READING COMPREHENSION - A2

Lead-in activities

1.  Divide the students into pairs and ask them to discuss what they think the story is about based on the opening lines. Have them share their ideas with the class. 

2. Give each student a flower-related word or phrase (e.g., bloom, petals, garden) and ask them to come up with a sentence using that word or phrase. Have them share their sentences with a partner. 

3. Show the students a picture of a squirrel and ask them to brainstorm words or phrases that they associate with squirrels. Then, ask them to write a short creative story involving a squirrel using those words or phrases.

Reading the text

SQUIRREL

Gather 'round, gather 'round, dear listeners, for I have a whimsical tale to share this eve! In a woodland glade, where the sunlight dances through the leaves and the sweet scent of flowers hangs heavy in the air, there lived a lively young squirrel named Pip.

Now, Pip was no ordinary squirrel. While his kin spent their days scurrying up and down trees in search of nuts, Pip had a deep fascination with something far more delicate and enchanting – flowers! Oh, how his eyes lit up with wonder at the sight of a blooming daisy or a vibrant violet.

One fine spring morning, as the birds sang melodies and the bees buzzed their busy tunes, Pip stumbled upon a clearing blanketed with the most magnificent bed of flowers he had ever seen. It was a tapestry of colors – blues, pinks, yellows, and purples swaying in the gentle breeze.

Unable to contain his excitement, Pip began to dance among the blooms, his bushy tail flicking with joy. Little did he know that his frolicking had caught the attention of a mischievous group of bees who called this flowery paradise home.

Before he knew it, Pip found himself surrounded by a swarm of bees, their tiny wings buzzing angrily as they demanded he leave their domain at once.

But Pip, with his heart full of curiosity and courage, stood his ground. “Dear friends,” he pleaded, “I mean no harm. I only wish to admire the beauty of these flowers and share in their splendor.”

The queen bee, impressed by Pip's bravery and sincerity, paused and considered his words. After a moment of contemplation, she spoke, “Very well, little squirrel. You may stay, but on one condition – you must help us tend to these flowers and protect them from harm.”

And thus, a unique friendship was formed between Pip and the bees, as they worked together to ensure that the flowers thrived and bloomed brighter than ever before.

Checking comprehension

Open questions for communication:

1. What was the name of the lively young squirrel in the tale?

2. What did Pip have a deep fascination with, unlike other squirrels?

3. Describe the clearing that Pip stumbled upon one fine spring morning.

4. How did Pip's frolicking among the flowers catch the attention of the bees?

5. What did the mischievous group of bees demand from Pip when they surrounded him?

6. How did Pip respond to the bees' demands and what did he plead with them?

7. What condition did the queen bee set for Pip to stay in the flowery paradise?

Correct answers:

1. The lively young squirrel in the tale was named Pip.

2. Unlike other squirrels, Pip had a deep fascination with flowers.

3. The clearing that Pip stumbled upon was blanketed with a magnificent bed of flowers in various colors.

4. Pip's frolicking among the flowers caught the attention of the bees because of his excitement and joy.

5. The mischievous group of bees demanded that Pip leave their domain at once.

6. Pip responded by pleading with the bees, expressing his wish to admire the beauty of the flowers and share in their splendor.

7. The queen bee allowed Pip to stay in the flowery paradise on the condition that he helped tend to the flowers and protect them from harm.

ABC-questions for individual assessment:

1. What is the name of the young squirrel in the tale?

A. Plop

B. Pip

C. Pop

D. Pup

2. What did Pip have a deep fascination with in the story?

A. Nuts

B. Flowers

C. Leaves

D. Trees

3. What caught the attention of a mischievous group of bees in the tale?

A. Pip's singing

B. Pip's dancing among the flowers

C. Pip's buzzing

D. Pip's sleeping

4. What did the queen bee ask Pip to help with in exchange for staying in the flowery paradise?

A. Gather nuts

B. Protect the flowers

C. Build a hive

D. Scare away other animals

5. What did Pip and the bees work together to ensure in the end?

A. The safety of other animals

B. The growth of the trees

C. The blooming of the flowers

D. The cleanliness of the forest

Correct answers:

1. B

2. B

3. B

4. B

5. C