Short Story Adventures
Explore the elements of a short story with this engaging worksheet for 3rd graders, focusing on characters, setting, plot, and theme.
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Short Story Adventures
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Read the short story below and answer the questions that follow. Pay close attention to the characters, setting, and what happens in the story.
The Little Bear Who Lost His Roar
Barnaby was a small, fluffy bear who lived deep in the Whispering Woods. Every morning, he loved to wake up with a big, loud ROAR! But one sunny Tuesday, Barnaby woke up and opened his mouth, and nothing came out. Not even a squeak! He tried again, pushing with all his might, but his roar was gone. Barnaby felt a little tear roll down his cheek. How could a bear be a bear without a roar?
He decided to ask his friends for help. First, he found wise old Owl perched on an oak tree. "Hoo-hoo, Barnaby, what's wrong?" asked Owl. Barnaby tried to explain, but all that came out was a tiny puff of air. Owl thought for a moment. "Perhaps your roar is shy. Try finding something that makes you feel very brave!" he suggested.
Next, Barnaby met speedy Squirrel, who was burying nuts. "You look sad, Barnaby!" chirped Squirrel. Barnaby showed him his roar-less mouth. Squirrel giggled. "Maybe your roar is hiding! Try looking in all your favorite places!" Barnaby went to his favorite berry bush, his cozy cave, and even the sparkly stream, but no roar. Finally, he saw a tiny butterfly caught in a spiderweb. Barnaby felt a surge of courage. He gently nudged the web with his paw, freeing the butterfly. As it fluttered away, a tiny sound escaped Barnaby's mouth. He tried again, a little louder this time. ROAR! His roar was back! It wasn't the biggest roar, but it was his.
1. Where did Barnaby the bear live?
In a big city
In the Whispering Woods
On a farm
By the ocean
2. What was Barnaby's problem?
He lost his berries.
He couldn't find his friends.
He lost his roar.
He was too sleepy.
3. Who were Barnaby's friends that he asked for help?
4. What did Barnaby do that helped him get his roar back?
5. The main character in this story is .
6. The story takes place in the .
7. Barnaby was a very big bear.
True
False
8. Owl told Barnaby to look for his roar in his favorite places.
True
False
9. Think of a time you felt brave. Write a short story about it. Remember to include a main character, a setting, a problem, and how the problem is solved.