Discussing Texts as a Group · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Talking About Books Together

English · Reading Comprehension · ages 5-10
Name ______________________   Date ____________

  1. Rosa and Kim both start talking about the story at the same time. Rosa keeps going. What should Kim do?

    • Wait until Rosa is done, then share her idea
    • Say her idea louder so people hear it
    • Ask the group to talk about a different story

  2. When your class talks about a book together, what should you do?

    • Share your ideas
    • Read a different book
    • Leave the room

  3. It is okay to talk whenever you want, even if someone else is already talking.

    Circle one:   True   False

  4. Sam is talking about the book. What should you do?

    • Talk over Sam
    • Listen to Sam
    • Look at your shoes

  5. Pia says the boy in the story was mean. You think he was scared, not mean. What is a good thing to say?

    • You are wrong about the boy.
    • I thought he was scared. He hid when the big dog barked.
    • Nothing. It is easier to let it go.

  6. Ivy says the ant in the story was helpful. A friend asks how she knows. What is Ivy's best answer?

    • In the story, the ant carried a leaf back to help her nest.
    • I just know it.
    • Ants are my favorite animal.

  7. Ben agrees with what Zoe said, then adds a new idea. What is Ben doing?

    • Ignoring Zoe
    • Building on what Zoe said
    • Reading a new book

  8. Your group of four has been talking for a while. Omar has not said anything yet. What is a good thing to say to him?

    • Omar, you have to talk now.
    • Omar, what do you think about the story?
    • Let's keep going without Omar.

  9. Lena says the whale in the story was kind. You remember the part where the whale gave away her own food. What is the best way to add to Lena's idea?

    • Yes, and she even gave away her own food.
    • I already knew the whale was kind.
    • Let's talk about my favorite part instead.

  10. Kai is in the middle of sharing his idea. Rue says, 'Sorry to jump in, but I love that part.' What went wrong?

    • Nothing went wrong, because Rue said sorry.
    • Rue talked while Kai was still sharing.
    • Rue should not like that part of the book.
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Talking About Books Together W1-mt_thsY1ZesaU-s1

  1. Wait until Rosa is done, then share her idea · One person talks at a time. Kim's turn comes after Rosa finishes.
  2. Share your ideas · In a group talk, you share what you think about the book.
  3. False · Everyone takes turns. Wait until it is your turn to talk.
  4. Listen to Sam · Listening to others helps you understand their ideas.
  5. I thought he was scared. He hid when the big dog barked. · You can think something else, as long as you say it kindly and say why.
  6. In the story, the ant carried a leaf back to help her nest. · Ivy points to the part of the story that gave her the idea.
  7. Building on what Zoe said · Ben listened first, then added his own thought. That builds on the discussion.
  8. Omar, what do you think about the story? · A question opens the door for Omar without pushing him.
  9. Yes, and she even gave away her own food. · You keep Lena's idea and add the part of the story that shows it.
  10. Rue talked while Kai was still sharing. · Saying sorry is polite, but Kai's turn still got cut in half.
Worksheet · LightMySky