Student Activities for Sarah, Plain and Tall
Essential Questions for Sarah, Plain and Tall
- What can be gained from experiencing new places and people?
- What was life on the prairie like?
- How do you think a person who leaves their home to move somewhere they’ve never seen before would feel? Can you relate?
- What is family?
Sarah, Plain and Tall Summary
The story opens with Caleb, a young boy, asking his sister, Anna, about their mother. Their mother had passed when Anna was young, and Caleb was just born. Caleb and Anna both miss their mother and wonder why their father, Jacob, doesn’t sing anymore. Jacob says he has forgotten the songs, but there may be a way for him to remember them. He tells the children he has put an ad in the newspaper for a wife, and Sarah Wheaton, from Maine, has responded. The children eagerly write letters to Sarah, and she responds to each separately.
Sarah agrees to come for a month, as a trial. On the day she arrives, Caleb and Anna are nervous and excited. They worry she will be lonely for her home. Sarah brings the children gifts from the sea, and her own collection of shells.
Winter turns to spring, and Sarah fits in perfectly. She picks flowers, makes meals for the family, cuts and grooms hair, and most importantly, she sings. Throughout, Sarah always talks about the sea. She sketches pictures of the ocean, but there is always one thing missing; the colors of the sea. Caleb and Anna feel that she is missing home and will leave them.
Matthew and Maggie, nearby neighbors, come to visit. Maggie and Sarah get along very well and find that they have many things in common. Maggie also moved to the prairie, to be Matthew’s wife. Maggie tells Sarah that she does miss her old life and the hills of Tennessee, but there will always be something to miss, no matter where you are.
The next morning, Sarah tells Jacob she wants to learn to do some of the things he does on the farm. She also tells him that she wants to learn how to drive the wagon, so she can go into town. This worries the children.
A storm comes and the family takes shelter in the barn. As the storm passes, Caleb points out that the sky looks like the colors of the ocean; the colors that are missing from Sarah’s sketch.
Jacob teaches Sarah to drive the wagon, and she takes it into town. Jacob works quietly for the day, while the children worry that Sarah will not return. They wait and fret until it is almost dark, when, finally, Sarah arrives back to the house. Sarah returns with special gifts, including pencils the color of the sea, so that she can finish her drawing. The children tell Sarah about their worries and she tells them that no matter how much she may miss Maine, if she were to leave, she would miss them more.
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How Tos about Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
Make literature circles engaging with 'Sarah, Plain and Tall'
Organize small groups for literature circles. Provide copies of the novel and assign roles like summarizer, connector, and questioner. This helps students collaborate and think critically about the story.
Set clear expectations for discussion
Explain the guidelines for respectful and meaningful conversations. Encourage students to listen actively and build on each other's ideas. This creates a safe space for sharing thoughts.
Use open-ended questions to spark conversation
Prepare thoughtful prompts that relate to the characters, setting, and themes. Ask questions like, 'How does Sarah's arrival change the family?' or 'What does home mean to you?' This boosts engagement and deeper understanding.
Assign creative response activities
Invite students to draw, write letters, or create storyboards about key scenes. Let them express their interpretations visually or in writing. This nurtures creativity and personal connection to the novel.
Reflect and share insights as a whole class
Facilitate a group discussion after literature circles wrap up. Ask each group to share their favorite moments or new perspectives gained. This reinforces learning and fosters a sense of community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
What is the main theme of Sarah, Plain and Tall?
Sarah, Plain and Tall explores themes of family, belonging, and adaptation as Sarah Wheaton joins a prairie family and everyone learns about love and acceptance.
How can I use Sarah, Plain and Tall in my classroom?
You can use Sarah, Plain and Tall for literature circles, character analysis, discussion of historical settings, and activities about family and change. Many teachers integrate its themes into reading and writing lessons.
What are some engaging activities for teaching Sarah, Plain and Tall?
Try storyboarding, creative writing, role play, and exploring prairie life. Students enjoy drawing scenes, writing letters as characters, and discussing how moving affects families.
What lessons does Sarah learn from moving to the prairie?
Sarah learns about resilience, forming new relationships, and finding joy in unfamiliar places. She discovers that missing her old home is normal, but belonging can happen anywhere.
Why is Sarah, Plain and Tall a good choice for elementary students?
It's a short, heartfelt story with relatable characters and themes. Sarah, Plain and Tall encourages empathy, family discussions, and understanding of historical life.
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