Warm-Up: Brain Boosters!

Instructions: Take a few minutes to think about how you approach reading. Answer the question below.

What is one strategy you use when you read something that is difficult to understand?

Session 3 Script: Inference Investigators

Warm-Up: Brain Boosters (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning, everyone! Let's start with a quick warm-up to get our brains ready for some reading. I've handed out a short activity called Session 1 Warm-Up: Brain Boosters. Please take about 3 minutes to answer the question: 'What is one strategy you use when you read something that is difficult to understand?' Think about what you do when a text just isn't making sense. Go ahead and write down your thoughts."

(Allow students to write for 3 minutes. Circulate and observe.)

Teacher: "All right, let's share a few ideas. Who would like to share a strategy they use?"

(Call on a few students. Affirm their responses.)

Teacher: "Those are some great strategies! Today, we're going to build on those and learn some more powerful tools to make sure we understand everything we read, especially for our state assessment."

Introduction: Our Reading Superpowers (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Look at our first slide: Reading Comprehension: Your Superpower!. Today is all about building your reading superpowers! Sometimes, reading can feel like a puzzle, right? Especially when it's a long passage on a test. Our goal is to make sure you have all the tools you need to solve any reading puzzle the state assessment throws at you."

"On the next slide, Our Goals Today, you'll see our three main goals: We're going to learn how to identify the main idea, find supporting details, and make inferences. Think of these as your secret weapons for understanding anything you read."

Strategy Session: Main Idea & Details (10 minutes)

Teacher: "First up, the Main Idea! Every story, every article, every paragraph has a main idea. It's the most important point the author wants you to remember. It's like the big umbrella that covers everything else. To find it, ask yourself: 'What is this text mostly about?' or 'What's the big picture here?'"

"Now, how do we know if we've found the right main idea? That's where Supporting Details come in! These are the facts, examples, reasons, and descriptions that prove or explain the main idea. They answer questions like 'who, what, when, where, why, and how?' Think of them as the pillars holding up the main idea. Without them, the main idea would fall apart."

"Let's try one together. Look at the example on the slide: Let's Practice: Main Idea & Details. I'll read it aloud: 'Cats are popular pets for many reasons. They are known for being independent and clean animals, often grooming themselves. Cats are also playful, enjoying toys and games. Many people find their purring and soft fur comforting.'"

"Based on what I just read, what do you think is the main idea of this paragraph? What is it mostly about?"

(Pause for responses. Guide students to 'Cats are popular pets.')

Teacher: "Exactly! The main idea is that cats are popular pets. Now, what are some details from the paragraph that support this idea? What reasons does the author give for why they are popular?"

(Guide students to identify details like 'independent and clean,' 'playful,' 'comforting purring and fur.')

Teacher: "Great job! You can see how those details all point back to why cats are popular."

Strategy Session: Making Inferences (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Our next superpower is Making Inferences! This is a little trickier because the author doesn't always tell you everything directly. Sometimes, you have to be a detective! An inference is an educated guess based on two things: clues from the text (what the author does tell you) and what you already know (your own background knowledge). It's like a math equation: Text Clues + What I Know = Inference."

"Let's try a detective case! Look at the scenario on the slide: Let's Practice: Making Inferences. I'll read it: 'Sarah wore her rain boots and carried an umbrella as she walked out the door. The street was wet, and puddles reflected the gray sky.'"

"Based on those clues, what can you infer about the weather outside? What do you think it's like?"

(Pause for responses. Guide students to 'It's raining or just rained.')

Teacher: "Excellent! How did you know it was raining? What clues did you use?"

(Guide students to identify 'rain boots,' 'umbrella,' 'wet street,' 'puddles,' 'gray sky.')

Teacher: "Perfect! The text didn't say 'It's raining,' but you used the clues and your own knowledge about rain to figure it out. That's making an inference!"

Independent Practice: 'The Power of Perseverance' (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Now it's your turn to be reading superheroes! I'm going to give you a Session 3 Reading: The Power of Perseverance and a Session 3 Worksheet: Perseverance Practice. Your job is to read the passage carefully and then answer the questions on the worksheet, using all the strategies we just talked about."

"Remember to look for the main idea, identify supporting details, and use text clues and your own knowledge to make inferences. I'll be walking around to help if you get stuck. You have about 10 minutes for this activity. Begin!"

(Distribute materials. Circulate, provide individual support, and remind students to refer back to the text.)

