2nd Grade Monthly Differentiated Reading Comprehension Passages Bundle

Description

What makes these 2nd Grade Reading Passages so unique?

Differentiation

This product includes four reading passage topics per month (June and July are combined into one summer set). Each topic includes three leveled passages (high, medium, and low) for a total of 132 passage options! The passages have been carefully leveled, and the levels are subtly marked with a small icon in the corner. No child will feel left out since the mark is only a small symbol. Because the 3 levels of passages will use the same reading comprehension question page, you can assign each child the page that is most appropriate for their level while still discussing the same topics and questions with the full class. Differentiation made simple! Alternatively, you can always assign the full class the same level.

Versatility 

Yes, the differentiation provides versatility, but more options are included, as well. Print and digital options are in this bundle (and it’s so handy to have both during these academic times when many schools are shifting here and there to accommodate for COVID). You’ll also find versatility in the passages themselves. Within these 44 passages, you’ll find all four main writing types: expository, descriptive, persuasive, and narrative. Fictional passages include multiple points of view and a wide variety of genres including historical fiction, science fiction, contemporary fiction, mystery, etc. Nonfiction passages encompass historical nonfiction accounts, biographies, self-help, academic texts, how-to instructions, and even a recipe! If you want to expose your students to a world of versatile writing and reading, these monthly differentiated reading comprehension passages are your ticket! 

Comprehension Questions

Every passage includes a full page of comprehension questions. The first question on every page will help students activate their background knowledge about the passage topic. This skill helps students make connections and retain what they are learning. This question is followed by comprehension questions from the text (multiple choice and free response). These questions invite students to cite textual evidence for their answers using colored writing utensils (printable version) or movable clipart pieces (digital version), a skill that increases readers’ confidence. Last, there is a deeper thinking question on each question page to encourage critical thinking and hit a variety of grade-level language arts standards. Within this bundle, you’ll find every Common Core State Standard in both Informational Text and Literature represented for grade 2.

BONUS! A half-page answer sheet option is also included for each passage (not pictured) This is a GREAT option if you want to save on paper while printing

Monthly themes

Relevant content sparks students’ interest and increases engagement. Not only do these passages include a variety of nonfiction and fiction stories, but your students will also be excited to study topics like holidays and seasons that are part of their present environment. 

Full Contents of the 2nd Grade Monthly Differentiated Reading Comprehension Passages Bundle:

Each monthly set includes the following: 

• A Note To Teacher – Instructions so you’ll know just how to get the most out of these passages
• Passage Differentiation Information – A guide so you can easily differentiate with this resource
• Reading Comprehension Information – A key that identifies how icons on the question sheet connect to reading skills, so you can monitor students’ progress on activating background knowledge, comprehending key details, and meeting grade-level standards.
• Answer Keys – To make grading and discussions a breeze

Note– each of the following passages listed will be available in PDF and Google Slides!

January Reading Passages:

• Icy Animals Passages & Questions – A nonfiction passage about how a few unique animals embrace the cold
• Martin Passages & Questions – A fictional story with historical roots about a boy named after Martin Luther King Jr.
• Ice Roads Passages & Questions – Learn about the functions of Canadian ice roads
• Robot New Year Passages & Questions – A science fiction story with emotional literacy themes 

February Differentiated Reading Passages: 

• Leap Day Fun Facts Passages & Questions – A nonfiction trivia list about Feb. 29. Theme: Leap Day (February 29)
• Gordon’s Shadow Passages & Questions – A comical story about a scared groundhog. Theme: Groundhog Day (February 2)
• Dr. Williams Passages & Questions – A short biography of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams. Theme: Black History Month
• Valentine Letter Passages & Questions– A love letter. Can you guess who the recipient is? Theme: Valentine’s Day (February 14)

March Differentiated Reading Passages: 

• How to Clean Your Room Passages & Questions – An expository article detailing a simple way to clean up 
• Pi Day Competition Passages & Questions – A narrative story about a young immigrant who finds purpose through her favorite subject
• The Green Parade Passages & Questions – A dialogue-driven tale of a determined Irishman.
• Victor’s Journal Passages & Questions – A historical fiction journal account of a farmworker’s plight and interaction with Cesar Chavez

April Differentiated Reading Passages: 

• The Prank Passages & Questions – Two brothers. Two holidays. One prank. Themes: April Fools Day (April 1), Easter
• Alien Observation Passages & Questions -An alien visits earth expecting to find it dirty and littered. He’s surprised to find Earthlings love and care for their planet. Theme: Earth Day
• Birds Sing Passages & Questions – A nonfiction intro to birdsong. Theme: Spring
• Flower Fable Passages & Questions – Flowers take on personalities in this prose with a moral. Theme: Spring

May Differentiated Reading Passages: 

