Illuminate your classroom with the spirit of Diwali through this engaging lesson on the Indian festival of lights. Students will gain meaningful insight into the cultural traditions, rituals, mythology, and global celebrations that brighten this 5-day Hindu holiday.
Vivid illustrations coupled with clear, engaging text unravel the origins and significance of Diwali. Learn how the demon king Narakasur’s defeat and Sita’s rescue represent the triumph of light over darkness, inspiring the diya lamps, fireworks, and sweets that define this occasion. The reading also highlights unique Diwali practices across India and beyond.
Learning is reinforced through differentiated assessment options catered to diverse needs:
4 levels of multiple choice quizzes with various question types
3 written response variations, including a short phrase worksheet for essential understanding
A 40-question true/false quiz evaluates both comprehension and critical thinking
Enlighten your students with a memorable exploration of Diwali, the festival of lights cherished by Hindus worldwide. This richly illustrated lesson makes an illuminating addition to studies of Indian culture and mythology for years 5-10.
Celebrate and understand Sikh Diwali with this engaging story reading and comprehension activity. Learn about the origins of the Sikh festival that commemorates the release of Guru Hargobind and 52 Hindu princes from unjust imprisonment by the Mughal emperor.
The story highlights the triumph of truth over injustice, light over darkness, and law over persecution. Accompanying worksheets reinforce comprehension and provide opportunities for written response and analysis.
This resource offers a culturally relevant way to teach reading skills while promoting understanding of the Sikh faith’s values of equality, justice, and religious freedom.
Includes:
Single sided retelling of Guru Hargobind & the 52 princes release from prison
Double-sided 37 question multiple-choice quiz with various question types
Story summary cloze activity
2 reading comprehension written response worksheets - one single sided version and a double sided version
Answer sheets
A great supplement to my Diwali information text worksheets
This Sikhism reading comprehension resource includes two differentiated informational texts and engaging activities suited for KS3 and KS4.
It includes two Sikhism overview informational texts at basic and advanced reading levels. Both texts provide an overview of Sikhism divided into sections on Sikh Beliefs, What is a Gurdwara?, Who is a Granthi? The Ten Gurus, The Guru Granth Sahib, Prayers and Karah Parshad, The Five Ks, Sikh Festivals, The Golden Temple and more.
Also included are:
3 Multiple-choice quizzes at varying lengths and difficulty levels to assess comprehension
4 versions of differentiated written response sheets with short answer and longer responses
True or false worksheets
Two crossword puzzles using key vocabulary and concepts
Two word searches
2 summary cloze activities with missing words for students to fill in
Answer sheets for all worksheets
With differentiated reading passages, quizzes, and activity sheets, this comprehensive package is ideal for world religions, social studies, and ELA classes. The varied activities aim to engage students and reinforce Sikh learning. Pick up this useful resource to teach your learners about the history, beliefs and practices of Sikhism!
To further enrich your learners’ understanding of Sikhism, explore Sikh Traditional Stories PACK A, and PACK B curated collections of engaging tales highlighting key values, historical events, and the teachings of Sikhism. These stories can serve as a wonderful supplementary resource to deepen cultural and historical insights.
Engage learners and foster a profound respect and understanding of Sikhism through this collection of four pivotal traditional Sikh stories, which illuminate the roots and core principles of the Sikh faith.
Included are the following four traditional Sikh stories:
The Story of Guru Nanak and the Full Bowl of Milk: A well-known tale from the life of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, illustrating his teachings of kindness, humility, and the universality of goodness.
Guru Hargobind’s Justice (traditionally known as Bandi Chhor Divas): Commemorating the release of Guru Hargobind along with 52 Hindu princes from imprisonment in the Gwalior Fort. This event is celebrated by Sikhs worldwide on the same day as Diwali but holds distinct significance in Sikh tradition.
Emperor Akbar Visits Guru Amar Das: Highlighting the humility, equality, and principles of self-sufficiency practiced in Sikhism, particularly exemplified by Guru Amar Das and his langar, where all are welcomed and treated equally regardless of social status.