Review & Share (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Okay, let's bring it back together. Even if you didn't finish every question, let's go over some of the answers. We'll use our Reading Comprehension Answer Key as a guide."

(Go through the worksheet questions one by one. Ask students to share their answers and, more importantly, how they found them. For inference questions, ask what clues led them to their conclusion.)

Teacher: "Fantastic work everyone! It's important to understand why an answer is correct, not just to pick an answer."

Cool-Down: My Reading Superpower (5 minutes)

Teacher: "To wrap up our session today, I have one more quick activity: Session 8 Cool-Down: My Reading Superpower. On this sheet, I want you to reflect on what we learned and identify one reading strategy you feel more confident using after today's lesson. It could be finding the main idea, spotting details, or being a detective with inferences. Write down your superpower and a brief explanation."

"This will serve as our exit ticket today. Once you're done, you can hand it to me as you leave."

(Collect cool-down activities.)

Teacher: "Remember, reading comprehension is a skill that gets stronger with practice. Keep using these strategies every time you read. Great job today, everyone!"

The Power of Perseverance

When things get tough, it's easy to want to give up. But some of the greatest successes come from not giving up, even when faced with challenges. This quality is called perseverance.

Imagine a young boy named Leo who loved to draw. From an early age, he spent hours sketching cartoons and characters. His family and friends admired his passion, but his drawings weren't always perfect. Sometimes, his lines were crooked, and his characters looked a bit lopsided. He often got frustrated and wanted to throw his pencils away.

One day, his art teacher noticed Leo's frustration. She told him, "Leo, every great artist started somewhere. The important thing isn't to be perfect right away, but to keep trying and learning." She showed him famous paintings and sketches, pointing out how artists often revised their work many times before it was finished. She encouraged him to practice daily and to see mistakes not as failures, but as steps in learning.

Inspired by his teacher's words, Leo decided to change his approach. Instead of giving up, he started looking closely at his mistakes. He watched online tutorials, read books about drawing techniques, and spent extra time on drawings that he found difficult. He learned about perspective, shading, and human anatomy. Some days were still hard, and he still made drawings he wasn't happy with, but he didn't stop.

Years passed, and Leo grew up. He continued to draw, always remembering the lesson of perseverance. He became a successful animator, creating beloved cartoon characters for movies and television shows. His animations brought joy to millions of people around the world. He often thought back to his childhood struggles and smiled, knowing that his greatest talent wasn't just drawing, but the power to never give up.

Reading Comprehension Worksheet: The Power of Perseverance

Instructions: Read the passage "The Power of Perseverance" carefully. Then, answer the questions below using the reading strategies we discussed.

1. What is the main idea of the passage "The Power of Perseverance"?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. List two supporting details from the passage that help explain why perseverance is important.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. In the story, Leo sometimes got frustrated with his drawings and wanted to throw his pencils away. What can you infer about how he felt when his drawings weren't perfect?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. The art teacher told Leo, "The important thing isn't to be perfect right away, but to keep trying and learning." How did this advice change Leo's approach to drawing?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. What can you infer about the kind of person Leo became as an adult, based on his journey with perseverance?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Session 3 Answer Key: Perseverance Practice

1. What is the main idea of the passage "The Power of Perseverance"?

   • Thought Process: The first paragraph introduces perseverance and its importance. The rest of the story about Leo illustrates this concept. The core message is about the value of not giving up.
   • Answer: The main idea is that perseverance, or not giving up when things are difficult, is essential for achieving success and overcoming challenges.

2. List two supporting details from the passage that help explain why perseverance is important.

   • Thought Process: I need to look for specific examples or statements that show the positive effects of perseverance in Leo's story.
   • Answer:
     • Leo's art teacher told him that "every great artist started somewhere. The important thing isn't to be perfect right away, but to keep trying and learning."
     • Inspired by his teacher, Leo "spent extra time on drawings that he found difficult," "learned about perspective, shading, and human anatomy," and "became a successful animator."

3. In the story, Leo sometimes got frustrated with his drawings and wanted to throw his pencils away. What can you infer about how he felt when his drawings weren't perfect?

   • Thought Process: The text states he "got frustrated and wanted to throw his pencils away." This directly shows his emotional response. I need to infer why he felt that way.
   • Answer: It can be inferred that Leo felt discouraged, disappointed, or perhaps even a bit angry when his drawings weren't perfect. Wanting to throw away his pencils suggests a strong negative emotional reaction to his perceived failures or lack of immediate skill.

