Jackie Robinson (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: What does it take to stay calm when people are unkind? Then have students read the passage on page 1, about 180 words in 4 short paragraphs, pencil in hand. They can underline facts as they go. On page 2 students circle three answers and write two. Encourage them to go back to the text and underline the words that back up each answer. Check the work with the answer key.

Jackie Robinson gives 3rd grade students a nonfiction passage of about 180 words about the baseball player who broke a color barrier in 1947 and how he handled the hard moments, 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.

Jackie Robinson is a nonfiction passage of about 180 words about the baseball player who broke a color barrier in 1947 and how he handled the hard moments. 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 "Why did Jackie stay calm when fans shouted cruel words". 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 does it take to stay calm when people are unkind? Have students look at the title and predict three facts they might learn. Afterward, ask which prediction was closest.

Expect about 15 to 20 minutes from first read to last answer. It suits homework, a sub plan or small group reading time, and the answer key makes it quick to check the main idea and vocabulary in context.