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Reading Comprehension - Legends

Free printable traditional legends and informational texts from the Native American and Indigenous People cultures. Read and test comprehension online or print and use offline as a worksheet. Recommended level: 3rd or 4th Grade and up

How Turtle Flew South for the Winter

A Native American Sioux Legend

Turtle was walking around through the fallen leaves when he saw many birds gather together.

"What's happening?" asked Turtle.

"We’re going to fly south for the winter. Summer lives there all of the time and there’s plenty of food."

"Can I come with you?" Turtle asked.

"No," said the birds. "Turtles can’t fly!"

But Turtle would not give up. He begged and begged. Finally, the birds agreed.

"Put this stick in your mouth and hold on tight. These two birds here will each grab one end of it and carry you along. But remember, keep your mouth shut tight around the stick!"

Turtle had never been so high off the ground and wanted to ask about all the lakes and hills below. He tried to move his legs and make some noise so the birds would pay attention to him.

Turtle finally lost his temper and started to shout, "Listen to me!"

Oops! When shouting, Turtle opened his mouth and lost his grip on the stick. He fell down a long way. To protect himself, he pulled his head and legs inside his shell. He landed with a thump and cracked his shell. He crawled into a pond, swam to the bottom and dug into the mud as far away from the sky as he could get. Then, he fell asleep and slept all through the winter.

From that day on, only birds fly south for the winter. Turtles stay safe on the ground and sleep.

Source: wordville.com/ReadingComp/XS4TurtleSouth.html How Turtle Flew South for the Winter
©Courseware Solutions  Wordville.com for Fun English Language Arts Learning

How do you know that this story happens in late fall?
The leaves have fallen from the trees.
The birds are flying south.
Both are true.
Both are true. Why do the birds fly south for the winter?
They can't walk in the snow.
It's warmer and there's more food.
Their feathers freeze in winter.
It's warmer and there's more food. How was Turtle able to fly?
He hung on to a bird's wing.
He flapped his legs.
He closed his mouth around a stick held by two birds.
He closed his mouth around a stick held by two birds. Why did Turtle fall?
He opened his mouth to speak and lost his grip on the stick.
The birds dropped him.
He flipped over.
He opened his mouth to speak and lost his grip on the stick. Why was Turtle trying to get the birds' attention?
He was afraid of flying.
He wanted to stop.
He wanted to ask the birds about what he saw below.
He wanted to ask the birds about what he saw below. How did Turtle try to protect himself when he fell?
He tried to land in a pile of leaves.
He pulled his head and legs inside his shell.
He turned over on his back.
He pulled his head and legs inside his shell. How long did Turtle sleep?
all night
2 days
all winter
all winter


©Courseware Solutions   Wordville.com for Fun English Language Arts Learning




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