Making connections 2

​Making Connections

By Elizabeth Whitehurst

​Types of connections:

• Text-to-Self: Something in the story reminds you of your life.

• Text-to-Text: Something reminds you of another book or story.

• Text-to-World: Something reminds you of something in the real world.

​Example:

​Olivia woke up early on Saturday morning. Today was her grandma’s birthday, and Olivia had helped plan a surprise party. She tiptoed into the kitchen where her mom was baking a chocolate cake. Olivia loved chocolate cake—it was her favorite! She thought about how happy Grandma would be when everyone shouted, “Surprise!” Later, Olivia helped hang colorful balloons and set the table. When Grandma walked in, her eyes widened, and she smiled from ear to ear. Olivia felt proud. The surprise had worked perfectly.

​Text-to-Self:
"This reminds me of when I helped plan my dad’s birthday party. I felt excited just like Olivia."

Text-to-Text:
"This is like the book Amelia Bedelia’s First Valentine, where Amelia plans something special for someone she cares about."

Text-to-World:
"People everywhere celebrate birthdays because it’s a way to show love and make someone feel special."

Emma was walking home from school when she heard a soft whimper. She looked around and saw a

small brown puppy hiding under a bush. Its fur was muddy, and it looked scared. Emma knelt down and

whispered, 'It’s okay, little guy.' The puppy wagged its tail but didn’t move. Emma remembered how her

family had adopted their cat last year. She knew the puppy needed help. Carefully, she picked it up and

carried it home. 'Mom! Look what I found!' Emma said. Her mom smiled and said, 'Let’s take care of

him and call the animal shelter.' Emma felt proud. She had helped a lost animal find safety.

Multiple Choice

What did Emma find under the bush?

• A kitten

• A Puppy

• A bird

• A rabbit

Multiple Choice

Which situation shows someone helping an animal or seeing one that needed help?

• Mia walked past a lost dog without stopping.

• Ava ignored a bird with a hurt wing.

• Liam gave water to a thirsty puppy he found in the park.

• Noah saw a cat in a tree and did nothing.

Multiple Choice

Which story is an example of someone caring for an animal?

• Charlotte’s Web – Charlotte helps save Wilbur the pig.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Greg writes about his school life.

• The Day the Crayons Quit – Crayons write letters to their owner.

• Captain Underpants – Two boys create a superhero.

Multiple Choice

Why do people help lost animals?

• Because they want pets

• Because animals can talk

• Because it is easy

• Because animals need care

​Liam moved to a new town and felt nervous about starting at a different school. On the first day, he sat

alone at lunch until a boy named Max asked if he wanted to play soccer. Liam smiled and joined the

game. Soon, he was laughing and running with his new classmates. Liam realized that making friends

wasn’t as hard as he thought.

Multiple Choice

What game did Max invite Liam to play?

• Basketball

• Tag

• Soccer

• Baseball

Multiple Choice

Which situation shows someone feeling nervous about meeting new people?

• Mia was excited to see her best friend at the park.

• Liam felt worried on his first day at a new school.

• Ava laughed with her cousins at a family party.

• Noah played soccer with his team like always.

Multiple Choice

Which story is an example of a character making a new friend?

• Captain Underpants – Two boys create a superhero but don’t meet new friends

• The Day the Crayons Quit – Crayons write letters to their owner.

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Greg spends most of his time alone.

• Charlotte’s Web – Wilbur becomes friends with Charlotte.

Multiple Choice

Why do people want friends?

• To share and have fun

• To win prizes

• To be alone

• To avoid school

​Sophie loved exploring the woods behind her house. Every weekend, she wandered among the tall trees, listening to the chirping birds and the rustle of leaves. One sunny afternoon, she noticed a narrow trail she had never seen before. It was partly hidden by branches, as if it were a secret waiting to be discovered. Sophie pushed the branches aside and stepped onto the path. The trail twisted and turned, leading her deeper into the forest. She felt a mix of excitement and curiosity.

Multiple Choice

What did Sophie find at the end of the trail?

• A pond

• A playground

• A treehouse

• A garden

Multiple Choice

Which situation shows someone discovering something new or exciting?

• Mia walked the same path she always takes and saw nothing different.

• Liam found a hidden trail in the woods and followed it to a pond.

• Ava stayed inside and watched her favorite TV show.

• Noah played the same video game he plays every day.

Multiple Choice

Which story is an example of a character exploring nature?

• Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Greg spends most of his time indoors.

• Charlotte’s Web – Charlotte spins webs in a barn.

• Hatchet – Brian survives in the wilderness after a plane crash.

• The Day the Crayons Quit – Crayons write letters to their owner.

Multiple Choice

Why do people enjoy exploring new places?

• To learn and discover

• To get lost

• To avoid friends

• To find treasure