This is an elementary literature unit designed to increase reading comprehension for second through sixth graders. Students will summarize chapters, order main events, recall details, and define character traits in the process of completing it.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, written by Beverly Cleary is one in an endearing series of books that chronicle the middle-class adventures of the Quimby family. A third grader in this installment of the family’s saga, Ramona goes through several experiences familiar to every child who has ever attended public school including throwing up in front of the whole class and worrying whether the teacher actually likes you or not. It was one of my favorite books to read-aloud to my students.
The unit begins with a universal response sheet that can be used for every chapter. It includes a space in which to record a prediction and another where vocabulary words that students would like to define or discuss can be written. The chapter’s characters are listed next along with a description of the chapter’s setting. The reader is then encouraged to write up to 3 sentences that describe something new that they learned about Ramona and/or her friends and family while reading. The problem presented in that chapter is recorded next, after which the student must explain how the problem was solved or how the chapter ended if there was no solution. The final space on this response sheet is designed for the student to record a personal observation or respond to a discussion question.
The next two worksheets require the student to match a summary of each chapter with its title. Then he or she is asked to infer what Ramona might want, think, or do and defend their inferences by referencing passages from the story. Finally there are 9 worksheets that require the reader to recall details, order events, or summarize the action in each of the book’s nine chapters.
This literature unit is adaptable to a variety of teaching techniques and offers a thorough array of comprehension activities. Enjoy!