Activity 1

Read each paragraph and choose the main idea.

I have a dog named Boots. I taught him lots of tricks. When I tell him to, Boots will sit or lie down. He can also wave his paw to greet people. When I say, “Dance, Boots.”, he will stand up on two legs and walk. I don't know of many dogs that can do such amazing tricks.

The main idea of this paragraph is:

a. Boots is my dog.

b. Boots can sit.

c. Boots is very smart.

d. Most dogs can't dance

Yesterday was my birthday. When I woke up, I noticed my brother Todd hung up a big sign that said, “Happy Birthday, Joey!” Mom made spaghetti for dinner. It's my favourite food in the whole world. My friend Dave came over and handed me a wrapped gift. I wondered what it was. It was a new basketball! I had a great day.

The main idea of this paragraph is:

a. Todd had a great birthday.

b. Joey had a great birthday.

c. Todd got lots of gifts.

d. Joey got lots of gifts.

Peter's parents bought a new carpet for the living room. Now, he has to take his shoes off when he enters the house. He's also not allowed to eat or drink in the living room any more. Peter's furry dog isn't allowed to . play ball in there either. When his parents got the new carpet, there were lots of new rules.

The main idea of this paragraph is:

a. Peter cannot go in the living room.

b. Peter's parents don't like the carpet.

c. Peter likes to make a mess

d. Peter's parents made new rules so the new carpet stays clean.

Activity 2

Directions: Read each sentence below. Use the other words in the sentence to help you figure out the meaning of the underlined word.

Fill in the circle for the correct answer.

1. He saw in the distance a beautiful, graceful bird soaring across the sky. (A) falling (B) gliding (C) leaping

2. The little boy became drowsy as the day turned into night.
(A) desperate (B) active (C) tired

3. He was amazed at the beauty he saw above him.
(A) pleased (B) disappointed (C) astonished

4. Little sparrow began to feel as powerful as the giant bird.
(A) large (B) strong (C) beautiful

5. When the boy became chief, he ruled with wisdom.
(A) many riches (B) no help (C) understanding

6. The people watched with awe as the eagle flew above them.
(A) anger (B) terror (C) wonder

7. The pterodactyl was gliding high above the ground.
(A) flapping (B) moving smoothly (C) spinning

8. The boy was very confused after he bumped his head.
(A) mixed up (B) relaxed (C) excited

9. The castle looked enormous in the background.
(A) very big (B) far (C) near

Activity 3

Read each sentence below. Decide whether you'd be more likely to find the sentence at the beginning of a story or the end of a story.
On the line next to each sentence, write the word beginning or ending.

1. ___________________ Once upon a time, there was a magical spider.
2. ___________________ Finally, we all went home to rest after our exciting adventure.
3. ___________________ It seemed like there was nothing we could do to solve this problem.
4. ___________________ Let me tell you all about my baby sister.
5. ___________________ Yesterday, I saw a big, yellow bird on the beach.
6. ___________________ Have you heard about my funny dog, Muffy?
7. ___________________ They all lived happily ever after.
8. ___________________ When I woke up, this morning, I saw that it was snowing.
9. ___________________ From that day on, Marvin never lied to his parents again.
10. ___________________ All in all, it was a special birthday.
11. ___________________ Finally, all the noise stopped and we went back into the house.
12. ___________________ And that's why I think my grandfather is the funniest man alive.
13. ___________________ We wished we had never opened that box.
14. ___________________ It was the best movie I had ever seen!
15. ___________________ I am so excited to tell you what I did on my birthday.

Activity 4

If an event or thing can really happen, then it is real.
Things that can’t really happen are fantasy.
Example: John runs across the football field. (real)
John flaps his arms and flies over the city. (fantasy)

Directions: Read each sentence. Write an F by the ones that are fantasy. Write an R by the ones that are real.

1. _____ The milk is cold.
2. _____ He bought some clothes at the mall.
3. _____ The sun winked at me as the day ended.
4. _____ The dog laughed as he chased the cat.
5. _____ I drove the car down the road.
6. _____ The toys played with each other when the kids left the room.
7. _____ The cat meowed loudly.
8. _____ When the car got tired, it stopped to take a rest.
9. _____ The water froze and turned to diamonds.
10. _____ The invisible kitten played with a ball of yarn.