Phases of the Moon (Nonfiction Passage)

Start with a minute of talk: Have you noticed the Moon looking different on different nights? 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.

Phases of the Moon gives 3rd grade students a nonfiction passage of about 180 words about why the Moon seems to change shape from night to night, 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.

Phases of the Moon is a nonfiction passage of about 180 words about why the Moon seems to change shape from night to night. 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, cause and effect and the order of events. Questions include "Which sentence tells the main idea" and "How does the Moon change from the new moon to the full moon". 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: Have you noticed the Moon looking different on different nights? Let students skim the title, then read once for the gist. A second pass with a pencil helps them mark the facts they need.

Set aside roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Families can use it for a calm reading session, and teachers can use it as homework, a center or a short formative check of the main idea and vocabulary in context.