Reading comprehension for the the French traditional tale, “Diamonds and Toads” by Charles Perrault.
In this anti-fairytale, a widow has two daughters. The older daughter, Fanny, resembles her mother and is favored despite being disagreeable. The younger daughter is kind and beautiful like her late father. The younger girl helps a disguised fairy and is blessed with jewels and flowers falling from her mouth when she speaks. The widow wants the same for Fanny, but Fanny insults the fairy and is cursed, causing toads and snakes to fall from her mouth. When Fanny arrives home, she tells her story to her mother and disgusting toads and vipers fall from her mouth The widow, furious, drives her younger daughter out of the house. In the woods, the younger daughter meets a king’s son, who falls in love with her and marries her. In time, the widow is sickened by her older daughter’s vile mouth, and drives her out too. Fanny dies alone and miserable in the woods.
This reading activity resource includes:
A reading passage at a 9-12 year old reading level
A 15-question comprehension sheet (basic factual questions)
A 14-question comprehension sheet (literary analysis questions)
An 8-question comprehension sheet (mix of essential questions)
A 31-question SAT-style multiple choice quiz (2 pages)
A 58-question SAT-style multiple choice quiz (4 pages)
A sequencing and story summary cloze activity sheet
Two crossword versions using 26 key vocabulary words
Answer sheets are also provided.
This comprehensive Hinduism resource bundle brings ancient Hindu culture and beliefs to life through vivid illustrations and engaging activities. The bundle includes two levels of informative Hinduism non-fiction text overviewing key aspects like Hindu Gods and deities, holy books, and rituals. It also contains three retellings of cherished Hindu traditional stories and myths highlighting Ganesh, Krishna, and the Hindu creation story.
Differentiated worksheets, quizzes, and writing prompts cater to diverse learning levels, allowing students to deepen their understanding of these myths and of core Hindu beliefs. Suitable for upper elementary through high school, these thoughtfully designed materials aim to captivate interest and encourage meaningful connections with this important world culture.
Immerse your students in one of the most powerful and transformative stories in Jewish history!
Moses and the Burning Bush is the biblical account of God calling Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. Though raised as an Egyptian prince, Moses never forgot his Israelite roots. After killing an Egyptian for beating a slave, Moses fled to Midian where he became a shepherd. One day in the wilderness, Moses encountered a burning bush that was not consumed by the flames. God spoke to him from the bush, revealing his plan for Moses to demand Pharaoh free the Israelites and guide them to the Promised Land.
Despite humble beginnings as a baby set adrift in a basket to avoid being killed, Moses was prepared through divine providence to become a great leader. Though initially reluctant, feeling inadequate for such a mighty task, Moses ultimately embraced his calling to liberate his people with faith in God’s guiding hand. The story of Moses and the Burning Bush is a seminal event in Jewish history and is recounted in the Hebrew Bible as a testament to faith, leadership, and divine providence
A variety of engaging comprehension activities reinforce key details and higher-order thinking skills:
33-question multiple-choice quiz,
Two levels of story summary cloze passages,
17 written response questions with a variety of engaging question types (double-sided),
6 classic-style written response questions (single-sided for easy printing),
2 versions of a crossword puzzle,
Answer sheets for all activities.
Exploring this pivotal event develops cultural literacy about the ancestral origins and formative experiences that shaped Jewish identity, ethics, and traditions.
David and Goliath
Moses & Exodus of Egypt
Moses in the Bulrushes
Joseph and His Brothers
Queen Esther’s Story of Purim
Story of Creation
Story of Hanukkah
Judaism Information Text
Engage Your Students with the Captivating Story of Moses’ Birth and Its Enduring Legacy
The story of Moses being hidden in the bulrushes to escape Pharaoh’s cruel edict is a foundational narrative in Jewish history and Scripture. This comprehensive resource invites your students to immerse themselves in this pivotal moment and explore its profound significance.
