📚 Part 1: Read and Understand

The Garden Helpers

On the first warm Saturday in May, Ms. Chen’s Grade 4 class gathered behind the school. Their empty garden beds were ready for planting. The students wanted to grow vegetables for the school food drive.

Before they began, Ms. Chen divided the class into teams. One team loosened the soil, another planted seeds, and a third team made signs. Maya noticed that the soil in one bed was dry and hard. She suggested adding compost and water before planting. Her classmates agreed.

For several weeks, the students took turns caring for the garden. They watered the plants, pulled weeds, and measured the stems. After a rainy weekend, tiny green leaves appeared. Everyone was excited, but Daniel noticed that some leaves had holes in them. The class learned that caterpillars had been eating the plants.

Instead of using chemicals, the students gently moved the caterpillars to a wildflower patch. They also placed a small birdhouse near the garden. Soon, birds visited the area and helped keep the insects away.

By the end of June, the garden was full of lettuce, carrots, and beans. The students harvested the vegetables and filled several boxes for the food drive. They were proud of their garden, but they were even prouder of how they had worked together to solve problems.

🔎 Part 2: Think About the Text

_____ The students harvested vegetables.

_____ The class planted seeds.

_____ Caterpillars were found on the leaves.

_____ The students added compost to the soil.

✏️ Part 3: Writing Prompts