Chapter One Worksheet Chapter 1 • Indiana Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Sarah, Plain and Tall
Chapter 1: The Missing Song
Prairie Setting & Papa's Advertisement
Name:
Date:
1
Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapter 1?
A Caleb and Anna are unhappy because they must cook all the meals by themselves.
B A lonely prairie family longs for joy and song, leading Papa to advertise for a wife.
C Papa decides to sell the farm and move the family to a city in Maine.
2
Prairie Vocabulary (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. Caleb asks if he was “homely” as a baby. What does homely mean?
A. Plain or not handsome
B. Friendly and cheerful
2. Papa puts an advertisement in the paper. An advertisement is:
A. A public notice asking for something
B. A secret letter sent to relatives
3
Key Details & Characters (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. Why did Papa stop singing after Caleb was born? Support with text details:
B. What question does Caleb ask about Papa's advertisement, and why is it important to him?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: How do Anna and Caleb feel about the possibility of a new mother coming to their prairie home? Support your response with at least one action or quote from the chapter.
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Chapter 1 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter One Answer Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Chapter 1 • Grade 3 ELA
Chapter 1: The Missing Song
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: B
A lonely prairie family longs for joy and song, leading Papa to advertise for a wife.
Rationale: The chapter introduces the absence of Mama, Caleb's wish for a mother who sings, and Papa's newspaper advertisement.
2. Prairie Vocabulary (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Homely: A (Plain or not handsome).
Caleb asks Anna if he was homely when he was born.
2. Advertisement: A (Public notice asking for something).
Papa places an ad in Eastern newspapers seeking a wife.
3. Key Details & Characters (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Why Papa stopped singing:
Exemplar: Papa stopped singing the day Mama died after giving birth to Caleb. The silence in the house symbolizes their shared sadness and the empty place left in their lives.
B. Caleb's question about the advertisement:
Exemplar: Caleb asks if Papa told the woman that Caleb was small, loud, or troublesome, and if she sings. He wants reassurance that she will love him and bring music back.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
Anna and Caleb feel a mixture of excitement and worry about a new mother coming. Caleb asks Papa repeatedly if he mentioned that Caleb is small, showing he fears she will reject him. Anna listens quietly by the stove, remembering the songs Mama used to sing and hoping their home will feel warm and complete again.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for a complete sentence response citing both hope and anxiety with text details; 2 pts for general answer with 1 detail; 1 pt for incomplete answer.
Chapter 1 Teacher Answer Key • Sarah, Plain and Tall Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Two Worksheet Chapter 2 • Indiana Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Sarah, Plain and Tall
Chapter 2: Letters Across the Miles
Maine Letters, Seal the Cat, & Songs
Name:
Date:
1
Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapter 2?
A Papa warns Caleb and Anna never to talk to people who live by the sea.
B Sarah's letters share her coastal world, personality, and agreement to visit for a month.
C Anna decides she wants to leave the prairie and become a fisherman's wife in Maine.
2
Words from the Coast (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. Sarah writes “Ayuh” in her letter. What does this Maine expression mean?
A. Yes / Indeed
B. Goodbye
2. Sarah describes tall sand dunes . A dune is a:
A. Hill of wind-blown sand
B. Wooden boat dock
3
Key Details from the Letters (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. What question did Caleb ask in his letter to Sarah, and how did Sarah answer?
B. What animal companion does Sarah say she will bring with her on the train?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: What do Sarah's letters tell Anna and Caleb about her personality? Use at least two specific examples from the letters to support your answer.
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Chapter 2 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Two Answer Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Chapter 2 • Grade 3 ELA
Chapter 2: Letters Across the Miles
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: B
Sarah's letters share her coastal world, personality, and agreement to visit for a month.
Rationale: The letters establish Sarah's connection to Maine and her decision to visit the prairie on trial.
2. Coastal Vocabulary (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Ayuh: A (Yes / Indeed).
Sarah uses this regional Maine affirmative expression in her letter.
2. Dune: A (Hill of wind-blown sand).
Sarah describes the coastal sand dunes along the Maine coast.
3. Key Details & Letters (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Caleb's question and Sarah's reply:
Exemplar: Caleb asked if she sings. Sarah replied simply and reassuringly: “Tell him I sing.” This single sentence brings great relief and joy to Caleb.
B. Sarah's animal companion:
Exemplar: Sarah writes that she will bring her cat, Seal, who is silvery-grey and good at catching mice.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
Sarah's letters reveal that she is independent, caring, and honest. She takes time to write a personal letter to both Caleb and Anna instead of just Papa. In her letters, she describes her love for the sea, her brother William, and her cat Seal, but she makes sure to clarify that she will only stay for a month to see if she can be happy on the prairie.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for clear character traits supported by 2+ letter details; 2 pts for 1 trait with brief text reference; 1 pt for unsupported trait.
Chapter 2 Teacher Answer Key • Sarah, Plain and Tall Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Three Worksheet Chapter 3 • Indiana Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Sarah, Plain and Tall
Chapter 3: The Yellow Bonnet
Sarah's Arrival & Sea Treasures
Name:
Date:
1
Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapter 3?
A Sarah arrives from Maine wearing a yellow bonnet and shares sea gifts with Caleb and Anna.
B The train breaks down on the prairie and Sarah must walk twenty miles alone.
C Papa decides to turn the farm into a coastal fishing dock.
2
Seaside Words (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. Sarah gives Anna a piece of sea glass . Sea glass is glass that:
A. Has been tumbled smooth by ocean waves
B. Is painted with ocean watercolor paints
2. Sarah's bonnet is described as “straw.” A bonnet is a:
A. A hat tied under the chin with ribbons
B. A heavy wool winter travel coat
3
First Encounters & Details (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. List the specific gifts Sarah brought from Maine for Caleb and Anna:
B. How does Caleb react when he holds the snail shell up to his ear?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: How do Sarah's gifts show that she wants to connect with Caleb and Anna while still honoring her home in Maine? Support your response with details from Chapter 3.
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Chapter 3 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Three Answer Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Chapter 3 • Grade 3 ELA
Chapter 3: The Yellow Bonnet
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: A
Sarah arrives from Maine wearing a yellow bonnet and shares sea gifts with Caleb and Anna.
Rationale: The chapter marks Sarah's physical arrival, her initial connection with the children, and the symbolic sea gifts.
2. Seaside Words (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Sea Glass: A (Tumbled smooth by ocean waves).
Sarah gives Anna sea glass worn smooth by the Atlantic tide.
2. Bonnet: A (Hat tied under the chin with ribbons).
Sarah steps off the wagon wearing a distinctive yellow straw bonnet.
