The Great Zodiac Race - Chinese New Year Legend Reading Comprehension
Differentiated for Key Stage 2 & 3
Capture your pupils’ imagination with the captivating legend of the Chinese zodiac, delving into the traits and tales behind each animal in this iconic race. Perfect for exploring the traditions of Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year, this beautifully illustrated reading comprehension resource features two differentiated texts, making it ideal for a variety of learning needs:
Lower Level (400L–600L, suitable for Years 3–4): A simplified version with clear, concise language and larger, reader-friendly text, designed for younger or less confident readers. It focuses on the key events and character interactions in an accessible, age-appropriate way.
Higher Level (600L–800L, suitable for Years 5–8): A more advanced version offering greater detail and vocabulary to challenge fluent or older readers while enhancing their understanding of the story’s themes.
Both versions bring the zodiac’s origin story to life, showcasing themes of cleverness, teamwork, kindness, and perseverance in a memorable cultural narrative.
What’s Included:
Each level comes with engaging, differentiated activities designed to support comprehension and vocabulary building:
Mixed-Style Question Sheets: Vocabulary matching, sequencing, cloze passages, true/false activities, and written responses to encourage critical thinking.
True or False Activities: Evaluate understanding of key details and main ideas.
Multiple Choice Quizzes: One version for the lower level and two for the higher level to assess comprehension interactively.
Cloze Summary Activity: Strengthens vocabulary while reinforcing the story’s key elements.
2 Crossword Puzzles: Fun, interactive practice to solidify understanding of key terms and ideas.
Traditional Written Comprehension Sheets: Double-sided for reflective practice and written responses.
Answer Keys
Dinosaur-Themed Non-Chronological Reports: WAGOLL Examples
Bring prehistoric wonders to life in your Year 2, 3 or 4 classroom with my comprehensive set of ‘What a Good One Looks Like’ (WAGOLL) Non-Chronological Reports (NCRs). Perfect for dinosaur information text studies, these resources make teaching and learning about reports, dinosaurs and paleontology both exciting and accessible.
10 Texts included:
7 engaging NCRs Dinosaur themes:
Triceratops
Stegosaurus
Diplodocus
Argentinasaurus (2 difficulty levels)
Ankylosaurus
Paleontologists (2 difficulty levels)
Types of Fossils: Body Fossils and Trace Fossils (2 difficulty levels)
Key Features:
Formal tone and 3rd person writing style
Introductory paragraph for each topic
Well-structured paragraphs, each focusing on a different aspect
Clear sub-headings for easy navigation
Vibrant pictures to illustrate each subject
Eye-catching fact boxes to spark curiosity
Technical vocabulary highlighted with a comprehensive glossary
Single-sided A4 format for easy printing and text annotation
Benefits:
Tailored for Year 3: Clear, accessible language perfect for years 2, 3, 4 and EAL learners
Versatile learning tools: Ideal for reading comprehension, writing models, and science lessons
Differentiated content: Multiple difficulty levels for Argentinasaurus, Paleontologists, and Fossil types
Supports key literacy skills: Enhances vocabulary, improves non-fiction writing, and boosts subject knowledge
Inspire your students’ passion for prehistoric life and scientific discovery with these meticulously crafted Non-Chronological Reports. Download now and watch your classroom roar with excitement!
Looking for more great value, high quality dinosaur resources for primary school? Check out these dinsaour resources:
Dinosaur Vocabulary Posters
Dinosaur Research Research Lesson
Dinosaur Research Game Cards
Dinosaur Research Scavenger Hunt Posters and Game Cards
Transform your classroom into a prehistoric paradise with our meticulously crafted Dinosaur Research Scavenger Hunt Posters and Game Cards!
