Biomes Unit - Differentiated Paper and Digital Nonfiction Reading Passages

These biomes reading passages are a must have for differentiation within distance learning, a plants unit, or working on nonfiction reading skills. They include everything you need to work on building vocabulary and comprehension skills with your students! Biomes differentiated reading passages (3 levels each) allow you to meet the needs of all students to ensure complete understanding of the content. Reading passages are available in a paper and paperless format (the biomes interactive organizer crafts are only in the paper version). Take a look at the product preview for a closer look!

All follow-up activities are thoughtfully aligned to the ELA Common Core for Grades 3-6. Reading levels on the passages range from Grade Level Equivalents of 2.5 to 5.5.

PAPER VERSION - WHAT'S INCLUDED:

Plants Differentiated Reading Passages (6 Topics)

Biomes Reading Passages: (16 total)

-“All About Biomes” Introduction (1)

-“All About the Aquatic Biome” (3 Passages, 3 Pages each)

-“All About the Desert Biome” (3 Passages, 2 Pages each)

-“All About the Grassland Biome” (3 Passages, 2 Pages each)

-“All About the Tundra Biome” (3 Passages, 1 Page each)

-“All About the Forest Biome” (3 Passages, 3 Pages each)

Student Materials for Each Passage:

• Vocabulary Preview Charts: Included are 2 options with vocabulary terms only or a chart with the image & definition filled-in.

• Finding Text Evidence: Students color code text evidence in the passage and then write a written response in their own words.

• Graphic Organizer: This is perfect for note-taking and comprehension follow up. The format varies by biome.

• Caption It! Students match images to their captions in a cut and glue activity.

• Using Text Features: Students sort the text feature from the passage onto a graphic organizer and explain its purpose and how it is helpful to the reader.

• Vocabulary Crossword

• Interactive Graphic Organizer: Cut, glue, fold, and write! Students fill in information about each biome's sub-biomes into a 2 page interactive graphic organizer.

• Sub-biomes Venn Diagrams: Students compare and contrast the sub-biomes of each major biome (i.e. arctic vs. alpine tundra).

Also Includes:

• Compare & Contrast Venn Diagrams: (3) Students organize information from the passages to fill in Venn Diagrams comparing the major biomes.

• Using Text Evidence: This is an activity where students pack a hypothetical suitcase to bring to a biome. “I’m going to the _____ biome and I need to bring…”

• Research Extension: This is a graphic organizer for students to research plant and animal adaptations for a biome.

• Biomes Sort: Students cut and paste information about each biome onto a sorting mat.

• Biomes Picture Dictionary: This works well as a cumulative writing piece after reading about each biome.

• Blank Copies of all Activity Templates: These blank templates provide instructional flexibility.

PAPERLESS VERSION for Google Slides™– WHAT’S INCLUDED:

Each Plants Topic (6):

Teachers receive 3 Links for each of the 3 Leveled Reading Passages

FOR EACH READING LEVEL:

• Vocabulary Preview: Students drag and drop the definition for vocabulary words next to the word and an accompanying visual.

• Finding Text Evidence:

-First, students place a highlighted text shape over the text evidence found in the passage for each question.

-Next, Students fill in a text box in a short answer format for each of the questions.

•Graphic Organizer: Students fill in text boxes of a graphic organizer using the information from the passage (i.e. climate, soil type, plants & animals, etc.).

•Caption It!: Students use what they have learned to drag and drop appropriate captions for each image.

•Crossword: This is a review of the vocabulary and important information from the text.

•Sub-biomes Compare & Contrast:  Students compare and contrast the sub-biomes within each major biome (i.e. arctic vs. alpine tundra).

ALL differentiated reading passages are hugely discounted in the Digital & Paper Differentiated Reading Passages Megabundle!