Guru Nanak’s Needle: Illustrating the spiritual lesson of detachment from material wealth and the importance of focusing on good deeds and virtues rather than accumulating riches.
Each story is written at an approximate middle school reading level, and accompanied by illustrations and “Did You Know?” boxes presenting fascinating facts about the Sikh religion.
Each story comes with:
Double-sided multiple-choice quizzes
Double-sided written response comprehension sheets
Shorter, single-sided written response versions for each story
Detailed marking answer sheets
Complements my Sikh Introduction worksheets superbly!
Also see Sikh Stories Pack B
Buddhist Stories and Jewish Stories
Immerse learners in the profound wisdom and values of Sikhism through this curated collection of four seminal traditional Sikh stories, which shed light on the origins and guiding principles of this faith.
Included in this Pack B are the following four traditional Sikh narratives:
“The Test of Humility: Guru Amar Das Chooses His Successor” - Depicting the virtues of humility, diligence, and devotion embodied by Jetha, who later became Guru Ram Das, the fourth Sikh Guru.
“Makhan Shah and the True Guru” - Chronicling Makhan Shah’s pious quest to identify Guru Har Krishan’s true successor, which led him to recognize Guru Tegh Bahadur as the rightful Guru, fulfilling a sacred prophecy.
“The Taste of Truth: Guru Nanak and Malik Bhago” - Underscoring the importance of earning an honest livelihood through ethical means, as exemplified by the contrast between the bread of the greedy Malik Bhago and the simple yet wholesome bread of the truthful Bhai Lalo.
“The Birth of the Khalsa” - Recounting the pivotal moment when Guru Gobind Singh initiated the Khalsa, a committed order of pure and valiant Sikhs, during the Baisakhi festival of 1699 at Anandpur Sahib, marking a defining event in Sikh history symbolizing righteousness, equality, and courage.
Each narrative is crafted at an approximate middle school reading level, accompanied by vibrant illustrations and “Did You Know?” insights providing fascinating facts about the Sikh faith.
Furthermore, the resource includes:
Double-sided multiple-choice quizzes
Double-sided written response comprehension sheets
Abridged single-page written response versions
Comprehensive marking answer keys
Also see Sikh Stories Pack A
Buddhist Stories and Jewish Stories
Saint Nicholas Christmas Bundle: Stories, Biographies, and Activities
Celebrate the spirit of Christmas and the legacy of Saint Nicholas with this engaging bundle! Perfect for Years 3–7, this collection includes three unique resources to bring history, generosity, and seasonal fun into your classroom:
The Legend of Saint Nicholas and the Three Sisters – A differentiated story available in two levels with comprehension activities, crosswords, and engaging written responses.
Saint Nicholas: Single-Sided Biography – A concise, accessible overview of Saint Nicholas and the origins of Father Christmas.
Saint Nicholas: Double-Sided Biography – A detailed reading with comprehension questions exploring the traditions and historical roots of St. Nicholas’ Day.
Use these resources together to enhance literacy skills, deepen historical understanding, and bring festive joy to your lessons. Ideal for Christmas-themed literacy centres, holiday assignments, or seasonal class discussions.
🎄 Inspire your students with timeless tales of kindness and generosity this festive season!
Uncover the inspiring story of Saint Nicholas with this engaging mini-biography, perfect for Christmas-themed lessons. This single-sided text explores the legend of Saint Nicholas, his generosity, and his connection to modern traditions like Santa Claus and hanging stockings.
Includes:
A concise timeline of Saint Nicholas’s life and legacy
Links to modern Christmas traditions such as Santa Claus and hanging stockings
A summary of Saint Nicholas’s acts of generosity
Contextual insights into the evolution of his legend
Activities:
Multiple-choice quiz
Written response sheets
True/False activity
Crossword puzzles
Cloze summaries
Ideal for KS2 & KS3 learners, this resource makes a fantastic addition to your holiday curriculum, combining history with festive fun!