4. The art teacher told Leo, "The important thing isn't to be perfect right away, but to keep trying and learning." How did this advice change Leo's approach to drawing?

   • Thought Process: I need to find the section where Leo's actions change after receiving the teacher's advice.
   • Answer: This advice changed Leo's approach by encouraging him to stop giving up. Instead, he started to view mistakes as learning opportunities, began looking closely at his errors, and actively sought ways to improve his skills, like watching tutorials and reading books.

5. What can you infer about the kind of person Leo became as an adult, based on his journey with perseverance?

   • Thought Process: The passage describes his struggles, his teacher's advice, his change in approach, and his eventual success. I need to connect these to his adult character.
   • Answer: It can be inferred that as an adult, Leo became a determined, resilient, and probably humble individual. His success as an animator, bringing joy to millions, suggests he was also creative and passionate. His ability to overcome initial frustration and continue learning indicates a strong work ethic and a positive attitude towards challenges.

Cool-Down: My Reading Superpower

Instructions: Reflect on today's session and the strategies we discussed throughout our program.

What is one reading strategy you feel most confident using now to "Ace the Test"? Explain why this strategy is your superpower!

Session 1 Worksheet: Main Idea Mania

Instructions: Read each short paragraph below. Then, identify the main idea and one supporting detail for each.

Paragraph 1

Butterflies are fascinating insects. They start as tiny eggs, then hatch into caterpillars that eat and grow. After a while, they form a chrysalis, and finally emerge as beautiful, winged butterflies. This process is called metamorphosis.

1. Main Idea:
   
   
   
   
   

2. Supporting Detail:
   
   
   
   
   

Paragraph 2

Exercising regularly is very good for your body. It helps your heart stay strong, makes your muscles powerful, and can even improve your mood. Doctors recommend that kids get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

3. Main Idea:
   
   
   
   
   

4. Supporting Detail:
   
   
   
   
   

Paragraph 3

Deserts are dry places, but many animals have learned to live there. Camels can store water and have thick eyelashes to keep sand out of their eyes. Desert foxes have large ears to help them release heat and stay cool. Even small rodents often hide underground during the day to avoid the heat.

5. Main Idea:
   
   
   
   
   

6. Supporting Detail:
   
   
   
   
   

Cool-Down: One Big Idea

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson about the main idea.

What is the most important thing you learned about finding the main idea in a text?

Session 1 Answer Key: Main Idea Mania

Paragraph 1: Butterflies are fascinating insects. They start as tiny eggs, then hatch into caterpillars that eat and grow. After a while, they form a chrysalis, and finally emerge as beautiful, winged butterflies. This process is called metamorphosis.

1. Main Idea: The main idea is that butterflies go through a process called metamorphosis to change from an egg into a beautiful winged insect.

   • Thought Process: The paragraph describes the stages of a butterfly's life cycle, emphasizing the transformation. The last sentence explicitly names this process.

2. Supporting Detail: Butterflies start as tiny eggs, hatch into caterpillars, form a chrysalis, and emerge as winged butterflies.

   • Thought Process: These are the specific steps that explain how the metamorphosis happens.

Paragraph 2: Exercising regularly is very good for your body. It helps your heart stay strong, makes your muscles powerful, and can even improve your mood. Doctors recommend that kids get at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day.

3. Main Idea: Regular exercise provides many benefits for your body and overall health.

   • Thought Process: The first sentence directly states the main idea, and the following sentences provide examples of these benefits.

4. Supporting Detail: Exercise helps your heart stay strong, makes your muscles powerful, and can improve your mood.

   • Thought Process: These are specific examples of the benefits mentioned in the paragraph.

Paragraph 3: Deserts are dry places, but many animals have learned to live there. Camels can store water and have thick eyelashes to keep sand out of their eyes. Desert foxes have large ears to help them release heat and stay cool. Even small rodents often hide underground during the day to avoid the heat.

5. Main Idea: Animals have developed special adaptations to survive in dry desert environments.

   • Thought Process: The first sentence introduces the idea, and the examples of camels, foxes, and rodents illustrate how they adapt to the desert.

6. Supporting Detail: Camels store water and have thick eyelashes, desert foxes have large ears to release heat, and rodents hide underground to avoid heat.

   • Thought Process: These are specific examples of animals and their unique ways of surviving in the desert.

Warm-Up: Fact or Fiction?

Instructions: Read the statements below. Write "Fact" if it's a statement that could be proven with details, or "Opinion" if it's someone's feeling or belief.

