The Last Lighthouse Keeper — Teaching Resources

Discussion Prompts

Understanding Sally's Journey

1. What challenges did Sally Snowman face because of her learning disabilities?
2. How did Sally show determination and perseverance throughout her life?
3. What does it mean to be "the first and last" female lighthouse keeper?
4. How might Sally's story inspire other people facing challenges?
5. What qualities made Sally successful as a lighthouse keeper?

Historical Context

1. Why were lighthouses so important for ships and sailors?
2. What was it like for women to work in male-dominated jobs in Sally's time?
3. How has technology changed the need for lighthouse keepers?
4. What other barriers have people broken throughout history?

Personal Connections

1. What are some challenges you've had to overcome?
2. How do you feel when something is difficult for you to learn?
3. What would you say to encourage someone facing learning difficulties?
4. What jobs or activities interest you that others might think are unusual?

Classroom Activities

History & Social Studies

• Lighthouse Research: Students research famous lighthouses and their histories
• Maritime Safety Timeline: Create a timeline showing how ships stayed safe before and after lighthouses
• Breaking Barriers: Research other "firsts" in various professions and create a class book
• New England Geography: Map the coastline and locate important lighthouses

Science Connections

• How Lighthouses Work: Explore the science of light, lenses, and visibility
• Weather and Navigation: Discuss how weather affects sailing and why lighthouses were crucial
• Ocean Currents and Tides: Learn about coastal waters and navigation challenges
• Technology Then and Now: Compare lighthouse technology to modern GPS and navigation

Social-Emotional Learning

• Learning Differences Awareness: Discuss different ways people learn and process information
• Persistence Practice: Share stories of times students didn't give up on something difficult
• Career Exploration: Discuss non-traditional career paths and following your interests
• Overcoming Obstacles: Create action plans for personal challenges

Creative Projects

• Lighthouse Design: Students design their own lighthouse and explain its features
• Sally's Diary: Write diary entries from Sally's perspective during key moments
• Historical Fiction: Write stories about other lighthouse keepers or maritime workers
• Perseverance Poster: Create motivational posters about overcoming challenges

Curriculum Standards Alignment

English Language Arts

• Reading Comprehension: Character analysis, sequence of events, cause and effect
• Research Skills: Gathering information from multiple sources about historical topics
• Writing: Biography writing, persuasive essays about perseverance
• Speaking & Listening: Presentations about historical figures and personal heroes

Social Studies

• Historical Thinking: Understanding change over time, historical significance
• Geography: Coastal regions, maritime communities, New England
• Civics: Breaking barriers, equality, and social change
• Economics: How technology changes jobs and industries

Science

• Physical Science: Light, optics, and navigation technology
• Earth Science: Coastal processes, weather patterns, and ocean systems
• Engineering: Lighthouse construction and design principles

Learning Differences & Inclusion

Classroom Strategies Inspired by Sally's Story

• Multiple Learning Styles: Recognize that students learn differently
• Strength-Based Approach: Help students identify their unique talents
• Persistence Modeling: Show how challenges can lead to growth
• Alternative Assessments: Offer various ways for students to demonstrate learning

Discussion Points

• Learning disabilities don't define a person's potential
• Everyone has different strengths and challenges
• Hard work and determination can overcome many obstacles
• It's important to find your own path to success

Downloads & Resources

• Lesson Plan: Sally Snowman's Journey (PDF)
• Lighthouse Facts & Timeline (PDF)
• Learning Differences Discussion Guide (PDF)
• Maritime History Activity Pack (PDF)
• Perseverance Journal Pages (PDF)

For Parents & Caregivers

Supporting Learning Differences at Home

• Celebrate your child's unique strengths and interests
• Help them understand that everyone learns differently
• Encourage persistence when facing challenges
• Share stories of people who overcame obstacles

Extending the Learning

• Visit Local Lighthouses: Plan family trips to historic lighthouses
• Maritime Museums: Explore local maritime history and navigation
• Biography Reading: Find other books about people who overcame challenges
• Strength Discovery: Help your child identify their special talents and interests

Family Discussion Starters

• "What makes you unique and special?"
• "Tell me about a time you didn't give up on something hard."
• "What job or activity would you like to try that might surprise people?"
• "How can we support friends who learn differently than we do?"