Overview
This is a self-contained, no-technology substitute packet for Grade 5. Students read an
original short story, "The Seed Jar," then find its theme (the lesson), notice how
the main character's feelings change, and write a short summary using details.
Working alone with a pencil, students predict from the title, read the story, put the plot
in order (beginning–middle–end), pick the detail that best shows the theme, and write a
one-sentence theme plus a 3–4 sentence summary. Every question can be answered directly
from the printed story, and the story can be read aloud.
Accessible version of the student activity
The full student activity, including the complete story, is reproduced below in plain,
screen-reader-friendly HTML. It reflows on phones and at 200% zoom. Write your answers on
the printed packet.
Start (5 minutes) — Notice & Predict
- The story is called "The Seed Jar." From the title, write one thing you notice and
one thing you predict the story is about.
- A theme is the big idea or lesson of a story — not just what happens. Name one lesson
you have learned from a book, show, or real life.
Build (10 minutes) — Read the story
Words to know (from the story)
- patient
- calm and willing to wait.
- sprout
- a tiny new plant just starting to grow.
- gloomy
- sad or without hope.
- proud
- happy about something you did well.
"The Seed Jar" — an original short story
Paragraph 1. Rosa did not like waiting. When Grandpa handed her a jar of bean
seeds and a small pot, she frowned. "How long until it grows?" she asked. "Be patient,"
Grandpa said with a smile. But patient was not a word Rosa liked.
Paragraph 2. Rosa planted one bean, watered it, and set the pot on the
windowsill. The next morning she ran to look. Nothing. Just dark dirt. She felt gloomy.
"It's broken," she said, and she almost dumped the pot in the trash.
Paragraph 3. "Growing things takes time you can't see," Grandpa said. "The seed
is working under the dirt, even when you think nothing is happening." Rosa was not sure
she believed him. She wanted the plant to hurry. But she kept watering the pot every
morning before school and every night before bed. Some days she wanted to quit and do
something more fun. Still, she did not throw the pot away.
Paragraph 4. On the sixth day, a tiny green sprout pushed up through the dirt.
Rosa gasped and leaned close. It was small and bent, but it was alive. She had almost
given up on it, and here it was, reaching for the light. She watered it very gently and
told Grandpa the good news.
Paragraph 5. By the end of the month, the bean plant was tall enough to lean on
a stick. Rosa showed it to Grandpa and felt proud. "You were right," she said. "The best
part was waiting," Grandpa answered. Rosa did not fully agree — but now she knew that good
things could grow slowly, and she could wait for them.
- In paragraph 1, how does Rosa feel about waiting? Use a detail from the story.
Apply (15 minutes) — Read closely
- Beginning, middle, end: Write what happens in each part of the story. Keep it short.
- Feelings change: Write how Rosa feels at the beginning and at the end, each with a
detail and a paragraph number.
- Theme: What lesson does Rosa learn by the end of the story? Write it as a full sentence.
- Which detail shows the theme best? Choose one.
- A. "Rosa did not like waiting."
- B. "She kept watering the pot every day. Some days she wanted to quit."
- C. "Just dark dirt."
- D. "Grandpa handed her a jar of bean seeds and a small pot."
Then (7b) tell in one sentence why that detail shows the lesson.
Explain (10 minutes) — Write your theme & summary
Question 8. Write the theme in one sentence. Then write a 3 to 4 sentence summary
of the story using details. A summary tells the most important parts — you do not need every
little thing. Finish by telling how your details show the theme.
You may start your sentences with: "The theme is…"; "First,…"; "Then,…"; "At the end,…";
"This shows the theme because…"
Close (5 minutes) — ACE
- Answer: say the lesson of "The Seed Jar" in your own words, in one sentence.
- Cite: name one paragraph where you can see that lesson happening.
- Extend: tell about a time you had to wait or keep trying for something.
Continue (optional, ~15 minutes) — Early finisher
Draw your favorite moment from the story on the back of the page. Then write a
one-sentence caption that tells what is happening and why you like it.
Turn in
Hand in the whole packet with your name, class, and date, with questions 1–8 and the ACE
box done. Include the optional drawing if you did it.