Bring Joan W. Blos' Award-Winning Historic Fiction Diary to Life for Grades 3-12

Step into 1830s New England with this immersive, interdisciplinary novel study that blends historical fiction, textile arts, and early American life.

Designed for both homeschoolers and classroom teachers, this study transforms Catherine’s diary into a hands-on exploration guide. 

Why This Study Stands Out:

✅ Diary Meets Data – Decode 19th-century needlework as coding loops, conditions, functions, etc. (STEM + history fusion)
✅ Living History Ready – Includes Old Sturbridge Village field trip guide with scavenger hunt for in person or virtual!
✅ Grief & Growth – Sensitively explores loss through historical lens

What’s Inside?
1. Historical Context 

• 1830s New England Life overview

2. Vocabulary & Period Language

3. Character Development

• Map Character development arcs for Cath and Asa

4. STEM Lab: Needlework as Code

5. Cross-Curricular Activities

6. Old Sturbridge Village Field Trip

• Living History Scavenger Hunt that can be done in person or as a virtual field trip to OSV.

Perfect For:

• Homeschoolers studying early America or textile arts
• Teachers pairing literature with women’s history
• Scouting clubs exploring coding and textile arts

Format: Printable PDF | Grade Level: 3-12

More Than a Book—A Thread to the Past!
This study doesn’t just teach A Gathering of Days—it weaves history, STEM, and emotional literacy into a rich learning tapestry.