The Last Green Fern
Spike: Look at that green fern! It looks so yummy.
Tops: Stop right there, Spike! I saw that fern first.
Spike: No way, Tops! My big tail pointed at it first. I need a green snack.
Tops: My three horns saw it before your tail did! My tummy is making loud grumbles.
Spike: My tummy is grumbling even louder. Listen to it rumble!
Tops: I am very hungry. I walked all day in the hot sun to find green leaves.
Spike: (stomps feet) I walked all day too! The plates on my back need plant food.
Tops: Well, the big shield on my head needs food too. I must eat that last leafy plant!
Spike: (looks closely at the fern) Wait a minute, Tops. Look at the plant again.
Tops: What is it? Is there a bug on it?
Spike: No! It is very big. It has two huge branches.
Tops: You are right! It has lots of leaves on both sides.
Spike: I have a great idea. We do not need to fight. We can share it!
Tops: That is a smart plan. You take the left branch. I will take the right branch.
Spike: (munches happily) Crunch, crunch! This leaf is delicious.
Tops: (munches happily) Munch, munch! Sharing makes the fern taste even better.
Spike: Good dinosaurs always share their snacks!
- fern:
- A green plant with feathery leaves.
- grumbles:
- Low, rumbling sounds made by a hungry stomach.
- shield:
- A hard, broad part that protects the head or body.
- branches:
- Parts of a plant or tree that grow out from the main stem.
- delicious:
- Having a very pleasant and yummy taste.
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Main Idea
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Purpose
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Structure
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What plant did Spike and Tops both want to eat?
- 2Why did Tops think he should get the fern first?
About this reader's theater passage for Lower Elementary
“The Last Green Fern” is a reader's theater reading passage about Sharing, written for Lower Elementary. It takes about 1 minute to read (223 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.