Differentiated reading comprehension worksheets for three retellings of the traditional tale The Ugly Duckling by Hans Christian Andersen, suitable for readers aged 6 to 13 years.
Includes:
3 leveled reading passages to accommodate different reading abilities:
A challenging higher level text with complex vocabulary, more details, and additional literary devices (4 pages)
A middle level text that has been shortened for easier reading, while keeping the key details, main plot points, and essence of the higher text (2 pages)
A simplified lower level text for easier reading, using decodable words when possible, while keeping the key details, main plot points, and essence intact (2 pages)
➼ 22 accompanying worksheets differentiated across Key Stage 2 and Key Stage 3 levels, focusing on key literacy skills including:
Reading comprehension
Vocabulary
Sequencing
Cause and effect
Cloze (fill-in-the-blank) story summaries
Multiple choice comprehension sheets in SAT format, covering skills like identifying main ideas, details, sequence, inferences, vocabulary, true or false statements, cause and effect relationships, and author’s purpose
True/false
Crosswords
EAL versions
Answer sheets for all activities
Keep students engaged with texts tailored to their reading level, working within their zone of proximal development.
Use the leveled passages and activity sheets independently or together to differentiate instruction. This comprehensive resource allows you to meet the needs of every reader!
“Kate Crackernuts” is a traditional Scottish traditional tale collected in the Orkney Islands. A brave princess named Kate rescues her sister Ann when a jealous queen has a witch transform Ann’s beautiful head into a sheep’s head.
This differentiated reading pack includes:
2 leveled passages: a 3 page version with rich vocabulary, and a shortened 2 page version for easier reading.
14 total question sheets (7 for each text) to check comprehension and skills at every reading level.
The higher text uses complex vocabulary, more details, and literary devices. It is accompanied by:
A 18 question retrieval worksheet
A 16 question essential comprehension worksheet
A 50 question SAT-style multiple choice worksheet
A 10 event sequence, cloze summary, and 10 question worksheet
A 23 word vocabulary matching sheet
2 crosswords with 37 vocabulary words each (one with wordbox, one without)
The shortened text is accompanied by:
A 16 question retrieval worksheet
A 16 question essential comprehension worksheet
A 28 question SAT-style multiple choice worksheet
A mixed question worksheet with sequencing, short response, and multiple choice questions
An additional sequencing, matching, and short response worksheet
2 crosswords with 27 vocabulary words each (one with wordbox, one without)
Answer sheets provided for all levels.
Reading comprehension for the traditional tale 'The Pied Piper of Hamelin’
Bring this classic folktale to life for students of all reading levels! This differentiated reading comprehension pack includes:
3 leveled reading passages with rich vocabulary and vivid imagery to suit varying reading abilities. The higher level passage (4 pages) uses literary devices to tell the fairy tale in detail. The middle passage (2 pages) balances accessibility with rich language. The beginner passage (1 page) covers key plot points using simpler vocabulary.
30 skill-building activity sheets to check comprehension and build literacy skills. With various difficulty levels, these worksheets allow students to engage with the text in unique ways. Activities include SAT-style multiple choice questions, short answer questions, vocabulary exercises, sequencing activities, cause and effect charts, cloze passages, crosswords, and more.
Perfect for assessing and improving reading skills and literary analysis abilities. Perfect for upper Key Stage 2 and 3. Simplified English and versions are also included to support EAL and lower level learners. Bring this timeless legend to students of all levels with this differentiated reading pack!
Transport learners into the magic of the holidays with this retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s bittersweet tale, “The Little Match Girl.” Vivid illustrations and varied questioning engage learners in years 3 through to year 8 with this timeless story perfect for the Christmas season.
This versatile reading comprehension pack includes:
A beautifully illustrated double sided retelling of the story
Three SAT style multiple choice practice sheets including a mix of factual, main idea, detail, sequencing, inference, vocabulary, true or false, cause and effect,and author’s purpose questions
Five versions of written response question sheets for differentiated engagement
Event sequencing tasks
Cause and effect activity
Story summary cloze activities
Vocabulary-based crossword puzzles using words from the text
Make an impact this holiday season with a rich selection of visual and written materials. Learners will connect with the beloved tale through leveled questions and activities aimed at improving reading fluency and analyzing this touching story. Share this poignant retelling and help students step into the magic of literature this Christmas!
