Reading Check and Short Answer questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

Chapters 1-3

Reading Check

1. When does Sam want to return to the camp?

2. What is the name of baby swans, according to Sam?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. What is the problem Sam faces when he isn’t camping? What does it reveal about Sam’s feelings about camping?

2. What is the reaction of the swans when they first see Sam, and how does he build trust between himself and the swans?

Paired Resource

“How Simple Ideas Lead to Scientific Discoveries”

• This 7-minute video explores the purpose of posing questions to discover scientific concepts.
• Information in the video might serve as a foundation for discussing Sam’s methods of observation and learning in these chapters, which connect to the theme of The Journey to Adulthood.
• How have simple ideas been used to make scientific discoveries? How might Sam’s method of asking questions cause him to draw scientific conclusions?

Chapters 4-6

Reading Check

1. What does the fifth cygnet pull on to communicate with Sam?

2. Where do the swans migrate for the winter?