1. The tallest mountain in the world is Mount Everest.
   
   
   

2. Pizza is the most delicious food ever created.
   
   
   

3. A whale is much larger than a goldfish.
   
   
   

4. Blue is the prettiest color.
   
   
   

5. Many trees lose their leaves in the autumn.
   
   
   

Session 2 Worksheet: Detail Dash

Instructions: Read the paragraph below. Then, identify the main idea and list at least three supporting details from the text.

Paragraph: The Amazing Honeybee

Honeybees are incredibly important insects, playing a vital role in our ecosystem. They are known for their ability to fly from flower to flower, collecting nectar and pollen. As they do this, they transfer pollen, helping plants to reproduce. Without bees, many fruits, vegetables, and nuts would not grow. Bees also produce honey, a sweet treat enjoyed by many. They live in large colonies with a queen bee, worker bees, and drone bees, each with a specific job to keep the hive running smoothly.

1. Main Idea:
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Supporting Details:
   

   • 
     
     
     
   • 
     
     
     
   • 
     
     
     
   • 
     
     
     

Challenge Question:

Why do you think the author included details about how bees live in colonies with different roles? What main idea does this detail support or connect to?

Cool-Down: Detail Spotlight

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson about supporting details.

Think about a paragraph you've read recently (it could be from this session or another class). Write down one main idea and one supporting detail that stood out to you.

Session 2 Answer Key: Detail Dash

Paragraph: The Amazing Honeybee

Honeybees are incredibly important insects, playing a vital role in our ecosystem. They are known for their ability to fly from flower to flower, collecting nectar and pollen. As they do this, they transfer pollen, helping plants to reproduce. Without bees, many fruits, vegetables, and nuts would not grow. Bees also produce honey, a sweet treat enjoyed by many. They live in large colonies with a queen bee, worker bees, and drone bees, each with a specific job to keep the hive running smoothly.

1. Main Idea: Honeybees are crucial insects that play a vital role in the ecosystem through pollination and honey production, and they have complex social structures.

   • Thought Process: The paragraph highlights the importance of bees, their role in pollination, their product (honey), and their social organization. The main idea should encompass these key aspects.

2. Supporting Details:

   • They fly from flower to flower, collecting nectar and pollen.
   • They transfer pollen, helping plants to reproduce.
   • Without bees, many fruits, vegetables, and nuts would not grow.
   • Bees produce honey.
   • They live in large colonies with a queen, worker, and drone bees, each with a specific job.
   • Thought Process: These are direct facts and examples from the text that elaborate on the main idea of why bees are important and how they live.

Challenge Question:

Why do you think the author included details about how bees live in colonies with different roles? What main idea does this detail support or connect to?
* Thought Process: The question asks for the purpose of including this detail and its connection to the main idea. This requires a deeper level of understanding beyond just identifying details.
* Answer: The author likely included details about bees living in colonies with different roles to further emphasize their importance and the complexity of their lives. This detail supports the main idea that bees are

Warm-Up: Clue Collector

Instructions: Read the short scenarios below. What clues in the sentence help you guess what is happening or how someone is feeling?

1. The boy clutched his teddy bear tightly and peered under his bed. What do you think the boy is feeling? What clues tell you that?
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. The chef wiped his brow, smiled, and presented the beautifully decorated cake. What can you guess about the cake? What clues tell you that?
   
   
   
   
   
   

Cool-Down: My Inference Gem

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson about making inferences.

Describe one time you made an inference in real life today (e.g., about how someone was feeling, what was happening, or what might happen next). What clues did you use?

Warm-Up: Word Wonder!

Instructions: Read the sentences below. Try to guess the meaning of the underlined word based on the other words around it. Then, explain how you figured it out.

1. The ancient tome sat on the dusty shelf, filled with stories from long ago.
   My guess:
   
   Clues:
   
   
   
   

2. She was so famished after her long hike that she ate two big sandwiches.
   My guess:
   
   Clues:
   
   
   
   

The Mysterious Forest of Eldoria

Elara tightened the straps of her backpack. She was about to enter the Forest of Eldoria, a place rumored to be enchanted. Locals whispered tales of shimmering lights and ancient trees that seemed to hum with unseen energy. She felt a mix of trepidation and excitement as she stepped under the canopy of giant, emerald leaves.

The path quickly became obscure, winding through dense foliage. Elara had to push aside thorny bushes and duck under low-hanging branches. Soon, the sounds of the nearby village faded, replaced by the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant calls of exotic birds, sounds she'd never heard in her familiar surroundings.

