Prairie Voices Reading Worksheet
Indiana Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.3 • 3.RL.3.1 Grade 3 Literature
Patricia MacLachlan
Sarah, Plain and Tall
Prairie Voices: Text Evidence & Comprehension Quest
Name:
Date:
1
Prairie Words & Phrases (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
Read each sentence from the story. Use context clues to answer the question.
“I have a brother, William, who is a fisherman... and I have a cat named Seal who is silvery grey.”
1. Why does Sarah write letters before arriving on the prairie?
A To ask Papa for train tickets
B To introduce herself and share her life
C To complain about leaving Maine
“The prairie reached out to meet the sky, like a great golden sea of grass.”
2. What does the author mean by calling the prairie a “sea of grass”?
A The wide plains roll and ripple like water
B Saltwater flooded the farm fields
C The prairie had no plants or living things
2
Character Trait Detectives (IAS 3.RL.2.3)
Support traits with evidence
Match each character with a trait, then record a specific action or event from the text as proof.
| Character | Trait or Feeling | Proof from the Text (What they do or say) |
|---|
| Caleb | Hopeful & Anxious | |
| Wants a mother who sings | | |
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| Sarah | Determined & Loving
Brave, adventurous spirit
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| Anna | Observant & Caring
Watches Sarah closely
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Quick Check: Heart of the Family
Why was it so important to Caleb that Sarah sings? What does singing symbolize for their home?
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Student Comprehension Worksheet Page 1 of 2
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Key Events, Theme & Written Response
IAS 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.W.3.2
3
Key Events & Text Evidence (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. Sarah brings gifts from Maine: a sea stone, a snail shell, and sea glass. What do these gifts reveal about what Sarah holds dear?
B. During the fierce prairie storm (squall), how does Sarah act to help protect the family and animals?
4
Theme & Life Lessons (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
Which statement best expresses the central theme (main lesson) of *Sarah, Plain and Tall*?
A Living on a farm is far easier and more exciting than living beside the sea.
B Family and home are built through patience, shared love, and opening your heart to change.
C People can only ever be truly happy in the place where they were born.
5
Evidence-Based Written Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite • Explain
Prompt: When Sarah drives the wagon to town alone, Caleb and Anna worry she will buy a train ticket to Maine. What shows that Sarah has chosen to make the prairie her home? Use two specific details from the story to support your answer.
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Student Comprehension Worksheet Page 2 of 2
Prairie Voices Answer Key
TEACHER ANSWER KEY & SCORING GUIDE Indiana ELA Standards
Grade 3 • Literature
Sarah, Plain and Tall
Master Answer Key, Exemplar Responses & Text Evidence
Total Points: 20 Points
1
Prairie Words & Phrases (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
2 Points Total (1 pt each)
Question 1: Letter Exchange Correct: B
Key Idea: Sarah introduces herself and shares details about Maine (Seal, her brother William, sea shells).
Teaching Note: Emphasize how letters build a bridge between Sarah's coastal life and the children's prairie home before they meet in person.
Question 2: Metaphor Analysis Correct: A
Key Idea: The wide plains roll and ripple like ocean water under the prairie wind.
Teaching Note: Prompt students to notice how MacLachlan uses sea imagery repeatedly to compare Sarah's beloved ocean to the vast prairie landscape.
2
Character Trait Detectives (IAS 3.RL.2.3)
6 Points Total (2 pts per character)
| Character | Trait / Motivation | Exemplar Text Evidence (Accept reasonable variations) |
|---|
| Caleb | Hopeful & Anxious | |
| Longs for love and warmth | | |
| He constantly asks if Papa sang, asks Sarah if she sings, and cleans his hands eagerly because he worries she won't stay if he is dirty or unruly. |
| Sarah | Determined & Loving
Independent frontier spirit
| She insists on learning to plow, ride Jack the horse, shear sheep, and fix the roof before storms. She brings sea treasures and teaches them songs. |
| Anna | Observant & Gentle
Protective older sister
| She narrates the story, quietly watches Sarah's eyes for sadness, reminds Caleb not to overwhelm Sarah, and recognizes Sarah's growing affection. |
Quick Check Exemplar Answer (2 Points)
Full credit: Mentions mother + restoration of happiness
Sample Answer: Papa stopped singing when Mama died after Caleb was born. Caleb believes that if Sarah sings, it means happiness, warmth, and music will return to their family, showing that she truly loves them and wants to be their new mother.
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Teacher Answer Key & Guide Page 1 of 2
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Answer Key: Key Events, Theme & Extended Writing
Pages 2 Guide
3
Key Events & Text Evidence (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