Looking for a more detailed biography? Explore the extended version here: Discover Santa’s Origins: Reading Resource Or grab it as part Saint Nicholas Christmas Readings Bundle. for even more festive learning!
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
Non-Fiction
Christingles Fun Reading Activities
History of the Christmas Tree Reading
Looking for more Christian Saint Resources:
Saint Patrick
St Andrew: Scotland’s Saint
Saint David: Wales’ Saint
St. George’s Day
The Legend of Saint Nicholas and the Three Sisters - Differentiated Christmas Reading & Comprehension Activities
Bring the magic of Christmas and the spirit of generosity into your classroom with this beautifully differentiated reading resource! Perfect for learners of varying reading abilities, The Legend of Saint Nicholas and the Three Sisters retells a heartwarming story of kindness and hope, rooted in the traditions of St. Nicholas and the origins of Christmas.
This resource includes two levels of the same captivating story to ensure accessibility for all learners. Each text version is paired with engaging and varied activities to reinforce comprehension and extend learning.
What’s Included:
Two Levels of Text:
Higher Level Text: Approximate Lexile level 750L–900L, recommended for Years 5–7. It features richer vocabulary and sentence complexity for fluent readers.
Lower Level Text: Approximate Lexile level 550L–700L, recommended for Years 3–5. It includes simplified language and structure to support developing readers and an exclusive cloze summary activity.
Supporting Activities for Both Texts:
Multiple Choice Quiz
Traditional Written Response Questions
Two Christmas-Themed Crosswords (4 in total)
True or False Question Sheet
Fun Mixed-Style Written Response Sheets: Includes sequencing, vocabulary matching, and mini cloze activities.
Perfect for Christmas and St. Nicholas Day!
Inspire your students with the story of St. Nicholas, the real-life figure behind Santa Claus, while building essential reading and comprehension skills. Ideal for festive lesson plans or a thoughtful seasonal activity.
Extend the Learning:
Pair this resource with my related Saint Nicholas biographies for a deeper exploration of the historical figure behind Santa Claus:
Single-Sided Biography: Saint Nicholas and the Origins of Santa Claus
Double-Sided Biography: Saint Nicholas - In-Depth Reading Resource
These biographies are perfect companions to enhance your students’ understanding of the legacy of Saint Nicholas and the traditions surrounding Christmas.
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
Non-Fiction
Christingles Fun Reading Activities
History of the Christmas Tree Reading
Christianity Reading Comprehension - Differentiated for Key Stages 2–3
Introduce your students to the foundational beliefs, practices, and traditions of Christianity with this thoughtfully crafted reading comprehension resource. This pack provides an engaging and accessible exploration of Christianity’s core concepts through two carefully differentiated texts:
Lower Level (700L–850L, appropriate for Years 5–6): A simplified version designed for upper primary readers, with clear language and key concepts explained in an age-appropriate manner.
Higher Level (850L–1000L, appropriate for Years 6–8): A more advanced version for older or more proficient readers, featuring greater depth and complexity.
Both texts comprehensively cover essential topics, including the life and teachings of Jesus, Christian worship and prayer, the Bible, major festivals like Christmas and Easter, and ceremonies such as baptism and confirmation.
What’s Included: At each level, there are 7 (lower level) and 8 (higher level) supporting activities designed to engage and gently challenge:
Mixed-Style Question Sheets: Vocabulary matching, sequencing, cloze passages, true/false activities, and written responses to encourage critical thinking.
True or False Activities: Both levels include this activity to evaluate students’ understanding of key concepts.
Multiple Choice Quizzes: Two versions for the higher level and one for the lower level to assess comprehension interactively.
Cloze Summary Activity: Builds vocabulary while reinforcing key elements of the story.
2 Crossword Puzzles: Fun, interactive practice to enhance understanding.
Traditional Written Comprehension Sheets: Double-sided for reflective practice.
Answer Keys included.
This resource serves as an exceptional introductory overview of Christianity. Designed for differentiated instruction, it offers carefully crafted, accessible texts that provide students with a comprehensive exploration of Christian beliefs and practices. By developing critical reading skills alongside religious understanding, the resource becomes an invaluable educational tool for primary and lower secondary classrooms.