Suddenly, she spotted a small, shimmering creature flitting between the trees. It had wings like a dragonfly and glowed with a soft, blue light. It was a luminescent sprite, a being she'd only read about in old storybooks. Its light guided her through a particularly dark patch of the forest.

As the day wore on, Elara grew weary. She found a small clearing and decided to linger for a while, resting her feet and eating a few berries she'd packed. The forest felt peaceful now, less mysterious, and more welcoming. She knew she still had a long journey ahead, but with the help of her magical guide, she felt a renewed sense of fortitude to continue her quest.

Session 4 Worksheet: Context Clue Challenge

Instructions: Read the passage "The Mysterious Forest of Eldoria" again. For each underlined word, write what you think it means and what clues from the text helped you figure it out.

1. enchanted

   • My Guess:
     
     
     
   • Clues:
     
     
     
     
     

2. trepidation

   • My Guess:
     
     
     
   • Clues:
     
     
     
     
     

3. obscure

   • My Guess:
     
     
     
   • Clues:
     
     
     
     
     

4. exotic

   • My Guess:
     
     
     
   • Clues:
     
     
     
     
     

5. luminescent

   • My Guess:
     
     
     
   • Clues:
     
     
     
     
     

6. linger

   • My Guess:
     
     
     
   • Clues:
     
     
     
     
     

7. fortitude

   • My Guess:
     
     
     
   • Clues:
     
     
     
     
     

Cool-Down: My New Word

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson about context clues.

Choose one of the new words you learned today. Write it down, its meaning, and create your own sentence using it.

Session 4 Answer Key: Context Clue Challenge

Instructions: Read the passage "The Mysterious Forest of Eldoria" again. For each underlined word, write what you think it means and what clues from the text helped you figure it out.

1. enchanted

   • My Guess: Magical, under a spell, charmed.
   • Clues: "shimmering lights and ancient trees that seemed to hum with unseen energy."

2. trepidation

   • My Guess: Fear, nervousness, anxiety.
   • Clues: "a mix of... and excitement," implying the opposite of excitement. The dangerous nature of rumors about the forest also suggests fear.

3. obscure

   • My Guess: Hidden, unclear, difficult to see or follow.
   • Clues: "winding through dense foliage," "had to push aside thorny bushes and duck under low-hanging branches."

4. exotic

   • My Guess: Foreign, unfamiliar, from a faraway place.
   • Clues: "sounds she'd never heard in her familiar surroundings."

5. luminescent

   • My Guess: Glowing, producing light.
   • Clues: "shimmering creature flitting between the trees," "glowed with a soft, blue light," "Its light guided her through a particularly dark patch."

6. linger

   • My Guess: Stay, remain, wait around.
   • Clues: "resting her feet and eating a few berries she'd packed."

7. fortitude

   • My Guess: Strength, courage, resilience.
   • Clues: "felt a renewed sense of... to continue her quest." She was weary before, so she needed something to help her keep going.

Warm-Up: Gist Getters!

Instructions: Read the short news headlines below. What's the main idea or the "gist" of each headline in your own words?

1. "Local Firefighters Rescue Kitten from Tall Tree"

   • Gist:
     
     
     

2. "School Wins Championship After Undefeated Season"

   • Gist:
     
     
     

3. "New Library Opens with Thousands of Books"

   • Gist:
     
     
     

The Art of Making a Good Summary

Summarizing is a very important skill for readers and learners. When you summarize, you take a longer piece of writing, like a story or an article, and you shorten it, keeping only the most important parts. It's like taking a big movie and telling someone the main points in just a few sentences. This helps you understand and remember what you read, and it helps you explain it to others without giving every tiny detail.

There are a few key things to remember when you're making a summary. First, you need to find the main idea of the whole text. What is it mostly about? Then, you need to identify the most important supporting details. These are the facts or events that are essential to understanding the main idea. You don't need to include every single example or small description. Think about what a person has to know to understand the text.

Another crucial part of summarizing is using your own words. Don't just copy sentences from the original text. Read the section, understand it, and then write down the important information in a new way. This shows that you truly understand the content. Finally, make sure your summary is much shorter than the original text. If your summary is almost as long as what you read, you might be retelling instead of summarizing.

Practicing summarizing will make you a stronger reader and a better student. It helps you focus on what's important and ignore what's not. Whether you're reading for a test, learning about history, or just enjoying a book, knowing how to summarize is a true reading superpower.

Session 5 Worksheet: Summarize It!

