hand-Loom Weaving - A DAY IN A COLONIAL HOME by Della R. Prescott (1921)
Spinning & Equipment - INDOOR AND OUTDOOR RECREATIONS FOR GIRLS by Lina Beard and Adelia B. Beard (1914)
How to Spin on a Spinning Wheel - EMBROIDERY AND TAPESTRY WEAVING (1912) by Mrs. Archibald H. Christie
The Technique of Weaving - THE SNAKES OF EUROPE by G. A. Boulenger (1913)
Snake Skull Structures
Book 10: The Swiss Family Robinson & the Feathered SteedÂ
The Swiss Family Robinson & Feathered Steed (SFR 10)
Delve into the beloved story of the Swiss family Robinson and their adventures on the desert island! In this book, learn the skills their family used to survive!
This book is annotated with excerpts from:
- PRACTICAL BASKETRY by Anna A. Gill (1916)
Materials for Basket Weaving - WOODCRAFT AND CAMPING by "Nessmuk" George Washington Sears (1920)
What to Pack for Wilderness Adventures - HOW TO COOK IN CASSEROLE DISHES Marion Harris Neil, M.C.A. (1912)
Egg Recipes - FUR DRESSING AND FUR DYEING by William E. Austin (1922)
Fur Dressing: Introductory and Historical - THE FIRST BOOK OF FARMING By Charles L. Goodrich (1923)
Spading and Plowing
Book 11: The Swiss Family Robinson & the Plentiful HarvestÂ
The Swiss Family Robinson & the Plentiful Harvest (SFR 11)
Delve into the beloved story of the Swiss family Robinson and their adventures on the desert island! In this book, learn the skills their family used to survive!
This book is annotated with excerpts from:
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- DEADFALLS AND SNARES (1907) by A.R. Harding
Skinning and Stretching Animal Skins - AGRICULTURE FOR BEGINNERS by Charles William Burkett, Frank Lincoln Stevens, Daniel Harvey Hill (1903)
Farming & Harvesting Wheat - HEBREW LIFE AND TIMES by Harold B. Hunting
Farming & Harvesting Wheat - WHEAT GROWING IN AUSTRALIA (1915) - TOURING AFOOT (1916) by Dr. C. P. Fordyce
Working the Wheat Farm
Book 12:Â & The Swiss Family Robinson & their Farewell to Shark IslandÂ
The Swiss Family Robinson & Their Farewell to Shark Island (SFR 12)
Delve into the beloved story of the Swiss family Robinson and their adventures on the desert island! In this book, learn the skills their family used to survive!
This book is annotated with excerpts from:
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- MORNING AND EVENING PRAYERS FOR ALL DAYS OF THE WEEK
Awake My Heart - TOURING AFOOT by Dr. C. P. Fordyce
More Recipes for Roughing It
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Look Inside the Books
Watch this video to look inside our books! Life skills, especially wilderness skills increase childrenâs confidence and reduces anxiety! Our Books are full of activities and information to boost your child's capabilty and confidence while introducing them to classic literature!
View Some Sample Chapters of Swiss Family Robinson &
the Great Shipwreck
What Parents Are Saying
Parents everywhere love using our books to teach their kids life skills, and enjoy classic literature together!
Are You a Homeschool Family?
Here's an example step-by-step workflow of how we, and many of our readers, use our books to homeschool!
- Overview
- Step One
- Step Two
- Step Three
- Step Four
- Step Five
EXAMPLE WORKFLOW: The Nitty Gritty of Using the Books
Immediate Goal: To help kiddos train their brains to draw connections between stories, life, skills, and learning. To help children learn HOW to learn from books. To connect as a family. To develop old fashioned skills.
Main Goal: The goal with this particular style of learning is to retrain the brain from âschoolâ methods of learning back to how childrenâs brains naturally learn:
1. Curiosity
2. Connections
3. Implementation.
In real life learning, weâll often be talking to a friend, reading a book, watching a movie, going about an everyday task, or experiencing a problem, when we see something that sparks our interest that weâd like to learn more about. Then weâll often research and then try it ourselves.
Examples:
A. Talking to a friend and them mentioning they made bread from scratch, then researching recipes, or requesting hers, and finally trying the recipe yourself.
B. Seeing someone knit a project on TV, then finding videos and instructions on how to knit, and finally knitting your first project.
Now for the Step-by-Step Workflow
Click each tab to view!
Use the table of contents at the beginning of each book to see what is taught. Everything that starts with âHow toâ is a Skills chapter. Take a brief look at those chapters so youâll know whatâs ahead.
Read the book together (starting with a story chapter). As youâre reading, the kiddos can have a notebook in hand ready to jot down anything the characters do or say that sparks their interest that they might want to research later. They could also doodle or draw what is happening in the story.
After reading the story chapter, itâs time to ask questions! Not âtestâ style questions, but conversational questions likeâŠ.
- What was your favorite part about that chapter?
- Was there anything the characters did or say that you thought was interesting?
- Were there any objects or animals that you thought were cool?
- How did they solve the problem they were dealing with in this chapter?
Read the non-fiction/skills portion that corresponds, and voice connections + schedule the activity (opt.)
Example: in Chapter 3 of The Swiss Family Robinson the characters build a raft to get to shore after being shipwrecked. In chapter 4 is instructions from 1931 on different survival rafts and how to build them. Your little one can draw a design of a raft they would build as you discuss the different types, guess which ones would be most useful to the Robinson family etc. Together you can discuss and decide if this is the kind of project theyâd like to try in real life (whether as a miniature or as a full sized project) and if they would, schedule it for the/a weekend.
This gives you a chance to plan, and prepare supplies over the week. It also gives an opportunity to teach kiddos project planning skills as you involve them in the planning process. Sometimes other skills may be added in to that same weekend project as you read. Like having a campfire (Chapter 9) after youâre done building the raft. Or they can research & follow other interests that might have been sparked by the book.
Doing the activity can be exchanged for, or supplemented by, watching a video about it on youtube!
We have some pre-vetted youtube videos that we've watched for you in our Farmhouse Library Membership!