3. Key Details & Encounters (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Specific gifts Sarah brought:
Exemplar: Sarah brought a smooth sea stone, a large white snail shell that curls like a curl of hair, and a piece of sea glass that has been softened by the salt ocean waves.
B. Caleb's reaction to the snail shell:
Exemplar: Caleb presses the snail shell tightly to his ear and listens with wonder, claiming he can hear the roar of the ocean waves inside it.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
Sarah's gifts show that she wants to share her world with Anna and Caleb while preserving her connection to Maine. She does not bring fancy manufactured toys, but natural treasures from the coast like a snail shell and sea glass. By giving these items to the children, she allows them to hold a piece of her past and feel the ocean they have never seen.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for mentioning specific gifts and explaining both connection to children and connection to Maine; 2 pts for listing gifts with basic reasoning; 1 pt for partial response.
Chapter 3 Teacher Answer Key • Sarah, Plain and Tall Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Four Worksheet Chapter 4 • Indiana Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Sarah, Plain and Tall
Chapter 4: Wild Prairie Blossoms
Prairie Flowers, Wreaths & Wind
Name:
Date:
1
Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapter 4?
A Sarah explores the prairie flowers and discovers beauty that reminds her of the sea.
B Papa cuts down all the wild prairie plants to plant cornfields.
C Caleb hides the wild flowers so Sarah cannot make any crowns.
2
Prairie Plants & Language (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. Sarah collects prairie wool . Prairie wool refers to:
A. Wild tufted prairie grasses
B. White wool sheared from sheep
2. Sarah weaves flowers into a wreath . A wreath is:
A. A circular crown of plants or flowers
B. A wooden tool used for farming
3
Key Details & Metaphor (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. Why does Sarah hang flowers from the ceiling to dry for winter?
B. When Sarah puts a flower wreath on Caleb's dog Nick, what does Caleb think?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: How does Sarah's interest in drying flowers show that she might be thinking about staying through the winter? Use text evidence from Chapter 4 to explain.
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Chapter 4 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Four Answer Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Chapter 4 • Grade 3 ELA
Chapter 4: Wild Prairie Blossoms
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: A
Sarah explores the prairie flowers and discovers beauty that reminds her of the sea.
Rationale: Sarah's connection to the flora, weaving wreaths, and comparing wind ripples to ocean waves form the core focus.
2. Botanical Words (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Prairie Wool: A (Wild tufted prairie grasses).
Refers to native bunchgrasses blowing across the open fields.
2. Wreath: A (Circular crown of plants).
Sarah weaves flowers into circular crowns for the children and pets.
3. Key Details & Metaphor (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Why Sarah dries flowers for winter:
Exemplar: Sarah hangs Indian paintbrush and wild flowers upside down from the rafters so their colors will stay bright when the harsh, white prairie winter arrives.
B. Caleb's reaction to Nick's wreath:
Exemplar: Caleb laughs out loud and is delighted to see their farm dog wearing a crown of prairie roses, recognizing Sarah's sense of gentle humor.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
Sarah drying flowers shows that she is planning for the future beyond her one-month visit. Winter on the prairie does not arrive for several months. By preserving summer blossoms to brighten the house in winter, Sarah gives a subtle clue that she envisions herself staying with the family through the colder seasons ahead.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for connecting flower drying to future thinking/winter timeline with clear reasoning; 2 pts for identifying drying flowers with basic reasoning; 1 pt for partial response.
Chapter 4 Teacher Answer Key • Sarah, Plain and Tall Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Five Worksheet Chapter 5 • Indiana Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Sarah, Plain and Tall
Chapter 5: Sheep Shearing & Wool
Farm Chores, Sheep Shearing & Caleb's Worry
Name:
Date:
1
Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapter 5?
A The sheep escape into the hills and Papa has to buy new livestock.
B Sarah joins in the hard work of shearing sheep while Caleb continues worrying she will leave.
C Sarah refuses to touch the farm animals because she dislikes getting dirty.
2
Farmstead Words (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. Sarah and Papa clip the sheep's fleece . Fleece is:
A. The thick coat of wool covering a sheep
B. A tool used to sharpen metal shears
2. Sarah says the sheared sheep look “naked.” This shows:
A. They have lost their heavy wool coat
B. They are ready to swim in the river
3
Key Details & Character Actions (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. How does Sarah react when the sheep are brought into the barn for shearing?
B. What does Sarah scatter for the birds to use for their nests?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: Why does Caleb watch Sarah so anxiously while she works? What is he afraid will happen? Use details from Chapter 5 in your response.
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Chapter 5 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Five Answer Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Chapter 5 • Grade 3 ELA
Chapter 5: Sheep Shearing & Wool
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: B
Sarah joins in the hard work of shearing sheep while Caleb continues worrying she will leave.
Rationale: The chapter juxtaposes Sarah's capable physical labor with Caleb's internal anxiety about her permanence.
2. Farmstead Words (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Fleece: A (Thick coat of wool).
Papa and Sarah cut the dense wool off the sheep in large sheets.
2. Sheared: A (Lost their heavy coat).
Without their thick wool, the sheep appear small and bare.
3. Key Details & Actions (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Sarah's reaction to shearing:
Exemplar: Sarah rolls up her sleeves, kneels in the straw, and works calmly alongside Papa. She is not squeamish or afraid of the struggling sheep.
B. What Sarah scatters for the birds:
Exemplar: Sarah takes tufts of soft wool left over from the shearing and tosses them into the bushes so wild prairie birds can line their nests.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
Caleb watches Sarah so anxiously because he is deeply afraid she will find frontier life too harsh and leave. In Chapter 5, when Sarah looks quiet or gazes at the horizon, Caleb worries she is homesick for Maine. He constantly monitors her facial expressions, asking Anna if Sarah looks unhappy, because having a mother who stays means everything to him.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for analyzing Caleb's fear with specific examples from Chapter 5; 2 pts for identifying fear of her leaving with general reference; 1 pt for incomplete answer.
Chapter 5 Teacher Answer Key • Sarah, Plain and Tall Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Six Worksheet Chapter 6 • Indiana Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Sarah, Plain and Tall
Chapter 6: Dunes and Cow Ponds
Hay Slides, Swimming & Joy on the Prairie
Name:
Date:
1
Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapter 6?
A Papa forbids Anna and Caleb from ever playing near the haystacks again.
B Sarah brings lively play to the farm by teaching the children to slide in hay and swim in the pond.
C Caleb loses his shoes in the mud and refuses to speak to Sarah.
