Context Clues
Gruff promised that the dandelion crown would never wilt, remaining fresh and lively forever. What does wilt mean?
To droop, dry up, or die
"Billy floated down the chute like a falling leaf in autumn." What type of figurative language is this?
Simile
Who is the main character / protagonist of the story?
Billy
"Billy climbed up the ladder carefully ________ he wanted to explore the old tree house." Fill in the blank with a subordinating conjunction ( after, although, because, if, since).
because
When Billy first saw the dusty, empty room, he thought it was boring. What flexible thinking lesson does he learn when he falls through the floor?
Things are not always as they seem at first
Billy peered inside the hollow trunk and realized it was completely empty inside. What does hollow mean?
Having a hole or empty space inside
"The winking chipmunk scampered up the tree and seemed to say, 'Follow me!'" Giving human traits to the chipmunk is an example of what?
Personification
Gramps's backyard oak tree and the magical underground meadow represent which story element?
Setting (time and place)
"________ Billy stepped onto the warm rug, he slid straight down through the hollow tree trunk." Fill in the blank with the target subordinating conjunction that shows time.
After
While Billy saw an ordinary backyard, Gramps saw a place full of potential adventure. Understanding that Gramps sees the yard differently than Billy is an example of what social skill?
perspective taking (or understanding another's point of view)
Billy climbed the rickety old ladder, careful where he placed his feet because the wooden steps creaked and wobbled. What does rickety mean?
Unstable, shaky, or weak
"The dusty old tree house was wrapped in a thick blanket of cobwebs." Describing cobwebs as a blanket without using like or as is what?
What event serves as the inciting incident in the plot?
Billy stepping on the warm rug and falling through the hollow tree
"________ Billy was feeling bored at Gramps's house, he decided to go explore outside." Fill in the blank with the target subordinating conjunction that shows a reason.
Since
How did Billy show flexible thinking when he unexpectedly fell into the hollow tree instead of finding a normal room?
adapting to an unexpected change and staying open to a new adventure
Billy stepped out into a vibrant meadow bursting with bright yellow dandelions and lush green grass. What does vibrant mean?
Bright, vivid, or full of life
"Gruff's crown of dandelions looked like a ring of pure gold." What two things are being compared?
The dandelion crown and pure gold
"Life is full of wonder and magical surprises if you keep an open mind." What story element is this?
Theme (or central message)
"________ the tree house looked old and empty at first, it turned out to hide a magical secret." Fill in the blank with the target subordinating conjunction that shows contrast.
Although
While most people view dandelions as annoying yard weeds, Gruff viewed them as materials for a golden crown. What does this reveal about Gruff's perspective?
seeing value and beauty in everyday things that others overlook
He had psyched himself up for something big and felt simultaneously relieved and disappointed to find a boring, empty room. No pile of gold, no skeletons, no lavish bed. What does " simultaneously " mean?
At the same time
"The cool breeze whispered secrets through the leaves of the giant oak." What literary device is used here?
Personification
Billy wakes up back at the base of the oak tree holding his dandelion crown and goes inside for dinner. What plot stage is this?
Resolution
"Billy would never have met Gruff the gnome ________ he hadn't climbed the oak tree." Fill in the blank with the target subordinating conjunction that shows condition.
If
According to Gruff, how can someone practice flexible thinking on a day that feels boring or gray?
changing your mindset/attitude to look for wonder in unexpected places