Quick Answer
Use the Sara in Raven's Clothes teacher guide to structure a novel study unit with pre-reading activities, chapter discussions, and post-reading projects that explore Indigenous identity and belonging.
Why This Novel Fits Your Classroom
Sara in Raven's Clothes is a youth novel approved by Ontario’s Ministry of Education and read by Métis voice artist Monique LaCoste in the audiobook version. The story follows Sara, who feels different from her peers at Ste. Rita School in Manitoba, making it a strong choice for discussions about identity, culture, and inclusion. The teacher guide helps you connect these themes to curriculum outcomes without extra prep work.
What the Teacher Guide Includes
The guide provides chapter-by-chapter questions, vocabulary lists, and project ideas. While the guide focuses on reading comprehension, you can easily extend it with creative writing or art activities. One trade-off: the guide assumes students have read the book, so you may need to add your own pre-reading support for struggling readers.
5 Steps to Use the Teacher Guide in Class
- 1. Preview the Guide and Novel: Read the teacher guide's introductory notes and the first few chapters of Sara in Raven's Clothes. Identify key themes like identity and belonging that align with your curriculum. Common mistake: jumping straight into questions without familiarizing yourself with the novel's cultural context. Set aside 30 minutes to review the guide and novel before class.
- 2. Introduce the Story with a Hook: Use a short excerpt from the audiobook or show a map of Manitoba to spark curiosity. Ask students what they know about Métis culture or what it means to feel different. Common mistake: skipping this step, which can leave students disengaged from the start. Keep the hook under 10 minutes to maintain momentum.
- 3. Assign Chapter Reading with Guided Questions: For each chapter, assign reading (or listening to the audiobook) and use the guide's comprehension questions. Have students answer in pairs or journals. Common mistake: assigning too many questions at once, which overwhelms students. Limit questions to 3–5 per chapter for focused discussion.
- 4. Facilitate Class Discussions on Identity: After several chapters, lead a discussion using the guide's prompts about Sara's experiences. Encourage students to connect Sara's feelings to their own lives. Common mistake: dominating the conversation instead of letting students share their interpretations. Use a talking stick or turn-taking method to ensure all voices are heard.
- 5. Wrap Up with a Creative Project: Choose a final project from the guide, such as a reflective essay or a visual art piece about identity. Alternatively, have students record their own audio reflections inspired by the audiobook. Common mistake: not providing clear rubrics, which leads to inconsistent work. Share a simple rubric before students begin the project.
About This Book
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Sara in Raven's Clothes: Sara in Raven's Clothes is an English-language novel by Janine Tougas, illustrated by Alexis Flower, for ages 12 to 17. It was published in 2018 (print and digital) and 2020 (audiobook). The audiobook, narrated by a Métis voice artist, offers an authentic listening experience that supports diverse learners and enriches classroom discussions about Indigenous perspectives.
Sara in Raven's Clothes