• Reptile Sighting Passages & Questions – This fiction play-by-play of an encounter with a large reptile explains the factual differences between crocodiles and alligators. Themes: National Alligator Day (May 29)
• All Aboard! Passages & Questions – A real-life travel guide to Golden Spike National Historical Park. Themes: National Train Day (2nd Saturday in May), National Transportation Week (The week that includes the third Friday in May), Anniversary of the completion of the first transcontinental railroad (May 10)
• Dap’s Quest Passages & Questions – Vivid imagery envelops this fantasy tale about a lad’s venture to find the ideal Mother’s Day gift. Themes: Mother’s Day (2nd Sunday in May)
• Kid Inventors Passages & Questions Did you know the popsicle was invented by a kid? What about the television? This nonfiction account shares the stories of kid inventors and the problems they helped to solve. Themes: National Inventors Month

Summer Differentiated Reading Passages (June/July): 

• Toys in Space Passages & Questions – This nonfiction article details the space explorations of non-living astronauts—toys! Themes: Space Exploration Day (July 20) 
• Flag Day Passages & Questions – Historical fiction narrative meets poetry in this account written through the perspective of a fictional student in Bernard Cigrand’s 1885 school class. Cigrand is known widely as “The Father of Flag Day.” Themes: Flag Day (June 14)  
• Summer Solstice Passages & Questions – A wacky aunt sends her niece on a solstice-themed birthday scavenger hunt. Themes: Summer Solstice (June 20-22) 
• News Report Passages & Questions – A reporter is sent to investigate a repulsive culinary experiment that’s being served at a Fourth of July potluck. Themes: Fourth of July 

August Differentiated Reading Passages:

• School Supplies Passages & Questions – Schools in the United States use about 32 billion sheets of paper per year! Learn this and other facts about paper and pencil usage in this non-fiction article. Themes: Back to school
• Making Bread Passages & Questions – A play that follows a Medieval family as they prepare for Loaf Mass Day. Themes: Loaf Mass Day (August 1)
• Waffle Recipe Passages & Questions – An excerpt article from a fictional magazine. Warning: Don’t actually try the included recipe! Themes: National Waffle Day (August 24)
• The Mystery Passages & Questions – Eli is on the case to solve the mystery of his distorted vision! Themes: National Eye Exam Month

September Differentiated Reading Passages: 

• Craft Fair Passages & Questions – A boy explores a craft fair and learns a bit about ASL and the deaf community in the process. Themes: International Week of the Deaf (The last full week of September)
• Stress Passages & Questions – This self-help article explains positive coping strategies for dealing with stress and challenges. Themes: Suicide Prevention Month/Week
• Dolly’s Books Passages & Questions – Most people know Dolly Parton for her music, but this passage explores her charity that gives books to kids. Themes: National Literacy Week (Last week of September)
• Video Games Passages & Questions – Learn about the very first video games in this brief history. Themes: National Video Games Day (September 12)

October Differentiated Reading Passages: 

• Costume Trouble Passages & Questions – A youngster must fix her Halloween costume in a tale that’s out of this world! Themes: Halloween
• Balloon Fiesta Passages & Questions – Imagery abounds in this descriptive story that’s based on one of the world’s most popular hot air balloon festivals. Themes: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (early October)
• Bone Health Passages & Questions – Learn what your bones do for you and how to take care of them. Themes: World Osteoporosis Day (October 20), and if you want to get creative, you could tie the skeleton into Halloween 🙂
• Four October Holidays Passages & Questions – People think of Halloween as the October holiday, but there are many more reasons to celebrate. Learn about worthwhile October dates in this nonfiction list. Themes: Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday (October 2), National Cake Decorating Day (October 10), Dictionary Day (October 16), and World Pasta Day (October 26)

November Differentiated Reading Passages:

• Sand Sculpting Passages & Questions – A descriptive, first-person essay about Florida’s sand-sculpting competitions. Themes: Autumn sand-sculpting competitions
• Dinner Mix-up Passages & Questions – One family’s Thanksgiving dinner goes awry in this comedic tale. Themes: Thanksgiving
• Earthworks Passages & Questions – This non-fiction report details the artwork of an ancient civilization: the Hopewell Culture. Themes: Native American Heritage Month
• Flying Machine Passages & Questions – A historical fiction origin story of Wilbur and Orville Wright, the American pioneers of aviation. Themes: Aviation History Month.

December Differentiated Reading Passages:

• Christmas Tree History Passages & Questions – Learn the history behind the endearing and enduring tradition in this informational piece. Themes: Christmas
• December Holidays Passages & Questions – Four friends compare their holiday traditions in this dialogue-driven passage. Themes: Christmas, Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa
• Abbie’s New Neighbor Passages & Questions – When a new neighbor invites Abbie and her mother over for cookies, Abbie learns that self-sufficiency appears in many forms. Themes: International Day of Persons With Disabilities (December 3)
•  A Plea From Your Friend Passages & Questions – This persuasive email calls for a friend to change his mind about skipping the winter campout. Themes: Winter, Play Outside Day (The first Saturday of every month)

BEST DEAL: If you’re looking for a resource like this that spans multiple grade levels, please check out our mega bundle: Kindergarten – 6th Grade Monthly Differentiated Reading Comprehension Passages Bundle. 

Be sure to check out all of our reading passages. This also pairs perfectly with the resources below!