Instructions: Read the passage "The Art of Making a Good Summary" again. Then, use the strategies we discussed to write a summary of the passage in your own words. Remember to include the main idea and only the most important details.

Your Summary:

Challenge Question:

Why is it important to use your own words when writing a summary, instead of copying sentences from the original text?

Cool-Down: 3-2-1 Summary

Instructions: Complete the following prompts to summarize your learning from today's session on summarizing.

3 things I learned about summarizing:
1.
2.
3.

2 questions I still have about summarizing:
1.
2.

1 way I will use summarizing in my other classes or at home:
1.

Session 5 Answer Key: Summarize It!

Instructions: Read the passage "The Art of Making a Good Summary" again. Then, use the strategies we discussed to write a summary of the passage in your own words. Remember to include the main idea and only the most important details.

Sample Summary:
Summarizing is an important skill that involves shortening a text by keeping only the main idea and essential details. To do this, readers should first find the overall main idea, then identify only 2-3 crucial supporting facts or events, and finally, rewrite this information in their own words. It is vital that a summary is much shorter than the original text and avoids copying sentences directly. Practicing summarizing helps improve reading comprehension by focusing on important information.

• Thought Process for Sample Summary:
  • Main Idea: Summarizing is a crucial skill for understanding and explaining texts effectively.
  • Key Details:
    • It means shortening a text to its most important parts.
    • Requires finding the main idea and essential supporting details.
    • Must be in your own words, not copied.
    • Should be much shorter than the original.
    • Helps improve reading comprehension and explanation.

Challenge Question:

Why is it important to use your own words when writing a summary, instead of copying sentences from the original text?
* Thought Process: This question asks for the reason behind a specific summarizing rule. The answer should explain what using one's own words demonstrates.
* Answer: It is important to use your own words when writing a summary because it shows that you truly understand the text, not just that you can copy information. When you put it in your own words, you are processing the information and making it your own, which deepens your comprehension.

Warm-Up: Why Did They Write It?

Instructions: Read each example and decide why the author might have written it. Choose from: To Persuade, To Inform, or To Entertain.

1. A fairy tale about a brave knight and a fire-breathing dragon.
   Purpose:
   
   
   

2. A newspaper article explaining how tornadoes form.
   Purpose:
   
   
   

3. An advertisement for a new toy that says, "You absolutely NEED this fun new gadget!"
   Purpose:
   
   
   

4. Instructions on how to bake a cake.
   Purpose:
   
   
   

Purposeful Passages: Find the Author's Reason

Passage 1: The Amazing Dolphin

Dolphins are highly intelligent marine mammals known for their playful behavior and complex communication skills. They use a system called echolocation, emitting sounds and listening for echoes, to navigate and hunt in the ocean. Dolphins typically live in pods, which are groups of several to hundreds of individuals, and they are known to cooperate to catch prey. Sadly, dolphins face threats from pollution and fishing nets, which can harm their populations.

Passage 2: Why You Should Adopt a Pet!

Are you feeling lonely? Do you want a loyal friend who will always be happy to see you? Then you should absolutely consider adopting a pet from your local animal shelter! Shelters are full of loving dogs and cats who desperately need a home. When you adopt, you're not just getting a pet; you're saving a life and gaining a wonderful companion. Don't wait! Visit your shelter today and find your new best friend!

Passage 3: The Sleepy Bear's Adventure

Once upon a time, in a cozy den nestled deep within the Whispering Woods, lived a very sleepy bear named Barnaby. Barnaby loved naps more than anything, even honey. One sunny morning, he woke with a grumble. His tummy rumbled, but all his honey pots were empty! "Oh dear," he yawned, stretching his big paws. "It looks like a honey-hunting adventure is in order!" He grabbed his empty honey dipper and stumbled out into the sunshine, ready for whatever sleepy adventure awaited him in the woods.

Session 6 Worksheet: PIE Detective

Instructions: Read each passage from "Purposeful Passages: Find the Author's Reason" again. For each passage, identify the author's purpose (Persuade, Inform, or Entertain) and list at least two clues from the text that helped you decide.

Passage 1: The Amazing Dolphin

1. Author's Purpose:
   
   
   

2. Clues:
   

   • 
     
     
   • 
     
     
     
     

Passage 2: Why You Should Adopt a Pet!

3. Author's Purpose:
   
   
   

4. Clues:
   

   • 
     
     
   • 
     
     
     
     

Passage 3: The Sleepy Bear's Adventure

5. Author's Purpose:
   
   
   

6. Clues:
   

   • 
     
     
   • 
     
     
     
     

Cool-Down: Purpose Pointer

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson about author's purpose.