Key Learning Opportunities:
- Preservation of a Leader: Discover how the miraculous survival of the infant Moses foreshadowed his future role as a transformative leader of the Israelites.
- Divine Intervention: Analyze how the events surrounding Moses’ birth are seen as acts of divine providence, shaping students’ understanding of Jewish faith and theology.
- Cultural Identity: Examine how Moses’ upbringing as an Egyptian prince, yet maintenance of his Israelite roots, underscores the importance of cultural heritage and self-discovery.
- Foreshadowing of Liberation: Explore how this story sets the stage for the Israelites’ Exodus from Egyptian slavery, a pivotal event in Jewish history.
- Faith and Trust in God: Consider how the faithfulness of Moses’ mother and the protection of the child highlight core themes of trust in God’s plan.
Comprehensive Activities Foster Deep Engagement:
28-question multiple-choice quiz
Two levels of story summary cloze passages
16 varied written response questions (double-sided)
8 classic-style written response questions (single-sided)
2 versions of a crossword puzzle
Answer keys for all activities
This resource empowers students to develop cultural literacy about the origins and formative experiences that have shaped Jewish identity, ethics, and traditions.
David and Goliath
Moses & Exodus of Egypt
Moses & The Burning Bush
Joseph and His Brothers
Queen Esther’s Story of Purim
Story of Creation
Story of Hanukkah
Judaism Information Text
Immerse your students in one of the most powerful and transformative stories in Jewish history!
Joseph and His Brothers is the biblical account of Joseph, one of Jacob’s twelve sons, who was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers but rose to become a powerful leader in Egypt. Though favored by his father, Joseph faced hardship and betrayal when his brothers stripped him of his special coat and threw him into a pit, eventually selling him to passing merchants.
Taken to Egypt, Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams led him to the court of Pharaoh, where he became a trusted advisor and governor, responsible for preparing the nation for a prophesied famine. When Joseph’s brothers later came to Egypt to buy food, he tested them to see if they had changed before revealing his identity and forgiving them.
The story of Joseph and His Brothers is a seminal event in Jewish history recounted in the Hebrew Bible as a testament to faith, forgiveness, and divine providence. Despite humble beginnings and tumultuous trials, Joseph’s life was guided by God’s plan, leading him to a position of power where he could ultimately save his family.
A variety of engaging comprehension activities reinforce key details and higher-order thinking skills in this
2 levels of multiple-choice, SAT-style quizzes (2-page and 3-page versions)
2 levels of story summary cloze passages
2 levels of written response worksheets (a double-sided version with 15 mixed style question types, and a single-sided version with 8 essential written response questions)
2 versions of vocabulary-building crossword puzzles
Answer sheets for all activities
Exploring this pivotal narrative develops cultural literacy about the ancestral origins and formative experiences that shaped Jewish identity, ethics, and traditions.
David and Goliath
Moses & Exodus of Egypt
Moses & The Burning Bush
Moses in the Bulrushes
Queen Esther’s Story of Purim
Story of Creation
Story of Hanukkah
Judaism Information Text
Explore the rich tapestry of Judaism with this comprehensive introductory resource!
This download includes a double-sided colour and an ink-saving black and white version of a carefully written “An Introduction to Judaism” (2 pages, approx. 1400 words), which covers the following key aspects of the Jewish faith:
Fundamental beliefs, including the covenant with God and the anticipation of the Messiah
Significance of the Torah, the Hebrew Bible, and the Ten Commandments
Important festivals like Passover (Pesach), Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur
Ceremonies and traditions such as Bar Mitzvah, Bat Mitzvah, and the Sabbath
Dietary laws and the concept of kosher food
The history of the Jewish people, including their exile and the establishment of the modern state of Israel
The two main groups within Judaism: Orthodox and Reform
Symbols and practices that remind Jews of their faith and connection with God
Equip your students with an overview of Judaism through diverse activities that appeal to different learning styles and cater to various abilities. This resource includes:
2 Levels of Multiple-Choice Quizzes (a higher level 2-page version and an easier lower level 3-page version)
Differentiated Written Response Sheets: Accommodating various learning levels, these sheets include a variety of question types
2 Crossword Puzzles utilising key learnings from the texts
True or False question sheet
Answer sheets for all activities
The text provides a comprehensive overview of the Jewish religion, its rich traditions, and its profound impact on humanity, fostering understanding and appreciation for this significant Abrahamic faith.