Looking for more holiday reading resources? Check out my other Christmas reading resources:
Night Before Christmas Poem Comprehension
Little Fir Tree Christmas Reading
The Nutcracker Christmas Worksheets
Non-Fiction
Christingles Fun Reading Activities
History of the Christmas Tree Reading
Transport students into the magic of the Christmas holidays with this illustrated retelling of “The Nutcracker”. Captivating visuals and focused questioning engage learners from years 4 to 8 with this timeless tale that’s perfect for the Christmas season.
This versatile reading comprehension pack includes:
An illustrated carefully written retelling of the cherished story
Two standards-aligned multiple choice quizzes assessing key details, sequencing, inferences, vocabulary, and author’s purpose
Three versions of written response sheets for differentiated assessment
Sequencing tasks to retell the magical story
Story summary gap fill (cloze) worksheets
Story vocabulary crosswords
Enjoy the magical dream world of this Christmas narrative with this lovely resource. Learners will connect with the text through tiered materials aimed at advancing literary appreciation and analysis skills. Share this classic tale and usher students into the transcendent magic of reading this holiday season!
Looking for more holiday reading resources? Check out my other Christmas reading resources:
Night Before Christmas Poem Comprehension
Little Match Girl Christmas Story
Little Fir Tree Christmas Reading
Non-Fiction Texts:
Christingles Fun Reading Activities
History of Christmas Trees
Master proper nouns with this hands-on resource!
This engaging pack includes:
• 4 A4 pages of sorting cards (96 cards in total) for sorting common vs. proper nouns like mountain/Mount Everest, holiday/Christmas, language/English
• 2 contrasting example illustrated posters of common and proper nouns
• 3 double-sided worksheets (2 higher, 1 lower level) for reinforcement
Give your students fun practice identifying and using proper nouns correctly through interactive sorting activities and targeted worksheets. Also makes a great classroom display.
Perfect for whole class, small group, or independent work!
Simple and Compound Sentences Task Cards
This engaging set of task cards helps students differentiate between simple, compound, and incomplete sentences. Designed for Year 3 learners, including EAL students, the cards feature clear vocabulary and illustrations to support understanding and maintain interest. Examples of “not a sentence” are included to reinforce key grammar concepts like capital letters, punctuation, subjects, and verbs.
Perfect for classroom practice, this resource includes two recording sheets: one for tasks 1-20 and another for 21-40, making it ideal for extending learning or for fast finishers. Students simply read each numbered card and record their answer (A, B, or C) on the corresponding sheet.
This set is an excellent tool for promoting grammar awareness and sentence classification skills in young learners.
Enhance your students’ understanding of grammar with this comprehensive set of Task Cards, Sorting Cards, and Worksheets designed to teach:
Countable and Uncountable Nouns,
Quantifiers (How Much/How Many),
and
Determiners (a, an, some, any).
What’s Included:
60 Task Cards for Countable and Uncountable Nouns
60 Task Cards for Quantifier Questions (How Much or How Many)
60 Task Cards for Determiners (a, an, some, any)
Sorting Cards for categorizing nouns as Countable or Uncountable
27 Differentiated Worksheets (A4 and A5 versions)
Differentiated
3 Levels of Difficulty: Tailored to different skill levels - Easier, Mild, and Tricky - ensuring all learners are challenged appropriately.
Engaging: Students can select the correct answer on each task card and record their responses on the provided answer sheets, making this activity perfect for individual practice, small group collaboration, or even homework assignments.
Sorting Cards:
Perfect for Sorting: Includes cards for categorizing nouns as Countable or Uncountable.
Versatile Use: These cards are not only great for sorting activities but can also be used for display purposes, enriching your classroom environment.
Differentiated Worksheets:
Comes with matching worksheets where learners can color or circle their answers- perfect for reinforcing concepts in class or at home.
With 180 task cards in total, differentiated activities, versatile sorting cards, and comprehensive worksheets, this set offers extensive practice for varied levels of learners.
An organised ZIP file with folders and clear file names is also included in the download.
EAL Past Tense Verb Memory Games: Classroom & Everyday Essential Verbs
Master English Verbs Through Fun Memory Games!