Think about a book you've read or a video you've watched recently. What do you think was the author's/creator's main purpose (Persuade, Inform, or Entertain)? Why?

Session 6 Answer Key: PIE Detective

Passage 1: The Amazing Dolphin

1. Author's Purpose: To Inform
   • Clues: Provides facts about dolphins (intelligent, echolocation, live in pods, face threats). Uses neutral language, explains how they live and what they do.

Passage 2: Why You Should Adopt a Pet!

3. Author's Purpose: To Persuade
   • Clues: Uses strong emotional language ("absolutely NEED," "loving dogs and cats who desperately need a home," "saving a life," "wonderful companion"). Asks direct questions to engage the reader and encourages an action ("Don't wait! Visit your shelter today!").

Passage 3: The Sleepy Bear's Adventure

5. Author's Purpose: To Entertain
   • Clues: It's a fictional story with characters (Barnaby the bear), a setting (Whispering Woods), and a mini-plot (woke up, hungry, empty honey pots, decided on an adventure). Uses descriptive and imaginative language ("cozy den," "sleepy bear," "grumble," "stumbled out").

Warm-Up: Structure Sort!

Instructions: Read each sentence pair. Do the two sentences compare (show similarities) or contrast (show differences)? Write "Compare" or "Contrast".

1. Both cats and dogs make great pets.
   
   
   

2. Apples are crisp, but bananas are soft.
   
   
   

3. My bike is fast; however, my scooter is slow.
   
   
   

4. Just like reading, writing is an important skill.
   
   
   

Building Blocks of Text: Finding the Structure

Passage A

The Grand Canyon is an enormous and impressive natural wonder. It is located in Arizona, USA, and stretches for 277 miles. The canyon is up to 18 miles wide and over a mile deep in some places. Its colorful layers of rock reveal millions of years of Earth's history, carved by the mighty Colorado River. Many visitors come each year to hike, raft, and admire its breathtaking views.

Passage B

Last summer, our family decided to adopt a puppy. First, we visited the animal shelter and looked at all the adorable dogs. Next, we filled out paperwork and had an interview to make sure we would be good owners. Then, we picked out a small golden retriever mix named Sunny. Finally, we brought Sunny home, and she quickly became a beloved member of our family.

Passage C

Rainforests and deserts are two very different biomes, yet both are home to unique plant and animal life. Rainforests are known for their high humidity and abundant rainfall, supporting lush vegetation and a vast array of species. In contrast, deserts are characterized by extreme dryness and sparse plant life, with organisms specially adapted to conserve water.

Passage D

Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem that harms our oceans and wildlife. Many animals mistake plastic bags for food, which can cause them to choke or starve. To solve this problem, people can reduce their use of single-use plastics, recycle more effectively, and participate in beach cleanups. If everyone takes action, then we can significantly decrease plastic waste.

Passage E

Many factors contribute to soil erosion, which is the wearing away of topsoil by natural forces like wind and water. For instance, heavy rainfall can wash away loose soil, especially on bare land. Additionally, strong winds can pick up and carry dry soil particles over long distances. As a result of erosion, farmlands can lose their fertility, making it difficult to grow crops, and rivers can become clogged with sediment.

Session 7 Worksheet: Structure Search

Instructions: Read each passage from "Building Blocks of Text: Finding the Structure" again. For each passage, identify the text structure and list at least two clue words or phrases from the text that helped you decide.

Passage A

1. Text Structure:
   
   
   

2. Clue Words/Phrases:
   

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Passage B

3. Text Structure:
   
   
   

4. Clue Words/Phrases:
   

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   • 
     
     
     
     

Passage C

5. Text Structure:
   
   
   

6. Clue Words/Phrases:
   

   • 
     
     
   • 
     
     
     
     

Passage D

7. Text Structure:
   
   
   

8. Clue Words/Phrases:
   

   • 
     
     
   • 
     
     
     
     

Passage E

9. Text Structure:
   
   
   

10. Clue Words/Phrases:
    

    • 
      
      
    • 
      
      
      
      

Cool-Down: My Structure Strategy

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson about text structures.

Which text structure do you find most helpful for understanding a text, and why? Give an example of when you might use it.

Session 7 Answer Key: Structure Search

Passage A

1. Text Structure: Description
   • Clue Words/Phrases: "enormous and impressive natural wonder," "located in Arizona," "stretches for 277 miles," "up to 18 miles wide," "over a mile deep," "colorful layers of rock."

