Worms may make some people squirm, but they help all of us by breaking down waste and helping much-needed air and water get into our soil. In this story, a worm called Shorty wants to go on a field trip. As you read, take notes on how the other worms feel about Shorty. The material is distributed in accordance with the CC BY-NC-SA. See details at: https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses/

In this poem, the speaker shares words about soil from their grandfather. As you read, take notes on what the poem says about soil. The material is distributed in accordance with the CC BY-NC-SA. See details at: https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses/

Diwali is the Indian Festival of Lights and the Indian New Year. In this story, a young girl and her family celebrate the holiday of Diwali. As you read, take notes on the important events in the plot. The material is distributed in accordance with the CC BY-NC-SA. See details at: https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses/

Kwanzaa is an important celebration in African American culture that takes place each year from December 26th to January 1st. Culture is the language, customs, and values of a group of people. In this poem, the speaker explains how to celebrate, or honor, the holiday. As you read, take notes on what happens in each stanza. A stanza is a group of lines in a poem. The material is distributed in accordance with the CC BY-NC-SA. See details at: https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses/

In this short story, a young girl learns an important lesson about taking care of horses. As you read, take notes on Grace’s actions in the story. The material is distributed in accordance with the CC BY-NC-SA. See details at: https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses/

In this retelling of a Japanese folktale, a young boy named Joji (joe-jee) loves to draw. As you read, note when the author repeats lines in the story. The material is distributed in accordance with the CC BY-NC-SA. See details at: https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses/

In this story, a miniature horse, or a very small horse, named Trix lives on a farm and pulls children around in a sled during the cold winter months. As you read, take notes on how Trix feels about the children. The material is distributed in accordance with the CC BY-NC-SA. See details at: https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses/

In areas where it snows, trucks plow snow and spread a special salt on the road. This helps melt the snow so that it is safe for drivers. When the trucks are not being used, they are kept in a truck yard. In this story, a night watchman named Tom finds a surprise visitor in the truck yard where he works. As you read, take notes on Tom's feelings towards Midnight. The material is distributed in accordance with the CC BY-NC-SA. See details at: https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses/

A bayou is an area of swampland found most commonly in the Southern United States. In this story, set in the Louisiana bayou, three bird friends make a tricky alligator look foolish. As you read, take notes on the birds’ actions throughout the story. The material is distributed in accordance with the CC BY-NC-SA. See details at: https://creativecommons.org/share-your-work/cclicenses/