2
Playful Words (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. Sarah and the children plunge into the pond. To plunge means to:
A. Dive or jump quickly into water
B. Walk slowly along the dry grassy edge
2. Sarah compares the high mounds of golden hay to coastal dunes . This is an example of:
A. A comparison connecting her memories to the prairie
B. A factual science report about ocean currents
3
Key Details & Characters (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. How does Sarah slide down the haystack, and how do the children respond?
B. What does Papa say when he catches Sarah and the children laughing and wet from the pond?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: How does Sarah's playful behavior in Chapter 6 help Anna and Caleb feel closer to her? Cite specific details from the chapter to support your answer.
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Chapter 6 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Six Answer Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Chapter 6 • Grade 3 ELA
Chapter 6: Dunes and Cow Ponds
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: B
Sarah brings lively play to the farm by teaching the children to slide in hay and swim in the pond.
Rationale: The chapter highlights joyful bonding, transformative play, and Sarah's spirited nature.
2. Playful Words (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Plunge: A (Dive or jump quickly into water).
Sarah boldly jumps into the cool cow pond to escape the prairie heat.
2. Dune Comparison: A (Connecting memories to prairie).
Sarah compares sliding in mounds of hay to sliding down Maine sand dunes.
3. Key Details & Characters (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Sliding down the haystack:
Exemplar: Sarah climbs to the very peak of the tall haystack, sits down, and slides straight down with her skirt tucked, laughing out loud. Caleb and Anna follow eagerly right behind her.
B. Papa's reaction to their laughter:
Exemplar: When Papa arrives and sees them wet and muddy from the pond, he does not scold them. Instead, his eyes crinkle with amusement and he smiles warmly at their happiness.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
Sarah's playful spirit in Chapter 6 helps Anna and Caleb feel closer to her because it transforms their quiet, chore-filled farm life into a home filled with joy. Instead of behaving like a distant guest, Sarah plays alongside them like a true family member. When she teaches them to slide down hay mounds and swims in the cow pond, she proves that happiness and adventure can exist right on the prairie.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for analyzing how playful actions deepen relationships with 2+ specific details; 2 pts for basic explanation with 1 detail; 1 pt for unsupported response.
Chapter 6 Teacher Answer Key • Sarah, Plain and Tall Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Seven Worksheet Chapter 7 • Indiana Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Sarah, Plain and Tall
Chapter 7: Maggie's Quiet Words
Neighbors, Homesickness & Garden Plants
Name:
Date:
1
Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapter 7?
A Matthew and Maggie visit, and Maggie comforts Sarah by explaining that it is natural to miss home.
B Sarah decides to move to Maggie's house because Maggie has more sheep.
C Papa and Matthew build a fence to keep wild horses off the farm.
2
Neighborly Vocabulary (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. Sarah feels a pang of homesickness . Homesickness means:
A. A deep longing for your home and family
B. A physical cold caught from prairie dust
2. Maggie brings Sarah cuttings for a garden. A cutting is:
A. A plant piece cut to grow new roots
B. A newspaper recipe clipped from a page
3
Key Details & Friendship (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. What gifts did Maggie bring for Sarah, and why were they meaningful?
B. What wise words does Maggie tell Sarah about missing her old home in Tennessee?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: Maggie tells Sarah, “There is always what to miss, no matter where you are.” What does Maggie mean, and how does this help Sarah? Cite details from Chapter 7.
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Chapter 7 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Seven Answer Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Chapter 7 • Grade 3 ELA
Chapter 7: Maggie's Quiet Words
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: A
Matthew and Maggie visit, and Maggie comforts Sarah by explaining that it is natural to miss home.
Rationale: The chapter focuses on neighboring companionship, garden gifts, and mutual understanding of homesickness.
2. Neighborly Vocabulary (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Homesickness: A (Deep longing for home).
Sarah shares her private ache for the Maine coast with Maggie.
2. Cuttings: A (Plant pieces cut to grow roots).
Maggie shares live plant clippings so Sarah can start a garden.
3. Key Details & Friendship (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Meaning of Maggie's gifts:
Exemplar: Maggie brings plant slips, roots, and cuttings for Sarah to plant. These symbolize building permanent roots in the prairie earth and offering female friendship.
B. Maggie's wise words about home:
Exemplar: Maggie tells Sarah, “There is always what to miss, no matter where you are.” Maggie missed Tennessee at first, but grew to love her new life and family on the prairie.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
Maggie's advice brings great comfort to Sarah because it reassures her that feeling homesick is completely normal. Maggie explains that even when you love your new home, you will still miss the place you came from. Hearing this from another mail-order bride helps Sarah realize that she does not have to forget Maine in order to love Caleb, Anna, and the prairie.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for explaining Maggie's quote and how it validates Sarah's emotions with text details; 2 pts for general explanation; 1 pt for incomplete answer.
Chapter 7 Teacher Answer Key • Sarah, Plain and Tall Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Eight Worksheet Chapter 8 • Indiana Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Sarah, Plain and Tall
Chapter 8: The Prairie Squall
The Prairie Storm, Overalls & Bravery
Name:
Date:
1
Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapter 8?
A A sudden fierce squall tests the family, and Sarah proves her courage by helping save the farm animals.
B The prairie house is destroyed and the family has to sleep outside under the wagon.
C Sarah gets lost in the rain and Papa has to search the fields until morning.
2
Storm Vocabulary (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. A sudden prairie squall hits. A squall is:
A. A sudden, violent gust of wind and storm
B. A gentle morning fog over the grass
2. Large hailstones hit the roof. Hailstones are:
A. Frozen balls of ice falling like stones
B. Heavy river rocks carried by the wind
3
Key Details & Actions (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. What unusual clothing does Sarah put on to work in the storm, and why?
B. Where does the family take shelter during the storm, and what do they do together?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: How do Sarah's actions during the squall show that she truly sees herself as part of this farm and family? Cite at least two specific details from Chapter 8.
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Chapter 8 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Eight Answer Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Chapter 8 • Grade 3 ELA
Chapter 8: The Prairie Squall
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: A
A sudden fierce squall tests the family, and Sarah proves her courage by helping save the farm animals.
Rationale: The chapter centers on the crisis of the severe thunderstorm and Sarah working bravely as a full partner.
2. Storm Vocabulary (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Squall: A (Sudden, violent windstorm).
A fast-moving storm cloud darkening the afternoon prairie sky.
2. Hailstones: A (Frozen balls of ice).
Lumps of ice pounding down on the tin barn roof like bullets.
