New Beginnings

This reading comprehension worksheet supports students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 as they practice close reading, inference, emotional awareness, and evidence-based responses through a historical fiction passage set at Ellis Island. By following an immigrant’s arrival story, students identify key details, analyze emotional tone, and connect personal experiences to historical context while strengthening fluency and thoughtful comprehension.

Learning Goals

• Reading Comprehension (Grades 4-6) – Identify important details and events from a historical fiction text.
• Inferring Emotional Tone – Analyze word choice and actions to understand feelings such as hope, fear, and courage.
• Evidence-Based Responses – Answer questions using specific examples from the text.
• Historical & Cultural Understanding – Develop empathy for immigrant experiences during Ellis Island arrivals.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper elementary ELA and social studies standards.
• Engaging Historical Fiction – Narrative format helps students emotionally connect to historical content.
• Short-Answer Practice – Encourages clear, text-supported responses without overwhelming writing demands.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for independent reading, small groups, discussion starters, or comprehension assessment.

This printable worksheet helps students strengthen reading comprehension, inference, and empathy by exploring an immigrant’s journey through story. By combining historical context with emotional reflection, learners gain deeper understanding of Ellis Island experiences while practicing essential literacy skills. It’s a meaningful, no-prep resource that works well in both classroom instruction and homeschool learning.

This worksheet is part of our Immigration and Ellis Island collection.