Story Reading

This engaging literature worksheet supports students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 as they read and analyze the short story “The Midnight Wish.” Through close reading, interpretation, and thoughtful questioning, learners explore theme, character motivation, symbolism, plot development, and message while strengthening reading comprehension and literary analysis skills connected to hope, perseverance, and new beginnings.

Learning Goals

• Reading Literature: Theme and Character (Grades 4-6) – Helps students identify central themes and understand character choices and motivations.
• Comprehension and Interpretation – Builds the ability to analyze story meaning beyond surface-level details.
• Understanding Story Elements – Reinforces knowledge of plot, symbolism, and character development within a narrative.
• Social-Emotional Reflection – Encourages reflection on perseverance, courage, effort, and personal growth.

Instructional Benefits

• Teacher-Created Resource – Designed by educators to align with upper-elementary ELA standards.
• Engaging Narrative Text – Uses a relatable fictional story to make abstract themes accessible and meaningful.
• Discussion-Ready Questions – Supports class conversations, written responses, and deeper literary thinking.
• Flexible Use – Ideal for independent reading, guided instruction, small groups, or assessment in classroom or homeschool settings.

This printable worksheet helps students strengthen literary comprehension while reflecting on meaningful life lessons found in fiction. By analyzing theme, character motivation, and symbolism, learners deepen understanding of how stories convey messages about effort, courage, and hope. Whether used in a classroom or homeschool environment, this activity provides meaningful practice in reading literature, critical thinking, and thoughtful interpretation.

This worksheet is part of our New Year’s Day collection.