Looking for more differentiated resources on world religions? Check out these engaging and comprehensive reading comprehension packs:
Buddhism Reading Comprehension
Judaism Reading Comprehension
Sikhism Reading Comprehension
Islam Reading Comprehension Worksheets
Hinduism Reading Comprehension Worksheets
Nativity Comprehension: Advanced Resource for Key Stage 3-4
Explore the Nativity narrative with this carefully researched and written educational resource tailored for secondary school students. Designed for advanced readers (Lexile 1000L–1400L), this pack offers historical, cultural, and theological insights.
Compatible with my lower level Nativity Reading Resources - available individually or as a bundle!
What’s Included:
Comprehensive (double-sided) Historical Narrative Summary: In-depth exploration of the Nativity story, detailing the political, cultural, and religious context of first-century Palestine, including Mary and Joseph’s journey, the birth of Jesus, the significance of shepherds and Magi, Herod’s threat, and the family’s flight to Egypt—highlighting themes of divine purpose, cultural intersection, and human resilience.
Advanced Mixed-Style Activity Sheets: Includes vocabulary matching, sequencing, cloze passages, true/false questions, and analytical written responses.
Two Multiple Choice Quizzes: Includes a 2-page and a 3-page version to assess comprehension with thought-provoking questions.
Two Levels of True or False Questions: Catered to challenge varying levels of critical thinking.
Cloze Summary Exercises: Build vocabulary and reinforce key details.
Crossword Puzzle: Engage learners with a thematic, knowledge-building challenge.
Traditional Written Comprehension Sheets: Encourage reflective, in-depth responses to the text.
Answer Keys Included: Effortlessly mark all activities with complete answers provided.
Perfect for Religious Studies, English, or humanities curriculum enrichment. Supports differentiated learning across secondary school settings.
KS2-3 Nativity Reading Worksheets - The Nativity Story Reading Activities
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
Non-Fiction
Christingles Fun Reading Activities
History of the Christmas Tree Reading
Single-Sided Biography: Saint Nicholas and the Origins of Santa Claus
Double-Sided Biography: Saint Nicholas - In-Depth Reading Resource
Sikhism Reading Comprehension Bundle! Includes 2 levels of Sikhism introductory information texts (suitable for grades 6-10) covering topics such as the origins of Sikhism, key beliefs, and the role of the Gurus. It also features 8 traditional Sikh stories which bring alive key Sikh beliefs and traditions.
All reading passages come with numerous worksheets to check comprehension: multiple-choice quizzes, differentiated written response sheets, cloze summary activities, vocabulary-building crosswords, and more! Answer keys and detailed marking schemes are also provided for the worksheets.
This bundle is perfect for engaging students and deepening their understanding of the Sikh faith through a combination of informative texts and captivating narratives, supported by a diverse array of comprehension activities catering to different learning styles and abilities.
British Patron Saints Bundle: Four Reading Comprehension Biographies
Saint George: England’s Patron Saint
Saint Patrick: Ireland’s Patron Saint (+ Bonus St. Patrick’s Day)
Saint Andrew: Scotland’s Patron Saint
Saint David: Wales’ Patron Saint
Explore the fascinating lives of all four British Isles patron saints with this comprehensive bundle. Each saint’s resource includes two differentiated reading levels (suitable for Years 3-9), making them perfect for mixed-ability teaching. Every biography comes with matching comprehension activities, worksheets, and puzzles, ideal for English, History, and RE lessons throughout the year.
Each resource includes:
Two illustrated biography versions (Lower KS2 and Upper KS2/KS3)
Differentiated comprehension questions and activities
Vocabulary-building exercises and puzzles
Complete mark schemes
Celebrate these important cultural figures with ready-to-use resources for:
St George’s Day (23rd April)
St Patrick’s Day (17th March)
St Andrew’s Day (30th November)
St David’s Day (1st March)
Golden Rule Across World Religions Reading Comprehension
Engage your students with this thought-provoking and informative text about the Golden Rule. This resource explores how 12 religions and cultural traditions – including Baha’i Faith, Buddhism, Christianity, Confucianism, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Native American (Pima), Sikhism, Taoism, and Yoruba - each embrace the Golden Rule in unique ways. With direct quotes and concise explanations, the text highlights themes of kindness, respect, and empathy across diverse beliefs, fostering an appreciation for shared values that connect humanity.
