Central Idea 1
Dolphins are intelligent sea animals. Scientists have observed that dolphins can recognize themselves in mirrors, which is a sign of self-awareness. They also communicate using clicks and whistles and have even been trained to understand human commands.
Dolphins are intelligent sea animals.
The sun is a powerful source of energy. Solar panels can capture the sun’s energy and turn it into electricity for homes and businesses.
Central Idea: The sun provides energy.
Solar panels capture the sun’s energy and turn it into electricity.
Hard work leads to success.
Theme
The wind howled through the trees.
Personification
The moon is round, so big and bright,
It shines above all through the night.
It lights the sky, so we can see,
A glowing friend for you and me.
The moon shines at night and helps us see.
Waves roll in and touch the sand,
Then they go back, just like they planned.
Over and over, in and out,
That’s what oceans are all about.
The ocean’s waves move back and forth.
Pandas mainly eat bamboo, which makes up 99% of their diet. They spend most of their day chewing on bamboo to get enough nutrients to survive.
Central Idea: Pandas eat mostly bamboo.
Pandas spend most of their day chewing on bamboo to get enough nutrients.
Benjamin Franklin invented many things that helped people in his time.
Central Idea
She was as fast as a cheetah on the soccer field.
Simile
Many sharks are misunderstood. People often think they are dangerous, but most sharks do not attack humans. In fact, sharks are important for keeping the ocean ecosystem balanced by eating sick or weak fish.
Sharks are misunderstood and play an important role in the ocean ecosystem.
The invention of the airplane changed how people travel. Before airplanes, people had to rely on cars, trains, or boats, which took much longer. Airplanes allow people to travel across the world in hours instead of days.
Airplanes changed how people travel.
Unlike birds, they have flexible wings with thin skin stretched between their fingers, allowing them to move through the air easily.
Central Idea: Bats are the only mammals that can fly.
Bats have flexible wings with thin skin stretched between their fingers.
Always be kind to others, even when it’s difficult.
Theme
Time is a thief—it takes away the moments we cherish.
Metaphor
The leaves turn red, then gold, then brown,
They swirl and twirl and then fall down.
The air is cool, the sky is gray,
It means that fall is on its way.
Fall is a season when leaves change color and fall to the ground.
A tiny seed sleeps in the dirt,
It doesn't move, it doesn't hurt.
Then rain and sun come shining bright,
And soon the seed grows tall and right.
A seed grows into a plant with water and sunlight.
Recycling helps reduce waste in landfills. By reusing materials like paper, plastic, and glass, people can create less trash and help protect the environment.
Central Idea: Recycling reduces waste.
Recycling helps reduce waste in landfills.
Many sea creatures use camouflage to avoid predators.
Central Idea
It was raining cats and dogs outside!
Idiom
Camouflage helps animals survive in the wild. Some animals, like chameleons, can change their color to blend into their surroundings. Others, like tigers, have striped fur that helps them hide in tall grass.
Camouflage helps animals survive in the wild.
Video games have both positive and negative effects on kids. Some games help with problem-solving skills, while others can be too violent or distracting. It’s important for kids to play in moderation and choose games that are appropriate.
Video games can impact kids positively and negatively
Rainforests are home to more plant and animal species than any other habitat. They provide shelter, food, and the right climate for thousands of unique creatures.
Central Idea: Rainforests have a lot of plant and animal life.
Rainforests provide shelter, food, and the right climate for thousands of unique creatures.
Friendship is more valuable than material things.
Theme
The classroom was a zoo on the last day of school.
Metaphor
The stars at night are high and small,
They twinkle bright but never fall.
They fill the sky with little lights,
A million sparkles in the night.
Stars twinkle in the night sky and shine brightly.