3. Key Details & Actions (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Sarah's storm clothing and reason:
Exemplar: Sarah puts on a pair of Papa's large denim overalls. She wears them because long skirts would blow in the wind, catch in fences, and slow her down while rescuing livestock.
B. Taking shelter in the barn:
Exemplar: The family gathers safely inside the big wooden barn with the horses, sheep, dogs, and Seal the cat, huddling together in the straw until the hail stops.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
Sarah's actions during the squall prove she sees herself as an essential member of the family. When danger threatens the homestead, she does not panic or wait inside. Instead, she puts on overalls, helps Papa herd the sheep, and secures the barn doors. By working through the storm to protect their home and animals, Sarah acts not as a temporary guest, but as a devoted partner and mother.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for connecting storm actions to family commitment with 2+ text details; 2 pts for identifying bravery with 1 detail; 1 pt for incomplete answer.
Chapter 8 Teacher Answer Key • Sarah, Plain and Tall Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Nine Worksheet Chapter 9 • Indiana Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Sarah, Plain and Tall
Chapter 9: The Three Colored Pencils
The Trip to Town, Resolution & Forever Home
Name:
Date:
1
Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapter 9?
A Caleb and Anna fear Sarah will leave for Maine, but she returns with supplies to make the prairie her permanent home.
B Sarah buys a one-way train ticket back to Maine and leaves without saying goodbye.
C Papa sells the wagon in town to buy winter firewood for the fireplace.
2
Vocabulary & Symbols (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. Sarah holds the horse's reins . Reins are:
A. Long straps used by a driver to guide a horse
B. Metal horseshoes nailed to a horse's hooves
2. Sarah buys blue, yellow, and green pencils. This symbolizes :
A. Uniting the colors of the sea and prairie in her life
B. Starting a schoolhouse for children in town
3
Key Details & Resolution (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. What specific packages and surprises does Sarah bring back from town?
B. What words does Sarah say that finally convince Caleb and Anna that she will stay?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: How does the ending of *Sarah, Plain and Tall* bring the story full circle from Chapter 1? Consider the singing, family, and the feeling of home in your response.
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Chapter 9 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Chapter Nine Answer Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Chapter 9 • Grade 3 ELA
Chapter 9: The Three Colored Pencils
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Chapter Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: A
Caleb and Anna fear Sarah will leave for Maine, but she returns with supplies to make the prairie her permanent home.
Rationale: The chapter resolves the central tension: Sarah chooses to stay with Jacob, Anna, and Caleb forever.
2. Vocabulary & Symbolism (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Reins: A (Leather straps to guide horse).
Sarah demonstrates her independence by driving the wagon to town.
2. Three Pencils: A (Uniting sea and prairie).
Blue for the sea, yellow for prairie grass, and green for fields.
3. Key Details & Resolution (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Packages Sarah brings from town:
Exemplar: Sarah returns with seeds for flowers and vegetables, tins of food, and three colored pencils (blue, yellow, and green) so she can draw her new home.
B. Sarah's reassuring words:
Exemplar: Sarah tells the children, “I will always miss the sea, of course, but the truth is I would miss you more.” This confirms she has chosen to stay.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
The ending of *Sarah, Plain and Tall* brings the entire story full circle. In Chapter 1, the family lived in sad silence because Papa stopped singing when Mama died. By Chapter 9, Sarah's decision to stay restores love and security to the household. The book ends with Sarah singing as the prairie evening falls, proving that joy and motherly warmth have returned to the farm.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for connecting the ending to Chapter 1's theme of singing, family, and healing with specific text details; 2 pts for general comparison; 1 pt for incomplete answer.
Chapter 9 Teacher Answer Key • Sarah, Plain and Tall Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
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
|
|
| Sarah | Determined & Loving
Brave, adventurous spirit
|
|
| Anna | Observant & Caring
Watches Sarah closely
|
|
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*?
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)
Prairie Voices Unit Test ILEARN Standards Assessment • Checkpoints 1 & 2 Indiana Grade 3 ELA
Sarah, Plain and Tall
Novel Study Summative Unit Test
Reading Literature & Evidence-Based Response
Name:
Date:
Read the Passage Excerpt: Adapted from Sarah, Plain and Tall
The prairie reached out like a great sea of grass under the wide blue sky. Sarah stood on the porch looking to the east, where the train had brought her from Maine. In her pocket, she kept the smooth sea stone and the white snail shell. But on the table lay the three colored pencils she had bought in town—blue for the ocean, yellow for the sun and wheat, and green for the grass. “I will always miss the sea,” Sarah had told Caleb and Anna, “but I would miss you more.” Papa began to hum softly as he crossed the yard, a quiet melody that Caleb had not heard since before he could remember.
1
Checkpoint 1 Skills: Vocabulary & Text Evidence (3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.3.1)
1. What does the author mean by describing the prairie as a “great sea of grass”?
A The prairie was covered in ocean saltwater
B The endless tall grasses ripple like ocean waves
C The farm was located right next to the Atlantic coast
D Boats were used to travel across the dry wheat fields
2. Two-Part Evidence Question (ILEARN Format) IAS 3.RL.2.3 & 3.RL.2.1
Part A: How have Sarah's feelings changed by the end of the passage?
A. She decides she cannot bear living far from Maine.
B. She chooses the family and commits to making the prairie home.
C. She is angry that Papa will not let her ride horses.
D. She wants Anna and Caleb to move to Maine with her.
Part B: Which sentence from the passage best supports the answer to Part A?
A. “Sarah stood on the porch looking to the east...”
B. “In her pocket, she kept the smooth sea stone and the white snail shell.”
C. “‘I will always miss the sea,’ Sarah had told Caleb and Anna, ‘but I would miss you more.’”
D. “Papa began to hum softly as he crossed the yard...”
3. Why is Papa's humming at the end of the passage significant to Caleb? (IAS 3.RL.2.3)
Sarah, Plain and Tall • Indiana ILEARN Standards Unit Test Page 1 of 2
Sarah, Plain and Tall Unit Test • Section 2: Checkpoint 2 Standards
IAS 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.4.1 • 3.W.3.2
4. The story is told by Anna from the first-person point of view . How would the story be different if Sarah were the narrator?
A Readers would know Sarah's private thoughts and how much she missed Maine each day.