Students will reflect on the importance of treating others the way they wish to be treated while learning about global spiritual traditions and cultural wisdom. The resource encourages tolerance, open-mindedness, and deeper understanding of different perspectives.
Lexile Level: 950L–1050L | Ideal for Years 5–10
What’s Included:
This comprehensive resource comes with 7 supporting activities that are designed to gently challenge and engage learners:
Double-Sided Mixed-Style Question Sheet: Includes vocabulary matching, cause-effect, cloze passages, true/false activities, and written responses to encourage critical thinking.
True or False Activities: Both levels feature this activity to evaluate students’ understanding of key concepts.
Double-Sided Multiple Choice Quizzes: Two versions for higher-level readers and one for lower-level readers to assess comprehension interactively.
Cloze Summary Activity: Reinforces vocabulary while helping students summarize key ideas.
2 Crossword Puzzles: One with a word box for support and one without for added challenge.
Traditional Written Comprehension Sheets: Double-sided for reflective practice.
Answer Keys: Included for all activities to support quick and easy marking.
Make learning about the Golden Rule a meaningful part of your classroom with this ready-to-use resource! Pair it with my World Religion Day: Interfaith Reading Comprehension Worksheets for a deeper exploration of interfaith understanding and shared values.
Looking for more differentiated resources on world religions? Check out these engaging and comprehensive reading comprehension packs:
Buddhism Reading Comprehension
Christianity Reading Comprehension
Judaism Reading Comprehension
Sikhism Reading Comprehension
Islam Reading Comprehension Worksheets
Hinduism Reading Comprehension Worksheets
World Religion Day Reading Comprehension Bundle
Engage your students with this thought-provoking and informative text about World Religion Day, written at an approximate 950L–1050L Lexile level, ideal for Year 5 to Year 9 learners… This resource introduces the significance of World Religion Day, an interfaith celebration initiated by followers of the Bahá’í Faith in 1950. The text explores its history, importance, shared values among global religions, and the Golden Rule, all while promoting respect, understanding, and appreciation of spiritual diversity. With accessible language and engaging activities, students will reflect on themes of kindness, tolerance, and open-mindedness.
What’s Included:
This comprehensive resource comes with 7 supporting activities that are designed to gently challenge and engage learners:
Double-Sided Mixed-Style Question Sheet: Includes vocabulary matching, sequencing, cloze passages, true/false activities, and written responses to encourage critical thinking.
True or False Activities: Both levels feature this activity to evaluate students’ understanding of key concepts.
Double-Sided Multiple Choice Quizzes: Two versions for higher-level readers and one for lower-level readers to assess comprehension interactively.
Cloze Summary Activity: Reinforces vocabulary while helping students summarize key ideas.
2 Crossword Puzzles: One with a word box for support and one without for added challenge.
Traditional Written Comprehension Sheets: Double-sided for reflective practice.
Answer Keys: Included for all activities to support quick and easy grading.
This engaging reading comprehension download is perfect for KS2 & 3 classrooms, ELA lessons, and cross-curricular learning about tolerance, diversity, and interfaith understanding.
Make World Religion Day a meaningful part of your classroom with this ready-to-use resource!
Looking for more differentiated resources on world religions? Check out these engaging and comprehensive reading comprehension packs:
Buddhism Reading Comprehension
Christianity Reading Comprehension
Judaism Reading Comprehension
Sikhism Reading Comprehension
Islam Reading Comprehension Worksheets
Hinduism Reading Comprehension Worksheets
Introduce students to Buddhist practices, beliefs, and iconic stories with this comprehensive Buddhism bundle.
