📖

First Impressions of Sarah

Sarah, Plain and Tall

Day 60of 180
Week 12of 36
30Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)

Learning Objectives

1

Make predictions about a character based on limited information

2

Create a character web to organize story details

3

Understand how authors develop characters through different perspectives

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.

Proverbs 22:1 (WEB)

Discuss how characters, like people, are known by their actions and character

📦 Materials Needed

  • Large poster paper
  • Colored markers
  • Sarah, Plain and Tall book
  • Character web template
  • Colored pencils

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Gather students in a circle and review previous day's reading about the Witting family

💭 Review Question: What do we know about the family so far?
2Teaching (10 min)

Introduce the concept of making predictions about Sarah through her letters

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Letters reveal character's personality
  • We can learn about someone by how they describe themselves
  • Predictions help us engage with the story
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What do Sarah's letters tell us about her?
  • How might Sarah be different from the family's expectations?
  • What challenges might Sarah face moving to the prairie?
3Activity: Sarah's Character Web (10 min)
hands-on

Create a detailed character web showing what we know about Sarah from her letters

📝 Instructions:
  1. Draw a circle in the center with 'Sarah' written inside
  2. Create branches for different character aspects
  3. Use direct quotes from letters to support observations
  4. Use different colors to categorize information
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Use pre-drawn template with fewer branches

Challenge: Include potential predictions about Sarah's future actions

4Closing (5 min)

Share character webs and discuss predictions

📝 Review Questions:
  • What surprised you about Sarah?
  • How might Sarah change the Witting family?
  • What challenges might Sarah face?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, help us to be open to new people and experiences, just like Sarah is traveling to a new home.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll continue reading and see how our predictions match the story

Proverbs 22:1

A good name is more desirable than great riches, and loving favor is better than silver and gold.

Proverbs 22:1 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Character Name Chain - pass a ball and share what makes someone have a good name

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Character analysis helps children develop empathy and understanding of different perspectives

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage creative thinking about characters
  • Help children support their observations with evidence
  • Discuss how first impressions can change
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might struggle with abstract character analysis

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Ability to make observations beyond literal text

Extension Activities

  • Write a letter from Sarah's perspective
  • Draw a picture of how you imagine Sarah
  • Compare Sarah's journey to modern-day moving experiences

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 61Back to Literature