Grade 2 · Reading · Literature

2nd Grade Story Message and Lesson worksheets

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Story Message and Lesson

Grade 2 Reading Worksheet - Challenge Me

NameDate

Read the text. Circle the best answer.

Read this first
The Wind and the Sun
The North Wind and the Sun argued about who was stronger. Then a traveler walked by in a thick coat. "Let us see who can make him take it off," said the Sun.
The Wind blew hard and cold. The traveler only held his coat tighter. Then the Sun shone warm and gentle. The traveler grew hot, and he took his coat off. The Sun had won without any push at all.
1.
What is the message of this fable?
- Being gentle can work better than force.
- Strong winds are better than warm days.
- The loudest voice will always be the winner.
2.
Why did the traveler hold his coat tighter?
- The wind was blowing hard and cold.
- He thought the coat was getting wet.
- He was afraid the Sun would take it.
3.
Which action of the Sun shows the lesson?
- The Sun asked the Wind to blow.
- The Sun hid behind a big dark cloud.
- The Sun shone warm and gentle.
4.
What happened after the Sun shone on the traveler?
- He ran away to look for the cold Wind.
- He put on a second, warmer winter coat.
- He grew hot and took his coat off.

2nd Grade Story Message and Lesson worksheet 1 – printable PDF — Download PDF: 1 2 3 4 5 6

About this worksheet

Recounting a story and naming its central message asks second graders to look past one favorite detail and think about what the character's choices show. A fable about a tortoise and a hare, or a folktale about a hummingbird and a forest fire, teaches a lesson through what happens, not through a stated moral. This worksheet uses one fable or folktale, printed once above the four questions that use it, and asks students to name the lesson, connect an event to that lesson, state the main idea, choose a supporting detail, and reject a lesson the story does not support.

Encourage your child to ask what the character learned or showed through their actions, then check that the lesson fits every event, not just the ending. Watch for a child who names a moral from a different, familiar story instead of the lesson this story's own events actually support.

What your child will learn

Recount key story events
Determine a story's central message
Connect an event to a lesson
Reject a lesson the story does not support

Common Core standard: RL.2.2

Worked example

The tortoise keeps walking one slow step at a time and wins the race. The lesson is that slow and steady work can win.

Common mistake

Choosing a favorite detail instead of the lesson shown by the character's actions.

Helpful hint

Think about how the character's actions solved a problem.

Next skill: Story Structure Earlier: Reading Fluency

Questions parents ask

What is the most common mistake with story message and lesson?

Choosing a favorite detail instead of the lesson shown by the character's actions.

How can I help my child with story message and lesson?

Think about how the character's actions solved a problem.

Are these 2nd grade reading worksheets free to print?

Yes. All 6 printable versions on this page are free to download and print, with no account needed.

More 2nd grade literature

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