What’s Included:
72 Classroom & School-Related Verbs
108 Essential Everyday Verbs
3 Game Variations for each verb set
Game Versions:
Simple Present Match (match identical verb cards)
Present-Past Match (match present to past tense)
Complete Verb Forms (match V1, V2, V3 - base form, past tense, and past participle. Example: write, wrote, written)
Perfect for EAL Learning!
Each card features clear illustrations paired with the verb text, making learning intuitive and engaging. These memory games build confidence and fluency while reinforcing verb tenses through active play.
How to Play:
Shuffle and lay out the cards face-down
Players take turns flipping two cards
Find matching pairs (identical illustrations with corresponding verb forms)
Player with the most pairs wins!
Game Details:
Players: 2-5 students (ideal for small groups)
Duration: 20-30 minutes per game
Cards per Game: 48 cards (24 pairs) - Create hundreds of unique game combinations from the ≈170 provided verbs (72 classroom verbs + 108 everyday verbs)!
Printing Tip: Print on thin card stock for durability. Decorative card back patterns are included to prevent see-through and create a professional finish.
Extended Learning Activities:
Create sentences using the verbs in different tenses
Use illustrations as conversation starters
Practice talking about the illustrations using adjectives, adverbs, and prepositions
Mix and match verb sets for endless combinations!
Perfect for EAL learners, tutoring sessions, and language learning centers. Watch your students’ confidence grow as they master essential English verbs through play!
Complete your verb teaching toolkit with:
EAL Newcomer: Essential Verbs & Verb Tenses
Irregular Verbs V1,V2,V3
Verb Mats
EAL Newcomer - Interactive ESL Activity
Simile Matching Cards: Enliven Your English Lessons!
Are your pupils as puzzled as a hedgehog in a balloon factory when it comes to similes? Illuminate their understanding like a lighthouse on a foggy night with my engaging “Simile Matching Cards” resource!
What’s Included:
66 illustrated similes
6 A4 pages, each with 11 similes
Two common simile structures:
“As [something] as a”
“Like a”
Visually Appealing:
Each sentence card features key words illustrated in an engineered text style, making them stand out like a toucan in a penguin colony! This unique design helps emerging readers and EAL learners grasp concepts as easily as a duck takes to water.
Perfect for:
Key Stage 2 English
Early Key Stage 3 English (Year 7)
Supporting EAL learners
Literacy intervention groups
Benefits:
Develops creative writing skills
Enhances vocabulary and reading comprehension
Supports visual learners and kinesthetic learning styles
Makes learning as enjoyable as a day at the seaside!
Don’t let similes puzzle your pupils like a jigsaw with missing pieces. With these Simile Matching Cards, they’ll be as comfortable with figurative language as a bird in flight.
Check out my Similes Quiz-Quiz-Trade Fun Flashcards
Transform your simile teaching with this money-saving bundle combining my popular Simile Matching Cards and Quiz-Trade Simile Cards.
Progress from recognition to creation with hundreds of illustrated cards that support differentiated learning. Start with visual matching activities, build understanding through clear explanations, and advance to independent simile creation through active learning. Save $ on these complementary resources!
WH Question Words – Master Essential Questions!
Unlock the Power of Questions with 138 Unique Task Cards!
Transform your classroom with these engaging Question Words Task Cards, perfect for fostering critical thinking and boosting pupils’ understanding of key question words. This versatile resource includes 138 unique task cards with illustrated sentences and supporting question word images, designed to support and challenge learners of various skill levels.
Ideal for Years 1–3.
What’s Included:
Version 1: Features What, Who, When, Where, Why, Which, and How – a comprehensive set of 72 task cards across 3 sets of 24.
Version 2: Includes Whose instead of What for a unique twist on questioning and slightly trickier options – 48 task cards across 2 sets of 24.
Higher-Level Version: Challenges learners with all 8 question words (What, Who, Whose, When, Where, Why, Which, How), using higher-order thinking – 18 task cards in one advanced set.
Each version comes numbered (for easy use with recording sheets) and unnumbered (perfect for worksheets or to colour the corresponding question word on worksheet slips).
Ideal for individual practice, group work, or interactive learning stations, this resource is a must-have for any teacher looking to improve pupils’ questioning skills while making learning fun and engaging.
Get your pupils asking and answering like pros – grab this resource today!
