Here is a collection of passages that can help students learn to understand what they read. We high-interest have articles, poems, and fiction stories with comprehension questions. These passages are written specifically for a second grade level, although each students' actual reading level will vary.
Fiction
Superhero Joey FreeJoey is dressed up as a superhero and all set to attend a party. Will his costume win first prize? Read the story and write the answers to the comprehension questions.
Airplane Trip FreeJake is going on his first plane trip, and he's telling everyone all about it, even his stuffed panda. Will he enjoy flying?
The Spider Web MemberWhile racing her brother, Nina runs right into a spider web. Nina thinks a monstrous spider has landed on her. Do they find the spider? And who wins the race?
Blessie Bakes MemberBlessie and her mother make brownies for a bake sale.
The Bat MemberA girl chases a bat across her backyard and tried to discover where it lives. Students read the story and then complete the check-for-understanding questions.
Sock Puppet MemberMax, Pops, and Gram work together to build sock puppets so they can put on a puppet show.
Dave's Beans MemberDave's mother gives him some bean seeds to plant. What does he do to make them grow?
Aunt Lee's Chickens Take a Bath MemberHow does a chicken take a bath? Read this cute story to find out.
Aunt Lee's 101 New Pets MemberHow does a chicken take a bath? Read this cute story to find out.
Jimmy's Treasure MemberJimmy discovers a treasure in his own backyard! Students read the story and then complete the check-for-understanding questions.
Emily's Harvest MemberEmily's animal neighbors enjoy most of her garden harvest, but Emily thinks up a spicy ending to the growing season.
Family Dinner MemberA family helps each other as they prepare for dinner. Students read the passage and check their understanding by answering the questions that follow.
Earning Money MemberSeveral friends earn money by shoveling snow for their neighbors. Read the passage and answer the comprehension questions that follow.
First Place Katy MemberKaty is always in a hurry. In this story, Katy learns that first isn't always the best.
The Twins MemberEven though they look alike, these twins are very different people. Students will learn to compare and contrast characters.
Where's Alex? MemberEmma and her brother Alex are playing Hide-and-Seek. Emma searches for Alex but can't find him anywhere. Where could Alex be?
Spotless Ladybug MemberWhat happened to Ladybug's spots? Join Ladybug, Bee, Ant, and Spider as they search for the missing spots.
Robot Fun MemberJen can't play because she has to clean her room, but her brother turns it into a fun game.
I Am Who I Am (Fable) MemberA mole is burying his food in the ground, but his animal friends don't seem to understand why.
Rock Collecting MemberJill is a rock collector who is afraid to pick up rocks with bugs on them. Her fearless brother Ben follows her around and makes a collection of his own.
Lunch Box Surprise MemberKate and Will eat lunch together. Will finds an unusual surprise in his lunchbox. Hint: It's black and white and smells like flowers.
Where's Kitty? MemberAnna's Kitty has gone missing. Where will she find her?
Making Cookies MemberLibby is watching her brother Max make cookies. She wants to help, but Max says she's too little. Max soon discovers that Libby really IS a big help in the kitchen.
Pet Store MemberFind out what happens when a family of four goes into a pet store and cannot agree of the perfect pet.
Homework MemberJim loves reading and Meg loves math, so they find a way to help each other.
Jennifer's Birthday Party MemberIt's Jennifer's 8th birthday! Read about her birthday party and answer the questions.
It All Adds Up MemberWhile they walk home from school, Jake teaches his younger brother Ben a secret for adding big numbers.
Readers' Theater
Maisy's Piggy Bank MemberAn entertaining readers' theater about a girl who earns money and saves up for a purple basketball.
Poems
Junk Art (Poem) MemberCreate art from junk you have around the house; Cute, fun poem for crafty kids
Snowy School Day (Poem) MemberIt's windy and cold morning when Mr. Steve pulls up with the big yellow school bus.
In Summer (Poem) MemberA young child enjoys the summer. Read the poem and answer the questions.
First Day of School (Poem) MemberA nervous girl walks into her new classroom for the first time.
Problem Solved (Poem) FreeA boy's sister is following him all over the house and chasing him up and down stairs. How will he solve his problem?
Snakes (Poem) MemberSnakes glide from side to side, and use their tongues to pick up scents in the air.
Reading Forever (Poem) MemberShort poem about someone who enjoys reading all different kinds of books.
Non-Fiction
Elephants (Non-Fiction) MemberLearn about elephants' trunks, teeth, and tusks.
Tulips (Non-Fiction) MemberLearn all about the springtime tulips that grow in your garden.
Short Passages
The Big Egg (Short) MemberSam is collecting eggs in the hen house, but one egg seems a little strange.
Killer Whales (Short) MemberAnother quick-read with facts and questions about orcas.
Cheetahs (Short) MemberStudents read a short, non-fiction paragraph about cheetahs and answer the questions that follow.
Compare & Contrast
Bananas and Pineapples (Compare & Contrast) MemberLearn how bananas and pineapples are similar and different.
Beach and Mountains (Compare & Contrast) MemberCompare and contrast a vacation at the beach to a vacation in the mountains.
Tall Mary & Short Harry (Compare & Contrast) MemberRead this cute story of two very different friends. Then, compare and contrast the two characters
Reading Skills
Main Idea Worksheet MemberRead the paragraphs and choose the main ideas.
More Reading Comprehension:
Third Grade Reading Comprehension WorksheetsFiction stories, expository articles, and poems for practicing third grade reading skills
Fourth Grade Reading Comprehension WorksheetsFourth grade reading comprehension worksheets include stories, poems, and non-fiction articles
Fifth Grade Reading Comprehension WorksheetsPoems, stories, and articles for mastering fifth grade reading skills
Literature Circle and Book Club WorksheetsReading worksheets, book bingo, and literature circle role sheets
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