Key Features:
28 beloved dinosaurs featured across 14 fact-filled posters
Research note-taking cards and gamified ‘Top Trumps’ Pokémon-style game cards included
Carefully researched, double-checked, and classroom-tested content
Both Metric and Imperial measurements included in download
Comprehensive Poster Set:
Triassic Period (2 versions: illustrated and listed with short descriptions)
Jurassic Period (2 versions: illustrated and listed with short descriptions)
Cretaceous Period (2 versions: illustrated and listed with short descriptions)
Herbivorous Dinosaurs
Carnivorous Dinosaurs
Piscivorous Dinosaurs
Omnivorous Dinosaurs
Weight Comparison
Height Comparison
Length Comparison
Fossil Discovery Locations
Dinosaur Appearances
Fascinating Dinosaur Facts
Vocabulary Glossary
Enhanced Learning Experience:
Most posters are double or triple A4 size for easy viewing
Interesting footnotes in accessible language
Key dinosaur technical vocabulary maintained
Helpful infographics and maps
Icons used to enhance tricky vocabulary
Alternating font colours for easy list tracking
Black and white illustrations
Versatile Use:
Print and display around the classroom for an engaging scavenger hunt
Use as a comprehensive dinosaur research resource
Encourage independent learning and fact-finding skills
Bonus Materials:
Research note-taking paper with helpful icons
6 colourful variations of Pokémon/Top Trumps-style game cards
Game rules for interactive learning
Bring the Mesozoic era to life and ignite your students’ passion for palaeontology with this all-in-one dinosaur research adventure!
Looking for specific components? Check out these related resources:
Only need the game cards and blank research papers? Game Cards and Research Papers
Want just the Vocabulary and Fascinating Fact Posters? Dino Vocab Posters
Dinosaur Non-Chronological Reports
Unleash prehistoric fun with this “Dinosaur Research Game Cards” pack!
Transform dinosaur learning into an exciting adventure:
Inspired by ‘Top Trumps’ and ‘Pokemon’ card games
Students research key dinosaur facts and create their own game cards!
Research categories include:
• Name
• Time Period
• Physical Appearance
• Diet
• Weight
• Height
• Length
• Fossil locations
• Extra facts
Pack contents:
Customizable game cards (A4 and A5 sizes)
Research note-taking sheets
6 colorful background options
2 layout designs
Comprehensive game rules
Features:
Clear icons for each research section
Compatible with books, online resources, or my Dinosaur Scavenger Hunt Poster (and Game Cards) Pack
Perfect for:
Engaging classroom activities
Group projects
Fostering research skills
Turn budding paleontologists into card game champions with this versatile, educational resource!
Check out my 10 Dinosaur Reports
Boost your students’ dinosaur knowledge with this engaging “Dinosaur Vocabulary and Fascinating Facts” poster set!
This pack includes:
Dinosaur Vocabulary Poster (2 A4 pages):
Clear, illustrated definitions of key dinosaur terms
Black and white drawings for easy printing
Famous Dinosaurs Fact Poster (3 A4 pages):
28 most renowned dinosaurs with striking illustrations
Two intriguing facts per dinosaur
Perfect for:
Classroom displays
Dinosaur-themed scavenger hunts
Enhancing research skills
Ignite curiosity and make learning about prehistoric life fun and accessible with these versatile, printer-friendly posters!
Looking for more prehistoric resources?
Want to add a game element? Check out my Dinosaur Research Game Cards
For a COMPLETE dinosaur learning experience, explore my Full Dinosaur Research Scavenger Hunt Pack
Dinosaur Information Texts
Posters for students to set class/school goals, with a space below each for them to list the steps they will need to take to achieve their goals.
4 versions:
3 pdf files with sassoon font: one with lines, one with numbers, and one with numbers and only 2 callout bubbles.
1 word doc with comic sans.
I will edit the documents and replace 'my' with the name of the student and print one off for each child in my class. Plus one for myself, so that I can set some personal (teaching) goals for myself.
I will also print out a large 'to achieve by xx/xx/xxxx' so that the goals are time sensitive and display this alongside the student's posters.
Also included some display headings, quotes, and stars to make a classroom display.
(star clipart is 'for reuse from clipartpanda.com)
54 A4 thought provoking statements to be used as a thought for the day.
I use them at the beginning of the day with a grade 3 class, but have also used them with a grade 1 class.
Get a student to select one, pop it in a A4 card case display at the side of the white board - then as a class discuss what it means and how & why they should follow the advice.
Uploaded a Word doc if you want or need to edit it, plus a PDF in case anyone has any font issues.
"By sharing and helping others I get more done."