FREE Reading Comprehension Passage – First Day of Winter

Wouldn’t it be great to have no prep reading comprehension passages that come with vocabulary activities, text dependent questions, and more? Done! Click now and grab this one!

This Winter Solstice Reading Comprehension Passage is a favorite with students, and you’ll love it too! Grab it FREE – today only! It includes lesson plans and five days worth of activities to teach about the traditions and science of the Winter Solstice. Make your life easy! Grab this no prep resource today!
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Table of Contents
What is Included with the Winter Solstice Reading Comprehension Resource?
Reading Comprehension Passages
This resource comes with an informational article about the traditions and Science of the Winter Solstice. The article is written at three different reading levels, but all the levels look the same – so differentiation is easy! If you are trying to different your reading comprehension passages, then this is the resource for you!
My students are always fascinated by the Science and the traditions of the Winter Solstice. The article discusses the Winter Solstice traditions of the Romans, the Cree people, the people of Stonehenge and other cultures across time and geography. The information about the causes of the Winter Solstice is supported by a detailed diagram that brings the concept to life.

Vocabulary and Comprehension Activities

This resource includes 5 days of vocabulary and comprehension activities focused on the content of the passage. The vocabulary activities focus on helping students use context clues and prefixes – skills that will help them learn new wordsin other reading comprehension passages.
There are several comprehension activities, including text dependent questions and an integrating information activity that gives students an opportunity to write a longer response similar to the responses they write on standardized tests.
Teacher Supports to Make Your Life Easier!

This resource includes three formats – printable pdf, Google Slides and TPT Easel. Use what works for you! I’ve also included two suggested schedules and suggestions for each activity. There are many choices and supports to make your life easier. You deserve it!
Why Teach About the Winter Solstice?
Truthfully, the Winter Solstice has fascinated people across time and space, and it will will fascinate your students too! As the first day of winter approaches (and also all of the holiday craziness!) an interesting article is just what you need to engage your students and keep them busy! And, the information in this passage connects to essential 5th Grade Science content, so win win!
What Are Teachers Saying About this Reading Resource?
“A great activity for my small group table. My students found it very interesting.”
-Sarah G.
“Great resource – easy to use. Excellent to teach the concept.”
-Grace C.
Love This Reading Comprehension Passage? Check these out!
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Make sure you don’t miss a single FREEBIE this December! Follow this blog by clicking the black button to the right, and follow me on Instagram too! While you’re at it, forward this post to your teacher friends and share the love. Everyone deserves free resources this December!
I hope this Reading Comprehension Passage, and the 11 other free resources I’m giving away in December help you have a wonderful holiday season, and your students too. Happy teaching!
Susan