Finding the Central Message
A worksheet for second graders to practice identifying the central message or moral of a story.
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Finding the Central Message
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Read each story carefully. Then, answer the questions to find the central message of the story.
Story 1: The Little Seed
Once there was a tiny seed. It was too scared to grow. All its friends were growing into big, beautiful plants. 'What if I'm not strong enough?' thought the little seed. A wise old oak tree saw the seed's worry. 'Little seed,' it rustled, 'every big tree started as a tiny seed. You just need to try.' The little seed took a deep breath, pushed its roots down, and its stem up. Soon, it was a lovely flower.
1. What was the little seed afraid of? The little seed was afraid that it was .
2. What advice did the wise old oak tree give? The oak tree told the seed that .
3. What is the central message of 'The Little Seed'?
Seeds need a lot of water to grow.
It's important to try new things, even if you are scared.
Oak trees are the wisest trees in the forest.
Flowers are more beautiful than trees.
Story 2: The Lost Kite
Leo loved his new red kite. One windy afternoon, he flew it high in the sky. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind pulled the string from his hand! The kite flew far away. Leo was very sad. He looked everywhere for his kite. His mom told him, 'Sometimes, things get lost. But if you keep looking, you might find them, or you might find something new to enjoy.' Leo kept looking. He didn't find his kite, but he found a beautiful feather, and then he made a new friend who taught him how to build a paper airplane.
4. What happened to Leo's kite?
5. What did Leo find when he kept looking?
6. The central message of 'The Lost Kite' is that you should never let go of your kite.
True
False
7. The central message of 'The Lost Kite' is that even when things go wrong, you can find new joys.
True
False