weekly

or for 4 classes

Sarah, Plain and Tall Read-Aloud and Art Adventure

Completed by 1 learner

Ages 7-12

Live Group Course

In this 4-week class, students will enjoy reading Sarah, Plain, and Tall and creating art inspired by its themes of family and belonging. Each session includes a read-aloud, discussion, and guided drawing to spark imagination and creativity

Heather Linke

Average rating:

4.9

Number of reviews:

(153 reviews)

Star Educator

Live video meetings

1x per week, 4 weeks

2-8 learners per class

50 min

About Learning Overview Teacher Reviews

What's included

4 live meetings

3 hrs 20 mins in-class hours

Projects

1 hour per week. 3-6 throughout the class

Grading

included

Class Experience

Step into the world of Sarah, Plain and Tall, where the prairie meets the sea, and stories of home, family, and belonging come to life! 

In this 4-week class, we’ll explore Patricia MacLachlan’s beloved novel through engaging read-aloud sessions and creative art projects.

Each week, we’ll read a section of the story together, discuss its themes, and draw a picture inspired by Sarah’s journey and the world she shares with Anna and Caleb. From the colors of the sea to the wide-open prairie, students will use their imagination to bring the story to life through art.

This class is perfect for readers and artists of all levels who love stories, enjoy drawing, and want to dive into themes of family, identity, and connection.

Learning Goals

- Build reading comprehension through discussion.
- Explore story themes with visual art.
- Connect personal experiences to the story.
- Build confidence by sharing ideas and artwork.
- Foster a love for literature and creativity.

Syllabus

Curriculum

Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum

4 Lessons

over 4 Weeks

Lesson 1:

Anna, Caleb, and Papa

 Read chapters 1-2 and discuss themes of home and family. 
Art project: Draw what “home” feels like.

50 mins online live lesson

Lesson 2:

Sarah’s Arrives

 Read chapters 3-4, focusing on Sarah’s arrival and descriptions of the sea. 
Art project: Create a picture of the sea showing movement.

50 mins online live lesson

Lesson 3:

Life on the Prairie

 Read chapters 5-6, exploring Sarah’s life on the prairie. 
Art project: Draw the prairie landscape.

50 mins online live lesson

Lesson 4:

Belonging and Staying

 Read chapters 7-9 and discuss Sarah’s decision to stay. 
Art project: Illustrate Sarah and the family together in connection.

50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance

This book contains the following... Themes of Family and Change: The book explores themes of loss, adaptation, and the idea of what makes a family. Parents may want to be prepared to discuss topics like grief, homesickness, and the importance of belonging, especially as Sarah adjusts to life on the prairie. Emotional Depth: There are moments where the characters express sadness, loneliness, or uncertainty, which may be emotional for sensitive readers. Historical Context: Set in the early 20th century, the book includes some references to farming life, the homesteading experience, and how people lived during that time. Gender Roles and Expectations: Sarah's character is portrayed as independent and self-reliant, which could open a conversation about gender roles during the time period and how those have evolved. Family Dynamics: The story’s portrayal of a family in transition can spark conversations about what makes a family, how people come together, and the importance of love and trust in relationships.

Supply List

- Copy of Sarah, Plain and Tall (if you'd like to read along with me)
- Paper, pencils, colored pencils, or other preferred drawing tools

External Resources

Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Sources

We will read from Patricia MacLachlan’s book, Sarah Plain and Tall

Meet the teacher

Heather Linke

Joined November, 2020

4.9

153reviews

Star Educator

Profile

Teacher expertise and credentials

Bachelor's Degree in Fine/Studio Arts from Prescott College

As someone who grew up in Maine, spent time exploring the prairies of the Midwest, and then moved to Tennessee to start a new life far from home, I deeply understand the themes of change, adaptation, and finding home in Sarah, Plain and Tall. 

I’m excited to bring both my personal journey and my passion for storytelling through art into this class. I look forward to guiding your child through the book’s rich themes while encouraging creativity and self-expression.