The legend of the bluebonnet

Depaola, T. (1983). The legend of the bluebonnet. New York: Putnam.

After many days without rain the crops of a small village begin to die. Many villagers agree the best way to bring the rain back is for each person to make a sacrifice. Although she does not own much, She-who-is-alone gives her most important possession to bring the rain back. In the end, the rain returns, and a field of bluebonnets is a sign of hope for her people. She-who-is-alone is not alone anymore.

Suggested lesson plan

Before reading, establish a purpose for reading.

Students should look story elements such as sensory details and point of view as they read.

After reading the story aloud, discuss self-less acts. 

Questions to ask

What does it mean to be self- less?

Why would anyone want to think of others before themselves?

Who was telling the story?

Students should contribute background knowledge about sacrifices they have made in the past.  Next, students will work in small groups to write a narrative story about the topic of self - less acts. Students should first complete a plot chart in order to organize the narrative around a central conflict, descriptive details, and a single point of view.

Have students present their stories to the class.

Grade 6 - Writing

(15)  Writing/Literary Texts. Students write literary texts to express their ideas and feelings about real or imagined people, events, and ideas. Students are expected to:

(A)  write imaginative stories that include:

(i)  a clearly defined focus, plot, and point of view;

(ii)  a specific, believable setting created through the use of sensory details;