Ocean Reading Passages About Mysteries of the Deep: Paired Texts for Grades 2-3

Description

These ocean reading passages give students in 2nd and 3rd grade two texts on the same topic side by side, so they compare details, connect information, and draw conclusions across both. The pairs explore mysteries of the deep: the Loch Ness monster and the megalodon, giant squid and other deep-sea creatures, and mermaids.

This set includes three pairs (six passages): two informational pairs and one pair that matches an informational text with an excerpt from The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen. Each pair comes with seven multiple-choice questions, each on a different standard, and one constructed response question. You get printable passages and questions plus Google Slides and Google Forms versions. It’s an easy way to build ocean reading comprehension with topics students already wonder about.

The passages are written at a 3rd grade reading level, so they are a stretch for 2nd graders. In 2nd grade, I recommend using them for whole group or small group close reading rather than independent reading.

How the mysteries of the deep paired texts work:

• Read and annotate: Students read each passage closely and mark it up, so they understand both texts before they compare them. In Google Slides, they can annotate with text boxes and lines, and copy a highlight box to mark key details.
• Answer the questions: The multiple-choice questions send students back into the texts, and the constructed response question asks them to pull each pair together. In Google Forms, the answer choices shuffle for each student, the questions score automatically, and the passages appear at the top of the form.

What’s included:

• Three pairs of passages about mysteries of the deep (six passages total):
  • Loch Ness and the megalodon
  • Giant squid, plus lion’s mane jellyfish and anglerfish
  • Mermaids, with an informational passage and an excerpt from The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Andersen
• Seven multiple-choice questions and one constructed response question for each pair
• Printable passages in two styles
• Google Slides versions of the passages for digital annotating
• Google Forms versions of the questions that score automatically

Ways to use these paired texts:

• Model close reading with your whole class or a small group.
• Read and annotate the passages together, then hand out the questions as a comprehension check and let students use their marked-up passages.
• Assign them as independent practice for students reading above a 3rd grade level.

Why teachers love these paired texts:

• Students enjoy the topics, so lessons don’t drag.
• Science and social studies content comes into your ELA block, which saves precious time.
• The multiple-choice questions cover a range of standards and require students to go back into the text, not just recall basic facts.
• The digital questions grade themselves.
• Print and digital versions let you move between in-person and virtual learning, or go paperless in a 1:1 classroom.

More paired texts:

See how I model purposeful annotating in my blog post, Help Your Primary Students Track Their Thinking While Reading.

Want to try one first? Get a free digital pair of texts delivered to your inbox, along with tips for using paired texts in your classroom.

Do you need mysteries of the deep passages for upper grades? Take a look at my Mysteries of the Deep Reading Passages for Grades 4-6.

This purchase is for one teacher. Please don’t share the files with other teachers. Thank you!

Copyright © 2016, 2017 Ideas By Jivey, LLC
All rights reserved by author, Jessica Ivey.
Permission to copy for single classroom use only.
Electronic distribution limited to single classroom use only.
Not for public display.