The Dragon Who Could Not Fly (Fiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: How can someone find strengths they did not know they had? Then have students read the story on page 1, about 260 words in 6 short paragraphs. Ask them to notice what the characters say, do and feel. Page 2 has five questions, three multiple choice and two written responses. Have students quote or paraphrase the text evidence in each written answer, then compare their thinking with a partner. Check the work with the answer key.

The Dragon Who Could Not Fly gives 5th grade students a fiction passage of about 260 words about a young dragon who cannot fly like the others in his family, followed by five questions. The questions practice the theme or lesson of the story, vocabulary in context and making inferences, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RL.5.2. An answer key is included.

The Dragon Who Could Not Fly is a fiction passage of about 260 words about a young dragon who cannot fly like the others in his family. It is written for 5th grade readers (ages 10-11) and has 6 short paragraphs, so students can read it in one sitting.

Its five questions, three multiple choice and two written, practice the theme or lesson of the story, vocabulary in context, cause and effect and making inferences. Questions include "Which sentence best states the theme of the story" and "What does Juniper's last line show about her". The sheet is aligned to Common Core RL.5.2, and the answer key is included so you can check responses quickly.

Try this conversation starter: How can someone find strengths they did not know they had? Invite students to share a similar experience first, then read to compare. Afterward, ask what the main character learned.

Plan about 20 to 25 minutes in all: the reading first, then the five questions. At home, a parent can read the questions aloud and talk through the written answers. In class, it works well for independent practice or a quick check of the theme or lesson of the story and vocabulary in context.