Vermont Grade 1 English

Answer Questions about Story Details

Ask and answer questions about key story details. Use the original reading below to discuss a particular skill, then apply that reasoning to a fuller classroom text.

Curriculum reference: Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy, June 2010 edition, from the Vermont English language arts standards page.

Vermont Grade 1 references for this activity

The Vermont Agency of Education identifies the Common Core State Standards for K–12 English language arts. The linked CCSS edition lists separate grade reading requirements, including Grade 1. The agency also identifies Vermont Early Learning Standards for prekindergarten through Grade 3. Read the complete standards and the school’s curriculum sequence. This original example selects one reading focus; it does not fulfill the complete curriculum.

These selected reference labels identify an activity focus, with the correct grade and PDF page linked separately. Read the complete standards selected by the school and its learning sequence, including reading, writing, language, speaking, and listening. This short original example does not fulfill the entire curriculum or establish a student’s grade-level proficiency.

The lost mitten

This original classroom example is separate from official assessment questions.

Nell looked for her red mitten. She checked under the bench, but it was not there. Her brother lifted the blue scarf on the chair. The mitten was beneath the scarf. Nell put it beside her other mitten.

Try the activity

Where does Nell first look? Where is the mitten found? Ask one more question that the story answers. Does it tell who put the mitten there?

Follow the reasoning

Nell first looks under the bench. The mitten is found beneath the scarf on the chair, so the place she checks first is different from the place where it is found. A reader can point to each sentence instead of relying on a guess about where mittens usually go. Another answerable question is “Who lifts the scarf?”; the words identify Nell’s brother. The story does not say who put the mitten under the scarf. Ask and answer a question together, then let the child choose a different key detail and form a question about it.

Notice what needs more practice

The story is invented. It does not establish that the brother hid the mitten or that Nell lost both mittens. Reading aloud is appropriate when the child needs support; keep the answer connected to the supplied words.

Use the next session to build independence

1. Listen to or read the complete short story.
2. Locate the detail that answers a particular question.
3. Ask a different question and check whether the story answers it.

Choose another short teacher-selected story. Ask and answer questions about its important events and details. Include one question the text leaves open so that the child can distinguish information from a guess.

For more general reading and writing resources, visit the Grade 1 English Online Center.

Vermont Grade 1 English: useful planning questions

Can a sensible guess replace a detail from the story?

A guess may be possible, but it should be named as a guess. An answer about what the story says needs support from the actual words.

Which standards does the school use?

The Vermont Agency of Education identifies the Common Core State Standards for K–12 English language arts. The linked CCSS edition lists separate grade reading requirements, including Grade 1. The agency also identifies Vermont Early Learning Standards for prekindergarten through Grade 3. Read the complete standards and the school’s curriculum sequence. This original example selects one reading focus; it does not fulfill the complete curriculum. The school’s sequence also includes reading, writing, speaking, listening, and language work beyond this example.