Download this resource now to enrich your teaching and captivate your students’ interest in the rich tapestry of Jewish culture and beliefs.
Ideal for Key Stage 2 & 3 (Years 6-9).
My Jewish story reading comprehension worksheets:
David and Goliath
Moses & Exodus of Egypt
Moses & The Burning Bush
Moses in the Bulrushes
Joseph and His Brothers
Queen Esther’s Story of Purim
Story of Creation
Story of Hanukkah
Enhance lessons on Buddhism with this collection of eight beloved Buddhist stories. These skillfully written and beautifully illustrated tales cover essential stories that have shaped Buddhist beliefs and practices.
Included are:
The Birth of the Buddha
The Swan and the Arrow
The Four Sights of the Buddha
The Enlightenment of the Buddha
The First Sermon, Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dharma
Kisagotami and the Mustard Seed
The Story of Angulimala
The Death of the Buddha
Each of the eight stories functions as a stand-alone lesson on Buddhism or could be used as engaging literacy short story reading comprehension. Each story is written in an engaging and accessible style with supporting “Buddhist Insights” and “Words of Enlightenment” fact boxes, and is beautifully illustrated.
Each story comes with:
A double-sided multiple choice quiz
A double-sided written response paper
A single-sided written response paper
Answer sheets
These classic Buddhist tales will inspire students and expand their knowledge. By engaging with these beautifully crafted stories, students will gain deep appreciation for Buddhist teachings and traditions while building essential literacy skills and enriching their understanding of world cultures.
Would make great follow on lessons to my Buddhism Introduction Text
Please, also see my Sikhism resources and Jewish Stories
The timeless story of David and Goliath imparts powerful lessons about courage, faith, and perseverance for all children. In this beautifully illustrated resource, a young shepherd boy named David boldly confronts the mighty Philistine warrior Goliath, embodying unwavering trust in God despite overwhelming odds. His improbable triumph demonstrates that inner strength can overcome even the most daunting adversities.
This culturally and religiously significant tale holds immense importance in Jewish tradition. The informative fact box explores King David’s enduring legacy - revered as a wise ruler over a unified Israel, esteemed scholar, prolific composer of the Psalms, and vital ancestor from whose royal lineage the long-awaited Messiah will arise to usher peace and redemption for humanity.
A variety of engaging reading comprehension activities reinforce key details and higher-order thinking skills:
39-question multiple-choice quiz
Summary cloze passage with word bank
17 written response questions, with a variety of engaging question types, for higher middle school learners
17 written response questions, with a variety of engaging question types, for upper elementary learners
Answer sheets for all activities
Utilize this versatile resource as a Jewish religious education lesson or reading comprehension exercise across curricula. Students will gain meaningful insights into this pivotal biblical narrative while developing crucial literacy skills.
Moses & Exodus of Egypt
Moses & The Burning Bush
Moses in the Bulrushes
Joseph and His Brothers
Queen Esther’s Story of Purim
Story of Creation
Story of Hanukkah
Judaism Information Text
Discover the Devastating Impact of the Great Plague of 1665
Transport your students back in time to the harrowing year of 1665, when a deadly outbreak of plague ravaged the city of London. This engaging and meticulously researched resource brings to life the chilling account of the Great Plague, offering a rich tapestry of historical details, heart-wrenching tales, and enduring lessons.
