Honeybees at Work (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: If you lived in a hive, which job would you want, and why? 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. Then turn to page 2 for five questions: three to circle and two to write about. Written answers should be full sentences that use a clue from the text. Check the work with the answer key.

Honeybees at Work gives 3rd grade students a nonfiction passage of about 200 words about how worker honeybees share the jobs that keep a hive running, 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.

Honeybees at Work is a nonfiction passage of about 200 words about how worker honeybees share the jobs that keep a hive running. 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, vocabulary in context and cause and effect. Questions include "What is the main idea of the passage" and "Why do workers fan their wings over the nectar". 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: If you lived in a hive, which job would you want, and why? 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.

Plan about 15 to 20 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 main idea and vocabulary in context.