Beavers as Builders (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What would you build if you could only use sticks and mud? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 200 words in 4 short paragraphs, pencil in hand. They can underline facts as they go. Page 2 has five questions, three multiple choice and two written. Remind students to answer in complete sentences and to point to the part of the text that proves their answer. Check the work with the answer key.

Beavers as Builders gives 3rd grade students a nonfiction passage of about 200 words about how beavers build dams and lodges and how other animals benefit, followed by five questions. The questions practice the main idea, vocabulary in context and cause and effect, and the sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.3.2. An answer key is included.

Beavers as Builders is a nonfiction passage of about 200 words about how beavers build dams and lodges and how other animals benefit. It is written for 3rd grade readers (ages 8-9) and has 4 short paragraphs, so students can read it in one sitting.

Its five questions, three multiple choice and two written, practice the main idea, cause and effect and vocabulary in context. Questions include "What is the main idea of the passage" and "How do beaver ponds help other animals". The sheet is aligned to Common Core RI.3.2, and the answer key is included so you can check responses quickly.

Try this conversation starter: What would you build if you could only use sticks and mud? Before reading, preview the title and ask students what they already know. After reading, have them restate the topic in one sentence before they answer the questions.

Most students need about 15 to 20 minutes for the passage and the questions together. The sheet works at a kitchen table with a parent talking through the written answers, or at a reading center as independent work on the main idea and vocabulary in context.