Find the theme!

Mary knew better. She was prepared to give a long story about how she had lost the money. She had also invented a story about a big dog chasing her, causing her to lose it. Her mind was racing as she opened the door to her house.

"Please put the change on the table," her mom requested. "Mom," Mary stated, "I...I..."

She could not bring herself to lie. "I spent it on candy," Mary admitted. Mary's mom looked at her in disbelief. Then she smiled slightly. "Thank you for being honest," she stated. "Honesty is evidence of good character.

• Don't judge a book by its cover.

• Have the courage to be honest.

• Have faith in yourself.

• Persevere when things get hard.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.3

Tina's trainer was in awe of her dedication. She was now 10 hours into her training, and she was still going strong. She wasn't there yet, but her tumbling routine was getting better and better. After the last rotation, she turned and looked at her trainer.

"Ready to call it quits?" her trainer asked.

"Not until I flawlessly complete this routine," Tina replied.

Her trainer nodded in agreement, and before she could reply, Tina was already tumbling across the mat.

• Never give up on something that is important to you.

• Friends can easily be bought with material objects

• Honesty is the best policy.

• Don't judge a book by its cover.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.3

Finally, the state fair was here. We sprinted toward the entrance, but the length of the line stopped us in our tracks.

"This is ridiculous," one lady said to the ticket attendant. "Where's your supervisor?" another man asked. I could see the attendant getting flustered. I stepped t o the side and addressed the crowd.

"I'm sure it won't take long to get in. Let's be patient and be a good example for the children." I said. I could feel the ticket attendant's sense of relief.

• Work hard for what you want.

• Practice makes better.

• Don't do what others are doing if it is wrong or rude.

• Put others before you put yourself.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.3

My legs felt like spaghetti, and my eyes had dumbbells on them. The 12-hour shift had drained my energy. I stumbled into my apartment, took a shower and collapsed on the bed.

"I don't think I can keep doing this," I whispered. "Is this really worth it?"

I looked toward my mirror and there it was. The shiny black car seemed to be glaring at me. I sighed. Only 54 more hours at the restaurant, and it would be mine. This work definitely will be worth it!

• Work hard for what you want.

• Kindness is essential.

• Practice makes perfect.

• Have the courage to be honest.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.3

I thought I was invincible. Who else could run 100 yards in 20 seconds? The track meet was next weekend and feeling confident in my ability, I didn't practice at all. I spent the week enjoying fast food. Then the morning of the meet arrived.

"Let's go guys," the coach yelled. "Get out there on the track and get set." I ran to take my position. We all crouched down and waited for the bell. As soon as it sounded, I took off! Guys were passing me on the left and right. My confidence faded into last place.

• You're never too small to make a difference.

• Have faith in yourself.

• Never give up!

• If you don't practice, you may hurt your skills.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.3

Maddie was upset when the other birds left her behind, but Jessica pledged to stay by her side. Maddie needed more time to develop her wings. She practiced her flying skills daily, and Jessica was right there beside her.

"Keep going, Maddie." Jessica said. "You can do it." Maddie could fly farther and farther every day, and they celebrated each milestone. Before long, she was ready to leave. As Jessica and Maddie flew north, their smiles illuminated the sky.

• It's better to work alone than with a team.

• Practice makes perfect.

• Friends can easily be bought with material objects.

• Going along with the crowd is necessary sometimes.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.3

Mia was excited to have dinner with her friends. She hadn't seen them in months! As she drove to the restaurant, she noticed a long line outside of the local soup kitchen. It was cold and the people were shivering. Mia couldn't overlook the distress on their faces. She stopped and went inside the building. To her amazement, there were only two people serving food.

"Looks like you all could use a hand," she stated. "Yes, ma'am," one of the gentleman replied. "Four of our volunteers didn't show up today." "What a shame!" Mia exclaimed. "Where can I find some gloves?"

• Don't count your chickens before the hatch.

• Have the courage to be honest.

• Put others before yourself!

• Persistence pays off!

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.3

Theodore and his family could hear the chainsaws getting closer and closer. The forest was disappearing, and they knew why. Many of the bees had lost their home and Theodore's family was next. The bees pondered over what could be done. They met with all of the bees in the forest and decided to band together to send a message to the lumberjacks. When the lumberjacks arrived the next morning, they couldn't believe their eyes. There were hundreds of bees gathered together against the blue sky. Their message read, "STOP STEALING OUR HOMES!" Horrified of this display, the lumberjacks retreated.

• Hard work pays off.

• You're never too small to make a big difference.

• Have faith in yourself.

• Don't judge a book by its cover.

Tags

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.4.2

CCSS.RL.4.3