Prairie Voices Test Key TEACHER SCORING GUIDE • ILEARN CHECKPOINTS 1 & 2 Grade 3 • Literature
Sarah, Plain and Tall Unit Test Key
Standards-Aligned Answer Key, Rationales & Evidence Citations
Total Points: 15 Points
Indiana Academic Standards & ILEARN Checkpoint Coverage:
Checkpoint 1: 3.RL.2.1 (Text Evidence), 3.RL.2.3 (Character Traits & Actions), 3.RL.3.1 (Context Clues & Figurative Language)
Checkpoint 2: 3.RL.2.2 (Central Message/Theme), 3.RL.4.1 (Point of View), 3.W.3.2 (Text-Based Informative Writing)
Section 1: Checkpoint 1 Items Breakdown 7 Points Total
Question 1: Metaphor Analysis (IAS 3.RL.3.1) Correct: B (1 pt)
Answer: “The endless tall grasses ripple like ocean waves.”
Rationale: The author uses the sea metaphor to emphasize how the rolling prairie mirrors the visual movement of the ocean. Distractors A, C, and D reflect literal misconceptions.
Question 2: Two-Part Evidence Item (IAS 3.RL.2.3 & 3.RL.2.1) 4 Points Total (2 pts each)
Part A Correct Choice: B
Sarah chooses the family and commits to making the prairie home.
Part B Correct Choice: C
“‘I will always miss the sea,’ Sarah had told Caleb and Anna, ‘but I would miss you more.’”
Alignment Note: Students must select the explicit statement that directly justifies Sarah's decision in Part A. Partial credit (2 pts) if only one part is answered correctly.
Question 3: Character Action & Symbolism (IAS 3.RL.2.3) 2 Points
Exemplar Student Response: Papa stopped singing the day Mama died. When Papa begins humming softly across the yard, it shows that grief has healed and joy, music, and love have returned to their home because Sarah has chosen to stay.
Sarah, Plain and Tall Unit Test Scoring Guide Page 1 of 2
Unit Test Scoring Guide • Section 2: Checkpoint 2 Items & Rubric
8 Points Total
Question 4: Point of View (IAS 3.RL.4.1) Correct: A (2 pts)
Answer: “Readers would know Sarah's private thoughts and how much she missed Maine each day.”
Rationale: Anna narrates from outside observation. If Sarah narrated, readers would have direct access to her internal homesickness and thoughts.
Question 5: Central Message / Theme (IAS 3.RL.2.2) Correct: B (2 pts)
Answer: “Family is formed through love, patience, and welcoming someone into your heart.”
Rationale: The story highlights how blood ties are not required to form a devoted family; opening one's heart and embracing change creates a true home.
Skylark Reading Worksheet Sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall • Indiana Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Patricia MacLachlan
Skylark Reading Comprehension
The Prairie Drought, Family Resilience & Home
Name:
Date:
1
Story Main Idea & Conflict (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the central conflict and main idea of the first part of *Skylark*?
A A severe drought dries up the prairie and threatens the farm, forcing Sarah and the children to seek safety in Maine while Jacob stays behind.
B Sarah decides she misses Maine so much that she permanently leaves Jacob and the farm behind.
C A huge snowstorm traps the family inside the house for the entire winter season.
2
Prairie & Coastal Vocabulary (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. The prairie suffers from a severe drought . A drought is:
A. A long period of time with little or no rain
B. A sudden cold freeze that kills crops
2. The soil is dry and parched . Parched means:
A. Extremely dry and thirsty for water
B. Soft and full of wet mud
3
Characters in Crisis (IAS 3.RL.2.3)
How characters respond to adversity
Character How the Drought Affects Them Evidence from the Text Papa (Jacob) Refuses to abandon his land Sarah Fierce protector of the children
|
| Caleb | Worries the family will break apart |
|
Quick Check: When the prairie fire approaches, what does Jacob do to save the house and barn?
Skylark • Novel Comprehension Worksheet Page 1 of 2
Skylark by Patricia MacLachlan • Maine, Memory & The Return
IAS 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.W.3.2
4
Life in Maine & Aunts (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. How do Sarah's eccentric aunts (Harriet, Mattie, and Lou) welcome Anna and Caleb to Maine?
B. While in Maine surrounded by the ocean, what does Sarah draw on paper, and what does this reveal?
5
Theme & Resolution (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
When rain finally falls and the family returns home, Sarah writes “Sarah Wheaton Witting” in the wet earth. What does this action mean?
A She is claiming the prairie land as her true, permanent home alongside Jacob and the children.
Skylark Answer Key SKYLARK TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Sequel Study • Grade 3 ELA
Skylark Reading Study Key
Master Answer Key, Exemplar Citations & Teacher Scoring
Total: 20 Points
1. Main Idea & Conflict (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: A
A severe drought dries up the prairie and threatens the farm, forcing Sarah and the children to seek safety in Maine while Jacob stays behind.
Rationale: The central conflict driving the plot of *Skylark* is the drought, the drying of the well, and the painful temporary separation of the family.
2. Vocabulary in Context (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Drought: A (Long period with little or no rain).
Causes the prairie grass to turn brown and brittle.
2. Parched: A (Extremely dry and thirsty).
The earth cracks under the scorching summer heat.
3. Characters in Crisis (IAS 3.RL.2.3) 6 Points (2 pts each)
Character How Drought Affects Them Exemplar Text Evidence Papa (Jacob) Stubborn loyalty to the farm He insists on staying alone to haul water from miles away and protect the homestead, refusing to abandon the land he worked so hard to build. Sarah Protective and deeply pained She fights for the children's well-being, cleans with scarce water, and reluctantly agrees to take Anna and Caleb to Maine to keep them safe. Caleb Fears family separation He watches the sky desperately for clouds, hates seeing the dead vegetation, and cries because he fears they will never see Papa again.
Quick Check Exemplar Answer (2 Points):
When the wildfire approaches, Jacob and Sarah plow wide dirt firebreaks to stop the flames from jumping to the house, and Jacob wets down gunnysacks to beat out embers blowing across the yard.
Skylark Teacher Answer Key & Guide Page 1 of 2
Skylark Answer Key • Section 2: Maine, Theme & Extended Writing
Pages 2 Guide
4. Life in Maine & Aunts (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 4 Points (2 pts each)
A. The Aunts' Welcome:
Exemplar: Aunts Harriet, Mattie, and Lou welcome Anna and Caleb warmly with hugs, coastal food, laughter, and affection, making them feel instantly cherished and safe.
B. What Sarah draws in Maine:
Exemplar: Sarah draws pictures of the prairie—tall grasses, the windmill, and the open fields. This reveals that her heart now longs for the prairie and that Jacob's farm has become her true emotional home.