As the plague spread through the overcrowded streets and alleyways, carried by flea-infested rats, Londoners found themselves in a desperate battle against the invisible yet lethal enemy. From the initial dismissal of the outbreak to the implementation of strict quarantine measures and the mass burial of victims in “plague pits,” your students will witness the unfolding horror and the resilience of a city pushed to the brink.
The aftermath of the Great Plague, though catastrophic, laid bare the harsh realities of poverty, lack of medical knowledge, and the vulnerability of densely populated urban centers. Students will explore the societal impacts, the ineffective remedies attempted, and the enduring legacy of this devastating event on public health and urban planning.
Through this captivating historical recounting, your students will not only gain a deep understanding of a pivotal moment in London’s history but also develop invaluable insights into themes of human resilience, the consequences of ignorance, and the transformative power of adversity.
Differentiated activities reinforce comprehension:
• 3 levels of SAT-style multiple-choice quizzes
Lower level: 2 pages
Middle level: 2 pages
Higher level: 3 pages
• 2 levels of written response sheets with a variety of engaging question types
• 1 classic style 13 question double-sided written response (13 traditional paragraph answers)
• Event sequencing activity with true/false questions
• Cloze summary activity
• 2 levels of Great Plague of London crossword puzzles
Lower level
Higher level
• Answer keys provided for all activities
Perfect for grades 6-11 across ELA, social studies, and history classrooms.
Let your students catch the contagious plague of historical curiosity with this immersive look at the Great Plague that swept through London.
Bring the Great Fire of London to Life for Your Learners
Immerse your students in one of the most defining moments in British history with this captivating resource on the Great Fire of London. Meticulously researched and tailored for the UK national curriculum, this engaging resource offers a rich tapestry of historical details, heroic accounts, and enduring lessons from the catastrophic event that reshaped the city.
On the fateful night of September 2, 1666, a simple bakery fire in Pudding Lane ignited a blaze that would forever change the course of London’s history. As the flames rapidly engulfed the city’s wooden structures, fanned by strong easterly winds, Londoners found themselves in a desperate battle against the raging inferno. From the Lord Mayor’s initial dismissal of the fire to the courageous efforts of King Charles II and his brother James, Duke of York, in organizing firefighting efforts, your students will witness the unfolding drama and the resilience of a city pushed to its limits.
The aftermath of the Great Fire, though devastating, paved the way for a remarkable rebuilding effort that reshaped London’s landscape. Explore the innovative architectural designs of Sir Christopher Wren, the influx of skilled immigrants that boosted the city’s prosperity, and the lasting impact on urban planning and fire safety regulations.
Through this captivating historical recounting, your students will gain a deep understanding of a pivotal moment in British history and develop invaluable insights into themes of resilience, perseverance, and the transformative power of adversity.
Differentiated activities reinforce comprehension:
Double sided text with fact box and illustration on reverse
2 levels of multiple-choice quizzes
3 levels of written response sheets with a variety of engaging question types, including multiple-choice, true/false, cloze sentences, sequencing, short answer, open-ended response, textual evidence questions, and analysis prompts
2 levels of event sequencing with true/false questions
2 Great Fire of London crosswords
Answer keys provided
Ignite your learners’ passion for history with this immersive exploration of the Great Fire of London and its enduring legacy.
This reading activity resource explores the seminal story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt in the 13th century BCE, under the leadership of Moses.
This defining event laid the foundations for the development of Judaism and the Jewish people’s national identity. After enduring oppression and harsh labor under an unbending Pharaoh, God unleashed ten devastating plagues upon Egypt. When the final plague killed all firstborn sons, Pharaoh finally relented and expelled the Israelites. However, he soon regretted this decision and pursued them with his army. Through divine intervention, the Israelites crossed the parted Red Sea to escape, while the Egyptian forces drowned.
The Israelites then wandered the wilderness for forty years, ceremonially receiving the Ten Commandments from God at Mount Sinai. This code of laws and ethics bounded their covenant as God’s chosen people destined for the Promised Land of Canaan after tribulations tested their faith.
