The Waterfall

Which statement is the theme of the text?

• Spending time with family is the best way to celebrate.

  
  

• People should be careful, even if they are brave.

  
  

• Children should stay calm in scary situations.

  
  

• Annoying people are best left at home.

  
  

How do John and Nelson act differently when John nearly goes over the waterfall?

• John is calm most of the time, and Nelson is unsure about how to help him.

  
  

• John is upset at the adults for not helping him, and Nelson is trying to stop him.

  
  

• John is scared of going over the waterfall, and Nelson stays calm while saving him.

  
  

• John is mad at himself for being careless, and Nelson does not know what to do next.

  
  

How do John’s emotions change from the beginning of the text to the end?

• He was nervous and excited about hiking, but then felt lucky and happy about going to Midnight Hole.

  
  

• He was freezing and unhappy because the water was cold, but then became stuck and scared in the waterfall.

  
  

• He was excited and happy about the trip, but became scared by the waterfall and felt lucky when he was safe.

  
  

• He was impatient and restless about hiking with his family, but then became calm and confident when he jumped over the falls.

  
  

About which event do the characters have similar feelings?

• The water is freezing, and no one wants to play in it.

• Sam is a pest, and the others are happy he is with Grandma.

• Everyone was scared that John almost went over the waterfall.

• Jumping into Midnight Hole from the high rocks was the best part of the day.

Which statement explains how John’s experience supports the theme of the text?

• The group waits for Mom to calm down after John’s exciting experience.

• The group jumps in Midnight Hole again after John’s exciting experience.

• After John’s scary experience, he is more careful and enjoys a few more jumps.

• After John’s scary experience, Nelson needs comfort to jump in Midnight Hole again.

Which explains how John and Nelson felt about jumping off the rocks into the deep water?

• Nelson jumped off the rocks right away, but John waited until last to jump because he was a little nervous.

• John and Nelson were both nervous about jumping off the rocks because they were higher than they looked.

  
  

• John and Nelson waited for the adults to jump off the rocks first before they took their turn.

• John jumped off the rocks and waited patiently for Nelson to jump next.

  
  

How does the quote below support the theme?

 “He stepped into the river, not noticing how close he was to the waterfall.”

• by showing the importance of being cautious in situations that can be dangerous

  
  

• by describing the negative results of attempting to solve a problem without help

  
  

• by showing the danger of trying new experiences without enough preparation

  
  

• by describing the negative results of taking a risk without planning ahead