Skylark Unit Test ILEARN Standards Assessment • Checkpoints 1 & 2 Indiana Grade 3 ELA
Skylark by Patricia MacLachlan
Skylark Summative Unit Test
Reading Literature & Evidence-Based Constructed Response
Name:
Date:
Read the Passage Excerpt: Adapted from Skylark
The rain had finally fallen, beating against the parched dirt until the prairie smelled sweet and alive again. We rode the wagon up to our house, where the grass was already beginning to show faint shoots of green. Sarah stepped down into the damp yard and knelt by the soil. With a steady stick, she drew letters deep into the prairie earth: “Sarah Wheaton Witting.” Caleb touched the letters gently with his fingertips. “You wrote your name in the land,” he whispered. Sarah smiled at Papa, her eyes shining. “Now it will always know I belong here,” she said softly.
1
Checkpoint 1 Skills: Vocabulary & Text Evidence (3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.3.1)
1. The passage says the rain beat against the parched dirt. What does parched mean?
A Completely dry and thirsty for water
B Frozen into thick blocks of ice
C Covered in tall, green wild plants
D Plowed into rows ready for planting seeds
2. Two-Part Evidence Question (ILEARN Format) IAS 3.RL.2.3 & 3.RL.2.1
Part A: What does Sarah's action of writing her full married name in the dirt show about her feelings?
A. She still wishes she had never left the ocean.
B. She declares her true, permanent commitment to the prairie and family.
C. She wants to sell her portion of the land to neighbors.
D. She is angry at Jacob for making her travel to Maine.
Part B: Which quote from the passage best supports the answer to Part A?
A. “We rode the wagon up to our house...”
B. “With a steady stick, she drew letters deep into the prairie earth...”
C. “‘Now it will always know I belong here,’ she said softly.”
D. “Caleb touched the letters gently with his fingertips.”
3. Why did Jacob stay alone on the farm during the drought instead of traveling to Maine with Sarah and the children? (IAS 3.RL.2.3)
Skylark • Indiana ILEARN Standards Unit Test Page 1 of 2
Skylark Unit Test • Section 2: Checkpoint 2 Standards
IAS 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.4.1 • 3.W.3.2
4. How does hearing the story from Anna's point of view help the reader understand Caleb's feelings?
A Anna watches Caleb closely and describes his fears, words, and tears when they are separated from Papa.
Skylark Test Key SKYLARK TEACHER SCORING GUIDE • ILEARN CHECKPOINTS 1 & 2 Grade 3 • Literature Assessment
Skylark Unit Test Key & Guide
Standards-Aligned Answer Key, Question Rationales & Rubric
Total: 15 Points
Indiana Academic Standards & ILEARN Checkpoint Coverage:
Checkpoint 1: 3.RL.2.1 (Text Evidence), 3.RL.2.3 (Character Traits & Actions), 3.RL.3.1 (Context Clues)
Checkpoint 2: 3.RL.2.2 (Theme), 3.RL.4.1 (Point of View), 3.W.3.2 (Constructed Response)
Section 1: Checkpoint 1 Items Breakdown 7 Points Total
Question 1: Context Clues (IAS 3.RL.3.1) Correct: A (1 pt)
Answer: “Completely dry and thirsty for water.”
Rationale: The passage describes the rain beating against the earth after a drought. Parched means dried out from heat and lack of moisture.
Question 2: Two-Part Evidence Item (IAS 3.RL.2.3 & 3.RL.2.1) 4 Points Total (2 pts each)
Part A Correct Choice: B
She declares her true, permanent commitment to the prairie and family.
Part B Correct Choice: C
“‘Now it will always know I belong here,’ she said softly.”
Alignment Note: Sarah's words in Part B explicitly state that writing her name signifies her sense of belonging in Part A.
Question 3: Character Motivation & Action (IAS 3.RL.2.3) 2 Points
Exemplar Student Response: Jacob stayed behind on the prairie because he felt a deep responsibility to save their animals, haul water to keep the livestock alive, and guard their homestead from fires and scavengers.
Skylark Unit Test Scoring Guide Page 1 of 2
Skylark Test Scoring Guide • Section 2: Checkpoint 2 Items & Rubric
8 Points Total
Question 4: Point of View (IAS 3.RL.4.1) Correct: A (2 pts)
Answer: “Anna watches Caleb closely and describes his fears, words, and tears when they are separated from Papa.”
Rationale: As the first-person narrator, Anna provides tender observations of her little brother's emotional journey.
Question 5: Central Theme (IAS 3.RL.2.2) Correct: B (2 pts)
Answer: “True home and family love can survive severe hardship, drought, and distance.”
Rationale: *Skylark* proves that home is not merely an easy climate; it is forged by family loyalty that survives physical separation and nature's harshest tests.
Constructed Response: 4-Point Indiana Rubric & Exemplar (3.W.3.2) 4 Points
Skylark Chapters One Three Worksheet Skylark • Chapters 1–3 • Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Patricia MacLachlan
Chapters 1–3: The Wedding & The Drought
Wedding Joy, Scorching Sun & The Dry Well
Name:
Date:
1
Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapters 1–3?
A After the joy of Jacob and Sarah's wedding, a punishing drought dries up the prairie well and threatens the family's survival.
B Sarah and Jacob decide to sell all their cows and move into the town church.
C A heavy flood destroys the corn crops and turns the yard into a lake.
2
Vocabulary & Figurative Language (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. The summer sky is like a “brass bowl.” This means the sky is:
A. Harsh, metallic, and baking with intense heat
B. Full of cool, dark rainclouds
2. The farm well runs dry . A well is:
A. A deep hole dug into the ground to reach water
B. A wooden pen where sheep are sheared
3
Key Details & Character Actions (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. What celebration takes place in Chapter 1, and what special song is sung?
B. Why does a wild coyote come close to the house in Chapter 3?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: How does the mood of the story change between Chapter 1 and Chapter 3? Cite specific details about the wedding and the dry prairie to support your answer.
Skylark • Chapters 1–3 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Skylark Chapters One Three Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Skylark • Chapters 1–3 Key
Chapters 1–3: The Wedding & The Drought
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: A
After the joy of Jacob and Sarah's wedding, a punishing drought dries up the prairie well and threatens the family's survival.
Rationale: The section establishes the transition from wedding celebration to environmental crisis.
2. Vocabulary & Figurative Language (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Brass Bowl: A (Harsh, metallic, baking heat).
Metaphor describing the relentless cloudless prairie sky.
2. Well: A (Deep hole dug to reach water).
The water table drops until only mud remains at the bottom.
3. Key Details & Characters (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Wedding celebration and song:
Exemplar: Jacob and Sarah get married in the prairie meetinghouse. Sarah sings with the family, and neighbors come together to celebrate their union with shared food and music.
B. Why the coyote comes close:
Exemplar: The wild coyote is desperate for water because the streams, prairie pools, and rivers have all dried up, overcoming its natural fear of humans to lap at the farm's mud pond.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
The mood changes dramatically from joyful hope to grim anxiety between Chapters 1 and 3. Chapter 1 begins with laughter, singing, and flowers as Jacob and Sarah marry in front of their loving community. By Chapter 3, the mood turns tense and fearful as the hot sun dries up their well water, the grass withers, and wild animals approach the house in desperate thirst.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for clear contrast of mood supported by specific details from both Chapter 1 and Chapter 3; 2 pts for basic contrast with 1 detail; 1 pt for incomplete answer.
Skylark Chapters 1–3 Teacher Answer Key Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Skylark Chapters Four Six Worksheet Skylark • Chapters 4–6 • Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Patricia MacLachlan
Chapters 4–6: Fire & Difficult Choices
Grasshoppers, The Wildfire & The Decision to Leave
Name:
Date:
1
Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapters 4–6?
A A fierce prairie wildfire nearly destroys the farm, convincing Jacob that Sarah and the children must leave for Maine while he stays behind.
B Sarah decides to leave for Maine alone because she prefers swimming to farm chores.
C The family travels to town to buy new farming machinery after the harvest.
2
Wildfire Vocabulary (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. Jacob plows a firebreak . A firebreak is:
A. A strip of bare plowed dirt that fire cannot cross
B. A wooden wall built around the farmhouse
2. Glowing cinders blow in the wind. Cinders are:
A. Tiny pieces of partly burned burning wood or ash
B. Sharp hailstones falling during a storm
3
Key Details & Conflict (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. How do Sarah and Jacob work together to fight the wildfire when it nears the barn?
B. Why does Jacob insist that Sarah, Anna, and Caleb go to Maine without him?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: Why is the decision to leave for Maine so painful for both Jacob and Sarah? Use details from Chapter 6 to explain the feelings of both characters.
Skylark • Chapters 4–6 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Skylark Chapters Four Six Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Skylark • Chapters 4–6 Key
Chapters 4–6: Fire & Difficult Choices
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: A
A fierce prairie wildfire nearly destroys the farm, convincing Jacob that Sarah and the children must leave for Maine while he stays behind.
Rationale: The wildfire forces the climax of the drought crisis and the painful decision to separate.
2. Wildfire Vocabulary (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Firebreak: A (Strip of bare plowed dirt).
Plowed earth with no dry grass removes fuel so the fire stops.
2. Cinders: A (Tiny pieces of partly burned wood or ash).
Hot embers blown across the windbreak that threaten the roof.
3. Key Details & Characters (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Fighting the wildfire:
Exemplar: Jacob plows deep dirt furrows while Sarah wets down heavy gunnysacks and beats out glowing cinders that fly toward the barn and house roof.
B. Why Jacob insists they leave:
Exemplar: The well is empty, the air is choking with smoke and dust, and Jacob loves them too much to let them suffer through the danger of thirst and starvation on the parched plains.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
The decision to leave for Maine is heartbreaking for both Jacob and Sarah. Jacob loves his family deeply, but his pride and duty compel him to stay behind alone to guard the farm and haul water. Sarah refuses to leave at first, arguing that a family should stay together through hard times. She only agrees to board the train because she knows Caleb and Anna desperately need fresh water, clean air, and safety by the sea.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for analyzing both Jacob's and Sarah's feelings with accurate details from Chapter 6; 2 pts for general answer; 1 pt for incomplete answer.
Skylark Chapters 4–6 Teacher Answer Key Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Skylark Chapters Seven Nine Worksheet Skylark • Chapters 7–9 • Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Patricia MacLachlan
Chapters 7–9: The Journey to Maine
The Train East, Ocean Arrival & The Three Aunts
Name:
Date:
1
Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapters 7–9?
A Anna, Caleb, and Sarah travel by train to Maine, where they discover the wonders of the Atlantic coast and are welcomed by Sarah's colorful aunts.
B The children get lost in the train station and have to walk to the coast by themselves.
C The aunts refuse to let Sarah enter the house because she has been living on a farm.
2
Coastal Vocabulary (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. The children see the ocean tide . The tide is:
A. The regular rising and falling of ocean water
B. A sudden storm of blowing dust
2. Aunt Mattie is called eccentric . Eccentric means:
A. Unconventional, quirky, and uniquely colorful
B. Extremely quiet and afraid of strangers
3
Key Details & Encounters (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. Name the three aunts and describe how they greet the children when they arrive:
B. How do Caleb and Anna react when they taste fresh, abundant well water in Maine?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: How is Maine different from the prairie farm the children left behind? Compare the sights, sounds, and feelings described in Chapters 7–9.
Skylark • Chapters 7–9 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Skylark Chapters Seven Nine Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Skylark • Chapters 7–9 Key
Chapters 7–9: The Journey to Maine
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: A
Anna, Caleb, and Sarah travel by train to Maine, where they discover the wonders of the Atlantic coast and are welcomed by Sarah's colorful aunts.
Rationale: This section marks the setting shift from parched Kansas to the lush, water-rich coast of Maine.
2. Coastal Vocabulary (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Tide: A (Regular rising and falling of ocean water).
The children watch the ocean waves rush up the sand and retreat.
2. Eccentric: A (Unconventional, quirky, colorful).
The three aunts wear unique clothes, speak boldly, and live happily.
3. Key Details & Encounters (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. The three aunts and their greeting:
Exemplar: Aunts Harriet, Mattie, and Lou greet them with hugs, laughter, and excitement. They wear unusual garments (like trousers) and immediately feed and comfort the children.
B. Tasting fresh well water:
Exemplar: Caleb and Anna drink clear, cold water with astonishment and joy, remembering how strictly water had to be rationed drop by drop back on the prairie farm.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
Maine is completely different from the parched prairie in its sights, sounds, and atmosphere. On the farm, the land was quiet, cracked, and brown with smoke in the air. In Maine, the children hear the crashing rhythm of cold ocean waves, see endless blue water, feel salty breezes, and taste fresh, sweet water from full pumps. Although Maine feels magical and safe, Caleb and Anna still miss Jacob and their home.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for rich sensory comparison between Maine and the prairie with text details; 2 pts for general comparison; 1 pt for incomplete response.
Skylark Chapters 7–9 Teacher Answer Key Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Skylark Chapters Ten Twelve Worksheet Skylark • Chapters 10–12 • Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Patricia MacLachlan
Chapters 10–12: Ocean Waves & Memories
Swimming, Letters from Jacob & Prairie Sketches
Name:
Date:
1
Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapters 10–12?
A While Anna and Caleb swim in the ocean, Sarah longs for Jacob and shows that her true heart is back on the prairie by drawing pictures of their farm.
B Papa writes a letter saying he has decided to sell the farm and buy a fishing boat in Maine.
C Caleb refuses to swim in the ocean because he is afraid of sea creatures.
2
Vocabulary & Language (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. Sarah makes delicate pencil sketches . A sketch is:
A. A quick, detailed drawing made with pencil
B. A written poem sent across the mail
2. Sarah stares at the horizon with yearning . Yearning means:
A. A deep, tender feeling of longing for someone
B. A sudden outburst of laughter and excitement
3
Key Details & Characters (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. What does Papa write in his letters to Sarah, Caleb, and Anna from the drought-stricken farm?
B. What does Sarah draw on her sketchpad instead of the ocean waves around her?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: How do Sarah's actions in Chapters 10–12 show that her idea of “home” has reversed since the beginning of *Sarah, Plain and Tall*? Cite at least two specific details from the text.
Skylark • Chapters 10–12 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Skylark Chapters Ten Twelve Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Skylark • Chapters 10–12 Key
Chapters 10–12: Ocean Waves & Memories
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: A
While Anna and Caleb swim in the ocean, Sarah longs for Jacob and shows that her true heart is back on the prairie by drawing pictures of their farm.
Rationale: Sarah's emotional shift from coastal girl to prairie wife is solidified through her art and longing for Jacob.
2. Vocabulary & Language (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Sketch: A (Quick, detailed drawing).
Sarah uses paper and charcoal/pencils to draw prairie scenes.
2. Yearning: A (Deep, tender feeling of longing).
Sarah's quiet sorrow while waiting for letters from the farm.
3. Key Details & Characters (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Content of Papa's letters:
Exemplar: Papa writes very brief letters reporting that the heat continues, the wind blows dust, and he is hauling water from miles away. He misses them dearly and tells them to stay safe.
B. What Sarah draws on her sketchpad:
Exemplar: Sarah draws the prairie: the tall waving grasses, the wooden windmill, the barn, the dogs, and Jacob standing by the gate, proving her thoughts never leave home.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
Sarah's actions in Chapters 10–12 show that her understanding of home has completely reversed. In the first book, Sarah stood on the prairie gazing east toward the Maine sea she missed so deeply. Now in *Skylark*, she stands on the Maine coast gazing west toward Kansas. Even with cool ocean waves at her feet, she spends her time drawing the prairie grass and Jacob, proving that home is no longer the sea, but the family and land she loves in Kansas.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for comparing the reversal of Sarah's longing between books with 2+ text details; 2 pts for identifying that she misses Kansas; 1 pt for incomplete answer.
Skylark Chapters 10–12 Teacher Answer Key Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Skylark Chapters Thirteen Fifteen Worksheet Skylark • Chapters 13–15 • Standards: 3.RL.2.1 • 3.RL.2.2 • 3.RL.3.1 Patricia MacLachlan
Chapters 13–15: Rain & Return
Jacob's Arrival, Journey Home & Sarah's Name
Name:
Date:
1
Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2)
What is the main idea of Chapters 13–15?
A Jacob arrives in Maine to bring his family home after rain restores the prairie, and Sarah permanently claims the land as her home by writing her married name in the earth.
B Jacob decides to stay in Maine forever with the aunts because farming is too difficult.
C Anna and Caleb refuse to return to the prairie and hide in the aunts' barn.
2
Vocabulary & Symbols (IAS 3.RL.3.1)
1. Green shoots push up through the soil. Shoots are:
A. New young plant sprouts growing from the earth
B. Dead twigs broken by high prairie winds
2. Sarah's writing in the dirt is symbolic . A symbol is:
A. An object or action that represents a deeper meaning
B. A legal deed signed at a government bank
3
Key Details & Resolution (IAS 3.RL.2.1)
A. How does Jacob surprise Sarah, Anna, and Caleb in Maine in Chapter 13?
B. What words does Sarah write in the prairie soil, and why does she write them?
4
Written Evidence Response (IAS 3.W.3.2)
Restate • Answer • Cite text
Prompt: Why is the title of the book *Skylark*? How does the image of the singing prairie bird reflect Sarah and her connection to the family? Support your answer with details from the novel.
Skylark • Chapters 13–15 Study Worksheet Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
Skylark Chapters Thirteen Fifteen Key TEACHER ANSWER KEY & GUIDE Skylark • Chapters 13–15 Key
Chapters 13–15: Rain & Return
Answer Key, Exemplar Evidence & Scoring
Total: 10 Points
1. Main Idea (IAS 3.RL.2.2) 2 Points
Correct: A
Jacob arrives in Maine to bring his family home after rain restores the prairie, and Sarah permanently claims the land as her home by writing her married name in the earth.
Rationale: The resolution brings the family back together on their restored prairie land, sealing Sarah's belonging.
2. Vocabulary & Symbols (IAS 3.RL.3.1) 2 Points (1 pt each)
1. Shoots: A (New young plant sprouts).
Fresh grass sprouts signify renewal and life after the drought.
2. Symbol: A (Object or action representing deeper meaning).
Writing her name represents lifelong commitment and love.
3. Key Details & Climax (IAS 3.RL.2.1) 3 Points
A. Jacob's surprise arrival:
Exemplar: Jacob appears unannounced at the aunts' coastal house in Maine. He tells them the rain has finally fallen on the prairie and that he has come to bring his wife and children home.
B. Writing in the soil:
Exemplar: Sarah writes “Sarah Wheaton Witting” into the damp prairie mud with a stick. She does this so the land will forever know she belongs to it as a wife and mother.
4. Written Response Model (IAS 3.W.3.2) 3 Points Rubric
Exemplar Student Response (R.A.C.E.):
The title *Skylark* symbolizes Sarah and her uplifting presence in the family. In the story, a meadowlark or skylark sings from high in the sky even during difficult weather, bringing music and hope to the prairie. Like the bird, Sarah's songs, love, and courage bring happiness back to Jacob, Anna, and Caleb after grief and drought, demonstrating that love can rise above any storm.
Scoring Criteria: Award 3 pts for connecting the bird symbol to Sarah's character and theme of hope/music with text evidence; 2 pts for general connection; 1 pt for incomplete answer.
Skylark Chapters 13–15 Teacher Answer Key Indiana Academic Standards Aligned