The Exodus story is told in the Hebrew Bible’s books of Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, and is commemorated in the Jewish holiday of Passover.
A variety of engaging comprehension activities reinforce key details and higher-order thinking skills:
• 42-question multiple-choice quiz
• Summary cloze passage with word bank
• 17 written response questions, with a variety of engaging question types, for higher middle school learners
• 18 written response questions, with a variety of engaging question types, for upper elementary learners
• 42 Question True or False worksheet
• 2 versions of crossword
• Answer sheets for all activities
Jewish holidays like Passover’s Seder meal incorporating symbolic foods further connect the narrative to religious observances. Exploring this pivotal event develops cultural literacy about the ancestral origins and formative experiences that shaped Jewish identity, ethics, and traditions.
David and Goliath
Moses & The Burning Bush
Moses in the Bulrushes
Joseph and His Brothers
Queen Esther’s Story of Purim
Story of Creation
Story of Hanukkah
Judaism Information Text
Engage EAL newcomer learners with this interactive, fun, social-based vocabulary activity.
“Ask Around: Essential Verbs” is designed to make learning English enjoyable and effective for EAL students. This activity encourages children to walk around the classroom, engaging with their peers by asking and answering essential, repetitive questions. This method incorporates key grammar and vocabulary building, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.
Key Features:
Interactive Learning: Children interact with classmates, asking and answering questions to build social and academic vocabulary.
Balanced Development: Combines social English and academic classroom English for accelerated learning, as research shows EAL social English develops faster.
Comprehensive Grammar Coverage: Each set of verb sheets covers essential verb tenses in both asking and answering formats:
Simple present tense third person singular (What does he do? He verbs or +es)
Simple present tense with the modal verb can (What can she do? She can verb)
Present continuous tense (+ing form) (What is he doing? She is verb+ing)
Simple future tense using auxiliary will (What will she do tomorrow? Tomorrow, she will verb)
Simple past tense (What did he do yesterday? Yesterday, he verb+ed)
Present perfect tense 1st & 2nd person with auxiliary have/h (Have you ever verb? Yes, I have verb)
Identifying and articulating V1 (base form), V2 (simple past), and V3 (past participle)
Blank version with just clipart for additional questions or usage
Matching flashcards
Progressive Levels:
6 sets of question sheets, each with 15 verbs and 9 different verb tense practice versions.
Labeled and Unlabeled Versions: Each sheet comes in both labeled (with words) and unlabeled versions for learners to either write themselves or try to remember without reading.
Flashcards Included: Includes 100 matching flashcards for both direct teaching and various flashcard games, perfect for EAL specialist teachers, class teachers, or classroom assistants.
Versatile Usage: Ideal for primary school level grammar lessons in the Kagan “Find Someone Who” format.
Why Choose “Ask Around: Essential Verbs”?
This resource seamlessly integrates essential verb practice with social English, creating a dynamic learning environment. By focusing on verbs and progressing through levels, students gain a solid foundation in English while enjoying the process. Additionally, this activity helps new EAL children make friends and feel a sense of belonging. Once familiar with the format, EAL learners can engage independently, allowing others to continue their grade-level work. Perfect for EAL specialists, classroom teachers, and assistants, this versatile tool supports EAL students effectively.
Also see
EAL Newcomer Classroom Nouns and Verbs
And phonics vocabulary workbook
Immerse your students in one of the most powerful and important stories in Jewish history!
The Sin of the Golden Calf is a pivotal narrative in the Torah, closely linked to the origins of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. This story recounts how the Israelites, waiting for Moses to return from Mount Sinai, lost faith and created a golden calf to worship. When Moses descended with the Ten Commandments and witnessed this idolatry, he shattered the tablets in anger. This transgression led to a period of repentance and ultimately, God’s forgiveness.