Passage B

3. Text Structure: Sequence
   • Clue Words/Phrases: "First," "Next," "Then," "Finally," keywords indicating chronological order.

Passage C

5. Text Structure: Compare and Contrast
   • Clue Words/Phrases: "two very different biomes," "yet both," "Rainforests are known for their high humidity... In contrast, deserts are characterized by extreme dryness."

Passage D

7. Text Structure: Problem and Solution
   • Clue Words/Phrases: "major environmental problem," "harms our oceans and wildlife," "To solve this problem," "people can reduce," "recycle more effectively," "participate in beach cleanups."

Passage E

9. Text Structure: Cause and Effect
   • Clue Words/Phrases: "Many factors contribute to," "For instance," "Additionally," "As a result of," "making it difficult." Words showing what happened and why.

Warm-Up: Strategy Scramble!

Instructions: We've learned many reading strategies! Write down as many reading comprehension strategies as you can remember from our sessions (e.g., Main Idea, Details, Inferences, etc.).

Session 8 Answer Key: Comprehension Champion

1. Read the following paragraph:
   "The monarch butterfly undergoes a complete metamorphosis. It begins as an egg, hatches into a larva (caterpillar), forms a pupa (chrysalis), and finally emerges as a beautiful adult butterfly. Each stage is vital for its survival."
   What is the main idea of this paragraph?

   • Thought Process: The paragraph details the stages of transformation for the monarch butterfly. The central focus is on this life cycle.
   • Answer: The monarch butterfly has four stages in its life cycle.

2. Which of the following is a supporting detail for the main idea that "Dolphins are intelligent animals"?

   • Thought Process: I need to find the option that provides evidence or an example of dolphin intelligence, not just a general fact about dolphins.
   • Answer: b) Dolphins use echolocation to hunt.

3. Read the scenario:
   "The boy wore a thick winter coat, mittens, and a scarf. He shivered as he waited for the bus, watching his breath turn into mist."
   What can you infer about the weather? What clues tell you this?

   • Thought Process: The clothing described, the shivering, and breath turning to mist are all strong indicators of cold weather.
   • Answer: I can infer that the weather is very cold. The clues are that the boy is wearing a thick winter coat, mittens, and a scarf, he is shivering, and his breath is turning into mist.

4. Read the sentence:
   "The ancient ruins were in a state of decay, with crumbling walls and overgrown plants everywhere."
   What does the word decay most likely mean?

   • Thought Process: The context clues "crumbling walls" and "overgrown plants" suggest a state of deterioration or breakdown.
   • Answer: rot or decline

5. **Summarize the following paragraph in 1-2 sentences in your own words:

   "Kangaroos are marsupials native to Australia. They are well-known for their powerful hind legs, which they use for hopping and kicking. Female kangaroos have a pouch where their young, called joeys, develop and are carried until they are old enough to survive on their own. Kangaroos are herbivores, mainly eating grasses and plants."

   
   
   
   
   
   
   

   Sample Summary: Kangaroos are Australian marsupials known for their strong hopping legs. Females carry their young, called joeys, in a pouch, and they primarily eat plants.

   • Thought Process: I identified the main topic (kangaroos), their origin (Australia), key physical features (strong hind legs, pouch), and diet (herbivores) to form a concise summary.

6. What is the author's purpose in writing a story about a brave princess who saves her kingdom from a wicked sorcerer?

   • Thought Process: A story with characters, a plot, and conflict is typically designed to engage the reader's imagination and feelings.
   • Answer: To entertain readers with an exciting adventure.

7. Read the passage:
   "Hurricanes form over warm ocean waters. Warm, moist air rises, creating low-pressure areas. As more air rises, it creates an area of even lower pressure below. The surrounding air swirls inward to fill the low pressure, and the Earth's rotation causes the swirling air to spiral, forming a hurricane."
   What text structure is primarily used in this passage?

   • Thought Process: The passage describes a step-by-step process of how hurricanes are created, using transition words that indicate order.
   • Answer: Sequence

Warm-Up: Gist Getters!

Instructions: Read the short news headlines below. What's the main idea or the "gist" of each headline in your own words?

1. "Local Firefighters Rescue Kitten from Tall Tree"

   • Gist:
     
     
     

2. "School Wins Championship After Undefeated Season"

   • Gist:
     
     
     

3. "New Library Opens with Thousands of Books"

   • Gist: