The Courage of Sarah Noble - Study Guide 2nd Edition

Progeny Press

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At a Glance
View Free Sample
Grade Range
1–3
Setting
1700-1800s Pennsylvania
Genre
Historical Fiction, Chapter Book
Page Count
32 + Answer Key
Approx. Completion Time
6–8 weeks
Focus
Faith-Based, English Language Arts, Fear, Consequences, & Trusting God
$15.99
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Description

 
 
 
The Courage of Sarah Noble — Literature Study Guide
Christian Homeschool · Elementary ELA · Grades 1–3 · Ages 4–9
Scribbles the Owl
Scribbles the Owl says…
"Hi there! I'm Scribbles, your Progeny Press guide. This study is one of my favorites — it takes a brave little girl's true story and turns it into a rich, faith-filled learning adventure. Let me show you everything inside!"
The story: In 1707, eight-year-old Sarah Noble travels through the Connecticut wilderness with her father to build a new home. She holds tight to her cloak and her mother's parting words: "Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble." Based on a true story, Alice Dalgliesh's Newbery Honor book follows Sarah as she learns to trust God, find friendship across cultures, and discover that real courage isn't the absence of fear — it's faith in the face of it.
Homeschool ELA Reading Comprehension Higher Order Thinking
What's Inside the Study Guide
 
 
1
Historical Background

Step into early 1700s America — and really understand it

Before your child reads a single page, this guide sets the scene. Students explore life in early colonial Connecticut, the world of pioneer families, and the relationships between settlers and Native American communities — building the kind of historical context that makes great literature come alive.

This isn't just background reading. It's the foundation for higher-order thinking about culture, courage, and what "home" really means.

2
Author Biography

Meet Alice Dalgliesh — the woman behind the story

Students learn about the author herself: her childhood in the British West Indies, her path to becoming one of America's most celebrated children's book writers, and the awards that recognized her extraordinary work — including the Newbery Honor. Understanding an author's life deepens a reader's understanding of their work.

3
Vocabulary Development

Words that stick — through activities, not just definitions

Vocabulary is woven into every chapter of this guide through a variety of activities designed to stimulate real word acquisition. Students don't just look words up — they work with them, use them, and make them their own.

  • Context-based vocabulary from the novel's own language
  • Dictionary work that builds research habits
  • Synonym exploration to expand expressive range
  • Activities that reinforce retention across sessions
Scribbles
"What I love most is how this guide builds higher-order thinking skills naturally — kids aren't just answering questions, they're comparing, analyzing, and connecting Sarah's journey to their own faith and values."
4
Literary Techniques

Reading like a writer — building true literary appreciation

This guide goes beyond comprehension to teach students how great writing works. Through carefully designed ELA activities, students explore:

  • Similes — identifying and understanding figurative comparisons
  • Imagery — how authors paint pictures with words
  • Synonyms — expanding vocabulary through word relationships
  • Dictionary work — building independence as a reader and learner

These are the literary analysis skills that form the backbone of strong elementary ELA education — and the foundation for advanced study later on.

5
Moral Lessons & Character Values

Faith-centered character study — lesson by lesson

Every section of Sarah's story is an opportunity for your child to grow. This guide draws out the moral and spiritual dimensions of each chapter, exploring:

Courage
Defining and practicing real bravery
Trusting God's Care
Faith in uncertain and frightening times
Handling Teasing
Responding with grace under pressure
Love for Enemies
Practicing biblical love across differences
Mindful Speech
Choosing words carefully and kindly
Encouragement
Building others up in community
Honoring Parents
Obedience, trust, and respect
True Friendship
What real friendship looks like

Each theme is tied directly to Scripture, so faith and literature grow together — not separately.

Activities & Writing Assignments
 
 
6
Hands-On & Cross-Curricular

Learning that goes far beyond the page

One of the things families love most about Progeny Press guides is how much they bring a book to life. The Courage of Sarah Noble is no exception — this guide includes a rich variety of activities spanning history, art, writing, and hands-on exploration:

  • Define Courage — a writing and reflection assignment rooted in Sarah's experience
  • Mapwork — trace Sarah's journey through early Connecticut
  • Early American Tribes — research and explore the Native peoples of the region
  • Cooking Center: Biscuits — make a recipe connected to pioneer life
  • Log Cabin Craft — build a model cabin and connect it to the story's setting
  • Art Project — create an original picture inspired by the novel's imagery
  • Traditional Native American Children's Game — play and learn through cultural experience
  • Crossword Puzzle — reinforce vocabulary and story comprehension in a fun format

These aren't filler activities. Each one is intentionally connected to the story, the historical setting, or the biblical themes — making learning feel like an adventure, not a checklist.

Scribbles
"The cooking and craft activities are some of my favorite parts to recommend to families — they turn a history lesson into a memory. Kids who make pioneer biscuits will remember that lesson their entire life, which helps reinforce the rest of the lessons!"
Further Reading & Format Details
 
 
7
Suggestions for Further Reading

Keep the love of reading going long after the last page

This guide includes a carefully curated reading list to extend your child's learning — featuring more works by Alice Dalgliesh herself, as well as other books that share the themes, historical setting, and spirit of The Courage of Sarah Noble. A wonderful resource for building a complete homeschool reading curriculum around this period of American history.

Scribbles
"Sarah kept up her courage through the dark Connecticut wilderness — and I know your family will love walking that journey with her. This is the kind of book, and the kind of study, that children remember for years. Happy reading!"
Workbook or Interactive PDF? Compare Formats
Printed Workbook Perfect-Bound Study Guide Workbook
  • Write your answers directly in the book
  • Durable perfect-bound, heavy gloss cover
  • No computer or software needed
  • Answer key on perforated, removable pages
See full workbook details +
Interactive PDF (CD) Digital Study Guide on CD
  • Fillable fields, audio clips & interactive activities
  • Print the whole guide, single lessons, or class sets
  • Reusable file for multiple children or students
  • Best experienced with free Adobe Acrobat Reader on a computer
See full interactive PDF details +
What You'll Need with the study guide workbook
  • A copy of The Courage of Sarah Noble novel
  • A copy of The Courage of Sarah Noble study guide workbook
  • A Bible (digital or physical)
  • A dictionary (student-friendly or online)

Created for beginning learners, this guide introduces critical thinking and introduces early ELA techniques and concepts.

Designed for You
  • Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
  • Schools looking for top quality ELA materials
  • Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
  • Co-ops and small group instruction

These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and writing program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grade level is this designed for?

Recommended for grades 1–3, giving elementary students a fantastic introduction to the world of literary analysis in a grade appropriate way.

Is this a Christian literature curriculum?

Yes. Our faith-based curriculum integrates Christian worldview discussion with strong literature study and writing instruction.

Does the workbook include a complete answer key?

Yes. A full detailed answer key is included on perforated pages for easy removal before giving the book to students.

Is there space to write directly in the workbook?

Yes. Each lesson provides built-in space for students to record written answers, supporting organized learning.

May I copy pages for classroom or co-op use?

Yes, this guide is reproducible for classroom, co-op, and homeschool instruction.

What type of binding does the guide use?

Perfect bound in a full-size 8.5x11 format with a heavy gloss cover and quality interior paper for durability.

Why Families Love the Workbook
  • Premium Print Format — Durable, perfect-bound 8.5x11 guide built for long-term classroom and homeschool use.
  • Answer Key Made Simple — Full answer key on perforated pages, easy to remove before student use.
  • Student-Friendly Design — Built-in space for written answers supports active learning and organized responses.
  • Reproducible for Classroom Use — Approved for copying for Christian schools, co-ops, and group instruction.
  • Open-and-Go Teaching — No devices needed. Just the book, a pencil, and a positive attitude!
  • Trusted for Over 30 Years — Chosen by homeschool families, Christian schools, and educators nationwide.
What You'll Need with the CD Format
  • A copy of The Courage of Sarah Noble novel
  • A copy of The Courage of Sarah Noble study guide CD
  • A computer with a CD drive
  • A Bible (digital or physical)
  • A dictionary (student-friendly or online)

Created for beginning learners, this guide introduces critical thinking and introduces early ELA techniques and concepts.

Designed for You
  • Homeschool families looking for Christian literature curriculum
  • Schools looking for top quality ELA materials
  • Classes wanting to print class sets of the worksheets
  • Parents wanting to build reading comprehension and character
  • Co-ops and small group instruction

These guides work well on their own or alongside your preferred grammar and writing program.

Frequently Asked Questions

What grade level is this designed for?

Recommended for grades 1–3.

Is Progeny Press a Christian curriculum?

Yes, our faith-based literature study is Christ-centered and includes biblical application lessons. It can also be adapted for secular use by treating the Dig Deeper questions as moral/value discussions.

Does the CD study guide include an answer key?

Yes, a full detailed answer key is included as a separate file on the CD.

Is the study guide printable or fillable on screen?

Both! Print the entire guide or individual pages, or complete it digitally using the fillable form fields, audio clips, and taking advantage of the javascript enabled interactive activities. For the best experience, we strongly recommend using Adobe Acrobat Reader on a computer.

What devices can open the PDF study guide?

The PDF works on Mac and Windows using the free Adobe Acrobat Reader. Because this guide includes fillable fields, audio clips, and JavaScript-based interactive features, a computer with Adobe Acrobat Reader is strongly recommended for full functionality; mobile devices may not support every interactive feature and default PDF viewers may experience unintended performance.

Can I use this guide with multiple students?

Yes, you can use or reuse the study guide for your own children or co-op students. Public and private school teachers can use it within their classrooms.

Do I need any special software?

Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) is strongly recommended to get the full benefit of this guide's fillable fields, embedded audio, and interactive JavaScript activities. A basic PDF viewer can open the file, but won't support all interactive features.

Why Families Love the Interactive PDF
  • Permanent Master File — The CD keeps a permanent backup copy in case of a computer crash or new device.
  • Works on Mac & PC — Compatible with both major operating systems.
  • Interactive & Multimedia — Fillable form fields, embedded audio clips, and JavaScript-powered activities bring lessons to life — best experienced with free Adobe Acrobat Reader on a computer.
  • No Costly Software — PDF files open in the free Adobe Acrobat Reader program.
  • Print What You Need, When You Need It — The whole guide, single lessons, or full classroom sets.

Extra Information

Brand:
Progeny Press
Awards:
Newbery Honor Award Winner 1955 • Lewis Carroll Shelf Award Winner

    1 Reviews

  • Posted by Jessica K. on 27th Apr 2014

    5

    Enjoying this Immensely!

    I've used a lot of literature guides and I love how accessible and easy to use this one is. The questions are engaging and it was very easy to adapt to our style of schooling. Thank you!

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