📚 WALT: We Are Learning To

Today we are learning to:

• Understand and comprehend a text about an endangered species
• Answer comprehension questions to demonstrate understanding
• Form opinions based on the text and discuss ideas

🎯 Success Criteria

I can:

• Read the passage and identify at least 3 important facts about the endangered species
• Answer comprehension questions in complete sentences
• Explain why it is important to protect endangered animals

📖 Reading Passage: The Leadbeater's Possum

Paragraph 1:
The Leadbeater's possum is a small, furry marsupial found only in Victoria's mountain ash forests. This tiny animal, no bigger than a guinea pig, has grey-brown fur and a distinctive black stripe down its back. It was once thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 1961. The Leadbeater's possum is Victoria's state animal emblem.

Paragraph 2:
These possums need very specific habitat to survive. They live in old mountain ash trees that are at least 150 years old, using the tree hollows for shelter and nesting. The possums eat insects, tree sap, and nectar. Unfortunately, bushfires and logging have destroyed much of their forest home, leaving fewer than 2,000 of these animals in the wild.

Paragraph 3:
Conservation groups and the Victorian government are working hard to protect the remaining Leadbeater's possums. They have created protected areas where logging is banned and are planting new trees for future generations. Scientists are also monitoring the population and studying their behaviour to better understand how to help them survive.

🤔 Comprehension Questions

Trees that are at least _________ years old with _________ for shelter.