The bundle includes:
Two leveled informational texts explaining Buddhist concepts, figures, and traditions.
Eight classic Buddhist tales that convey core teachings, including the birth and enlightenment of Buddha.
To build understanding, each text and story comes with extensive support materials:
Multiple choice and short answer quizzes
Close reading and critical thinking activities
Vocabulary practice like crosswords and matching
Written response and reflection prompts
Answer sheets
With differentiated readings, essential background knowledge, and beloved narratives, this bundle immerses students in Buddhist principles and history. Engaging stories, interactive activities, and visuals create memorable learning experiences about this globally influential religion.
This comprehensive 8-product Hinduism bundle brings Hindu culture and beliefs to life through vividly illustrated informational texts and classic myth retellings. Differentiated reading passages on key topics like Diwali, Holi, the Ganges River, and origin stories of the universe, Ganesh and Krishna brings Hinduism alive.
Accompanying each text are engaging activities like cloze passages, multiple choice quizzes, crosswords, flashcards, written responses, and sequencing tasks with included answer keys.
Perfect for years 6 -11, these diverse materials immerse students in Hindu traditions, gods and goddesses, rituals, geography, and timeless narratives that convey profound themes.
Let these resources kindle your students’ interest in the rich tapestry of Hindu culture.
Explore the Foundational Narratives and Wisdom of Judaism
This meticulously researched and thoughtfully written bundle immerses students in 8 formative Jewish stories: The Story of Creation, Moses & Exodus from Egypt, The Jewish Story of David and Goliath, Moses in the Bulrushes, Joseph & His Brothers, Queen Esther’s Story of Purim, The Story of Hanukkah, and Moses & The Burning Bush.
Also included is an invaluable informational text introducing the history, beliefs, and traditions of Judaism. PLUS an information text about Yom Kippur
Each resource is accompanied by a wealth of comprehension activities to reinforce understanding:
Differentiated written response worksheets with diverse question types
Multiple-choice story quizzes
Cloze-style story summary worksheets
True/false comprehension checks
Engaging crossword puzzles
Answer keys
Develop cultural literacy and nurture ethical thinking as students delve into these seminal Jewish texts exploring timeless concepts like faith, courage, wisdom, and humanity’s sacred responsibilities.
An outstanding value download! This premium 9-resource bundle provides ready-to-use, rigorously vetted materials for ELA, social studies, and Jewish studies curricula. Guide your students through Judaism’s defining moments and cardinal wisdoms with this comprehensive collection.
Check out my Buddhist Stories and Sikhism Stories
Embark on a journey through Christmas past and present with my ‘Holiday Traditions Explored’ bundle. This educational package combines four insightful resources:
’The History of the Christmas Tree,’ tracing the evolution of Christmas trees from ancient times to the present.
’Christingles Information Text,’ which delves into the rich history and symbolism of Christingles since 1747, exploring their role in community gatherings and their ties to The Children’s Society charity.
’Saint Nicholas Biography,’ offering a detailed look at the life of Saint Nicholas, his contributions to Christmas traditions, and his lasting legacy as the beloved Santa Claus.
’Saint Nicholas Biography,’ Single PAge Version
Ideal for learners looking to understand the deeper meanings behind these festive customs.
Discover the Nativity story with this three-level differentiated pack, perfect for Christmas reading.
Features engaging activities for lower, middle, and advanced readers: vocabulary, cloze, true/false, sequencing, written responses, multiple-choice quizzes, crosswords, and more.
Answer keys included for easy marking. Ideal for festive lessons and mixed-ability classrooms!
Explore six major world religions with this comprehensive bundle featuring two levels of differentiated texts for each religion:
Christianity
Buddhism
Judaism
Sikhism
Islam
Hinduism
BONUS The Golden Rule World Religions Reading Resource
Each resource includes leveled reading passages, multiple-choice quizzes, mixed-style question sheets, written response activities, cloze summaries, and engaging crosswords. Perfect for fostering understanding, critical thinking, and cultural awareness in diverse classrooms!