Looking for a hi-lo reading passage for older struggling readers that keeps the text accessible without lowering the level of thinking? The Beavers That Fell From the Sky tells the bizarre true story of the 1948 plan to parachute beavers into the Idaho wilderness. The passage has a Flesch-Kincaid reading level of 3.6 and is designed with older students in mind.

This resource goes beyond a passage and comprehension questions. Students can work with problem-solution text structure, evidence-based responses, scaffolded writing, word work, and optional video connections. Teachers can use the core lesson on its own or extend the reading across multiple lessons.

What's Included

• 2-page hi-lo informational passage

• Reading comprehension questions + answer key

• Two levels of scaffolded evidence-based writing support

• Problem-solution and sequencing activities

• Word work with morphology, spelling patterns, vocabulary, contractions, and more

• Text-structure and author’s craft extensions

• Two optional Watch & Connect video activities

• Teacher guide with flexible lesson pathways

The extension activities are built directly from the passage, so students can strengthen reading comprehension while also working with morphology, vocabulary, sentence structure, sequencing, problem-solution relationships, and evidence.

Use it for reading intervention, special education reading support, small-group instruction, or independent practice. Students don't need to complete every activity. Choose the pathway and supports that match your instructional goal and your students’ needs.