Preview the Story

I can notice story features, make a prediction, and use evidence.

Set a Purpose

Choose one frame and finish the sentence.

I will read to find out... __________________________________________

I will pay attention to how... _____________________________________

I want to learn why... ____________________________________________

Read: “The Light in the Window”

Optional: This text may be read aloud or used with text-to-speech. You may follow along silently.

On the first night of the power outage, Maya noticed a small light in the empty house across the street. The house had been closed for years. Its windows were dusty, and weeds covered the front steps.

“That is strange,” Maya said.

Her little brother, Luis, pressed his face to the window. “Maybe someone is inside.”

Maya wanted to call an adult, but the neighborhood was dark and quiet. Then she saw the light blink three times. It stopped. A minute later, it blinked three more times.

“It looks like a signal,” Maya said. She remembered that the old house belonged to Mr. Chen, a neighbor who had moved away. Mr. Chen had once taught Maya how to fix a bicycle chain.

Maya and Luis walked to their mother’s room and told her what they had seen. Their mother called the fire department. Soon, a firefighter arrived with a flashlight. He checked the house and found a small battery-powered lamp near the window. Beside it was a note from Mr. Chen.

The note said that Mr. Chen had hidden a spare key for the new owners. The blinking lamp was part of a timer, not a signal. He had set it before leaving and forgotten about it.

Maya laughed with relief. Her prediction had changed, but her careful noticing had helped solve the mystery.

Think Back

Success criteria: I identified the title. I made a prediction using a detail. I stated a purpose for reading. I used a story detail in my thinking.

Support: You may reread, listen to the story, use text-to-speech, talk with a partner, or tell your answer to an adult who can write it down.

Extension: Write two new questions you could ask before reading another story. Which question would help you find the strongest evidence?