Reading Lesson Plan · Grades 1–3
The Circus — Reading Comprehension Lesson
Students read a short story about Mike and Emily visiting the circus, then answer comprehension questions about characters, events, and story details.
Subject
Reading
Grades
Grades 1–3
Skill Focus
reading comprehension, story details, prediction
Lesson Length
30–45 minutes
Lesson Overview
About This Reading Comprehension Worksheet
This 3-page reading comprehension worksheet features a short fiction story called “The Circus.” Mike and Emily are excited when the circus comes to town. They clean their rooms so they can go, then watch performers including a bear on a motorcycle, ten clowns from a tiny car, and trained dogs — before getting called up to help with an act.
After reading the passage, students answer multiple-choice and open-response questions covering character relationships, story sequence, and prediction. An answer key is included on the final page.
Recommended for Grades 1–3. Suitable for individual reading, guided reading groups, or a literacy center activity.
How to Use This Lesson
Print the reading passage and distribute to students.
Students read the story independently or with a partner.
Students complete the comprehension questions on page 2.
Review answers as a class using the answer key on page 3.
Printable Resource
A classroom-ready PDF with everything in one printable resource.
Full Member Resource · Printable PDF · 3 pages
The Circus Reading Comprehension Worksheet
Download a 3-page printable with a fiction reading passage, comprehension questions, and answer key.
Keep Exploring Reading
Related Worksheets
More for Grades 1–3Butterflies Reading Comprehension Worksheet (Standard) · Community Helpers Reading Comprehension Worksheet (Standard) · From Seed to Plant Reading Comprehension Worksheet (Standard) · From Wheat to Bread Reading Comprehension Worksheet (Standard) · Honey Bees Reading Comprehension Worksheet (Standard) · Plants Need Sunlight Reading Comprehension Worksheet (Standard)