The Walking Classroom

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The Pony Express

Today’s Walking Classroom looks at the Pony Express, a series of trails that were created in 1860 to deliver mail and important communications between the east coast and the west coast. The life of a Pony Express rider was very dangerous and difficult., as Pony Express riders would travel on horseback for many miles and would then give the letters to the next rider. The Pony Express forged the trail for what would become the U.S. Postal Service.

Health Message: Exercise aids in concentration
Character Value: Responsibility

Click for Standards Alignment

Common Core

L–Language | SL–Speaking and Listening | RI–Reading: Informational | RL–Reading: Literature | W–Writing | RH–6-8 Literacy in History/Social Studies | RST–6-8 Literacy in Science & Technical Subjects Elementary School:
RI.3.1, RI.3.2, RI.3.3, SL.3.1, SL.3.4
RI.4.1, RI.4.2, RI.4.3, SL.4.1, SL.4.4
RI.5.1, RI.5.2, RI.5.3, SL.5.1, SL.5.4
Middle School:
RI.6.1, RI.6.2, RI.6.3, SL.6.1, SL.6.4
RI.7.1, RI.7.2, RI.7.3, SL.7.1, SL.7.4
RI.8.1, RI.8.2, RI.8.3, SL.8.1, SL.8.4
RH.6-8.4

Supplemental Resource Links and Downloads

Quiz: (Make sure you're already logged into your Gmail account, then click to copy this Google form to your Google Drive. Quiz keys are here.)
The Pony Express Google Quiz https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1La2d6NkrkJQHCdpisnK4P769XsX9E1vargvDhewsLGg/copy

Slide Deck:
The Pony Express Slide Deck https://thewalkingclassroom.box.com/s/1eeqtkcda5gb5nts24v7gei3ayidpvjc

Related Videos:


United States Postal Service: Systems at Work
9:22

Describes how the USPS works today.

Additional Resources:


Pony Express Quiz
Online Activity

Test your knowledge of the Pony Express with this quiz from Ducksters Education Site.


Pony Expressions
Multi-Day Project

Compose journal entries from the perspective of a Pony Express rider with this activity from Mary Pope Osborne’s Classroom Adventures Program.


Pony Express Printable Packet
Printable or Worksheet

Test your knowledge of Pony Express vocabulary and historical facts with a word search and assessment from the National Pony Express Association.


Pony Express Relay Game
Hands-on Activity

Simulate the speed and efficiency of the Pony Express riders with this outdoor team relay race activity from Mary Pope Osborne’s Classroom Adventures Program.

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