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Set in the late nineteenth century and told from young Anna’s point of view, Sarah, Plain and Tall tells the story of how Sarah Elisabeth Wheaton comes from Maine to the prairie to answer Papa’s advertisement for a wife and mother. Before Sarah arrives, Anna and her younger brother Caleb wait and wonder. Will Sarah be nice? Will she sing? Will she stay?

Thanks to Ginger A. for writing the lessons for this Sarah, Plain and Tall unit study. Thanks to Wende for creating the lapbook.

Sarah, Plain and Tall Unit Study Lessons

This unit study includes lessons and printables based on the book Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan.

This unit is arranged by subject. Here are some sample lessons from the Reading Skills segment of the Sarah, Plain and Tall Unit Study.

Reading Skills

1. Singular and Plural
Keep a list of all plants and animals mentioned. Change the singular words to plural.

2. Alphabetize
Write all the plants and animals in alphabetical order.

3. Comprehension
Create a set of paper dolls based on this book. Use the dolls to retell the story.

4. Spelling
Choose 10-15 words from the plant and animal list to use for spelling. Design a word search puzzle using graph paper. Exchange papers and solve the puzzles. [If this is done in a home school, mom needs to make a puzzle. The student should practice writing and identifying the spelling words]

5. Vocabulary
Discuss the meaning of the vocabulary words. Students can practice using the dictionary, but copying the definitions isn’t necessary.

Create a crossword puzzle using graph paper. Check for understanding by reading the sentences the student wrote for the puzzle.

Vocabulary List:

  1. hearthstones
  2. prairie
  3. insult
  4. dune
  5. mica
  6. stubbornly
  7. pungent
  8. squall
  9. hailstones
  10. eerie

You can grab a copy of the entire Sarah, Plain and Tall Unit Study and Lapbook in an easy-to-print file at the end of this post.

Sarah, Plain and Tall Lapbook Printables

In addition to unit study lessons for reading, grammar, math, nature study, science, music, poetry, art, and social studies, this file also includes mini-books and printables for a simple Sarah, Plain and Tall lapbook.

  • Anna’s Guide to Plants Pocket
  • Vocabulary Shapes
  • Plant Layer Book (with various wildflower options)
  • Seaside Home vs. Prairie Home Venn Diagram Flap Book
  • Copywork Pages
  • Map of Maine Shutterfold Book
  • Types of Rocks Tab Book
  • Types of Fog Flap Book
  • Sea Shells Shutterfold Book
  • Killdeer Tab Book
  • Colors of the Sea Fan Book

How to Get Started with Your Sarah, Plain and Tall Unit Study & Lapbook

Follow these simple instructions to get started with the Sarah, Plain and Tall Unit Study:

  1. Buy a copy of the book, Sarah, Plain and Tall, or borrow one from your local library.
  2. Print the Sarah, Plain and Tall unit study.
  3. Choose the lessons you want to use with your student (a highlighter works great for this).
  4. Choose and prepare the Sarah, Plain and Tall lapbook printables you want to use with your student.
  5. Enjoy learning all about the prairie with Sarah, Plain and Tall.

Get Your Sarah, Plain and Tall Unit Study & Lapbook

Simply click on the image below to access your free Sarah, Plain and Tall Unit Study and Lapbook.

Sarah, Plain and Tall Unit Study and Lapbook

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