The narrative explores themes of faith, temptation, repentance, and divine mercy. It serves as a foundational story for understanding the significance of Yom Kippur in Jewish tradition and practice.
This resource includes a double-sided, illustrated retelling of the story, with an informative Yom Kippur fact box and numerous supporting worksheets.
The Sin of the Golden Calf is a crucial event in Jewish history, recounted in the Hebrew Bible as a testament to human fallibility, the power of repentance, and God’s capacity for forgiveness. This incident led to the establishment of Yom Kippur, demonstrating how even grave mistakes can be overcome through sincere atonement.
A variety of engaging comprehension activities reinforce key details and higher-order thinking skills:
2 levels of multiple-choice, SAT-style quizzes
4 levels of written response worksheets:
2 levels of traditional written response
2 levels of mixed style (multiple choice, true or false, cloze, vocabulary linking, event sequencing, and written response)
Story and Yom Kippur cloze summary activity
3 versions of vocabulary-building crossword puzzles
Answer sheets for all activities
Exploring this pivotal narrative develops cultural literacy about the origins of Yom Kippur and the ethical principles that underpin Jewish traditions of repentance and forgiveness. Ideal for years 5-10 across ELA, social studies, and Jewish studies curricula.
Also see:
Yom Kippur Information Text
Moses & Exodus of Egypt
Moses & The Burning Bush
Moses in the Bulrushes
Joseph and His Brothers
Queen Esther’s Story of Purim
Story of Creation
Story of Hanukkah
Judaism Information Text
David and Goliath
Yom Kippur Bundle: The Golden Calf Story & Yom Kippur Information Text
Deepen your students’ understanding of Yom Kippur with this comprehensive bundle, combining two essential resources:
The Sin of the Golden Calf: Illustrated story with worksheets exploring this pivotal event’s connection to Yom Kippur’s origins.
Yom Kippur Information Text: In-depth guide covering significance, practices, and rituals, with diverse activities.
Features:
Illustrated storytelling and informative text
Multiple-choice quizzes, written responses, and crossword puzzles
Differentiated worksheets for various learning levels
Answer keys for all activities
Ideal for grades 5-11, this bundle provides a thorough exploration of Yom Kippur’s historical context, observances, and cultural importance. Perfect for ELA, social studies, and Jewish studies curricula.
Engage your students with this comprehensive package, promoting cultural literacy and interfaith understanding through the most sacred day in the Jewish calendar.
Phase 3 and Phase 4 Phonics Worksheet Bundle
Includes:
My best selling Phonics Book (Most of phase 3/4/5 covered)
4 large Phase 3 worksheet packs (with extra example words and worksheet styles)
beautifully designed phase 2/3 phonics mats
Very proud of these resources and I used them with my year 1 class most weeks as worksheets, teaching aids, and displays.
All worksheets designed with close reference to Letters and Sound Planning documents and Jolly Phonics word lists.
Noun mats (noun scaffolds) and matching noun worksheets.
Differentiated versions uploaded.
Blank version also uploaded for children to make their own examples.
Mastering Possessive Nouns: Comprehensive Resource
This comprehensive kit provides educators with a variety of tools to teach possessive nouns effectively:
Instructional Materials:
15 colorful posters/anchor charts illustrating:
• Singular possessive nouns
• Plural possessive nouns (ending in ‘s’ and not ending in ‘s’)
• Possessive apostrophe usage rules
Practice Resources:
6 differentiated worksheets:
• 1 illustrated worksheet for visual learners
• 5 text-based worksheets of varying difficulty levels
Interactive Learning:
1 blank matching poster template for students to create their own examples
Key Concepts Covered:
Distinguishing between plural and possessive nouns
Singular noun possessive rules
Plural noun possessive rules (for nouns ending in ‘s’ and those that don’t)
Correct placement of possessive apostrophes
This resource is designed to cater to diverse learning styles and provide ample opportunities for practice and reinforcement of possessive noun concepts.