Master Indefinite Pronouns: Engaging Activities for Ages 7-11!
This comprehensive resource pack makes teaching indefinite pronouns fun and effective! Perfect for differentiated instruction, centers, homework, or assessment.
What’s Included:
• 30 Illustrated Task Cards featuring engaging scenarios and multiple-choice options
• 3 Interactive A4 Foldables exploring pronoun families (-where, -one, -body etc.)
• 5 Differentiated Worksheets for varied learning levels
Key Features:
• Clear, child-friendly examples and explanations
• Thought-provoking questions that build understanding
• Progressive difficulty levels to support all learners
• Ready-to-use materials requiring minimal prep
The Worksheets:
• Levels 1-3: Focus on identifying and underlining indefinite pronouns
• Levels 4-5: Higher-order thinking
Perfect for:
• Small group activities
• Independent practice
• Learning centers
• Homework assignments
• Assessment
• ESL/EAL students
Answer keys provided
Give your students the tools they need to master indefinite pronouns with this engaging, comprehensive resource!
History of Christmas Trees: Differentiated Reading Comprehension Pack
Explore the captivating history of Christmas trees with this detailed reading comprehension pack, ideal for December reading sessions or holiday-themed history lessons.
TWO DIFFERENTIATED READING LEVELS:
• Years 3-5: Clear, accessible text with age-appropriate vocabulary
• Years 6-10: Rich, detailed content with advanced language and deeper historical insights
Journey through the evolution of Christmas trees, from ancient civilizations’ use of evergreens to contemporary festivities. Discover how evergreen branches featured in ancient Egyptian, Roman, and Celtic winter celebrations, Saint Boniface’s famed oak tree, and the development of the tradition by German families. Learn about Martin Luther’s role in adorning trees, Queen Victoria’s influence on its global popularity, and the progression from simple candles to today’s electric lights. The text also addresses the rise of artificial trees, environmental aspects of tree farming, and notable displays like the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.
INCLUDES 8 RESOURCES FOR EACH LEVEL:
• Engaging informational text on Christmas tree traditions
• Comprehension quiz with multiple-choice questions
• Double-sided traditional written response sheets
• Interactive mixed-style question sheets, including:
Sequence of events
Vocabulary exercises
True/False questions
Multiple choice questions
Written responses
Fill-in-the-blanks
• True/False quiz sheets
• Missing word cloze summary activities
• Two distinct crossword puzzles
• Answer keys for all activities
Enhance your holiday lessons with this comprehensive pack on the history of Christmas trees!
Higher Text - Estimated Lexile Level: 900-1100L (suitable for upper primary to secondary readers).
Lower Text - Estimated Lexile Level: 500-700L (suitable for lower primary readers).
Looking for more holiday reading resources? Check out my other Christmas reading resources:
Night Before Christmas Poem Comprehension
Little Match Girl Christmas Story
Little Fir Tree Christmas Reading
The Nutcracker Christmas Worksheets
Christingles Fun Reading Activities
Get Moving with Similes: Active Learning Cards
Enliven your English lessons with this dynamic set of simile cards, perfect for active learning and speaking activities. This comprehensive resource uses the Quiz-Trade approach to develop pupils’ understanding and creative use of figurative language through movement and peer interaction.
Contents:
Set 1: Illustrated Simile Cards (70 double-sided cards)
Front: Vibrant illustrated similes
Reverse: Concise explanations detailing both the literal meanings and, for similes with dual meanings, the idiomatic interpretations.
Set 2: Creative Writing Simile Prompts (70 single-sided cards)
Illustrated prompts (such as “as strong as…,” “as boring as…,” “as fun as…”)
Designed for independent simile creation
Supports creative thinking and literacy development
Ideal For:
Key Stage 2 and 3 English
Literacy intervention groups
EAL pupils
Whole-class active learning
Creative writing warm-ups
This hands-on resource transforms simile learning into an active, engaging experience as pupils move about the classroom, exchanging cards and crafting their own similes. The two-tiered approach supports differentiated learning - starting with complete similes before progressing to independent creation - perfect for meeting National Curriculum requirements while keeping pupils active and engaged as they develop from understanding existing similes to confidently creating their own descriptive comparisons.
For additional simile practice, check out my Simile Matching Cards resource