Reading comprehension/culture

The Culture Celebration

In Ms. Sarah’s class, everyone was excited for the annual Culture Festival. Each student had a chance to share something from their culture.

Maya was first and proudly held up her colorful sari from India. "This is called a sari," she said. "Can you all pronounce it with me? S-A-R-I."

"Sari!" they all said together, laughing.

Next, Jun showed everyone a small, wooden drum from Korea. "In my family, we use this drum during celebrations.” Jun played a cheerful rhythm while his classmates clapped and danced.

Then, Li stepped forward with a plate of crispy spring rolls, a special food from her culture. She had made them herself to contribute something unique to the festival. But as she walked up, she tumbled and the spring rolls fell to the floor. Li looked up, feeling scared that her friends might laugh.

Instead, Maya and Jun rushed to help her. “It’s okay, Li,” said Maya kindly, "You showed us something special about your culture, and we all admire that!" Li smiled, feeling grateful to be part of such a supportive community.

Finally, it was Amina’s turn. She wore a necklace with a small charm shaped like a moon and star. "In my culture, this is a symbol of faith and family," she explained. "When I see it, I feel close to my family and proud of who I am." Her classmates listened carefully and admired her beautiful necklace.

By the end of the festival, Ms. Sarah’s class had learned so much about each other’s cultures. They were grateful for the chance to celebrate their differences and felt even more like a big team.

• Easy to read

• Hard to read

What did Maya bring from her culture, and how did she teach the class about it?

How did Jun’s classmates react when he played his drum?

Why did Li feel scared when her spring rolls fell?

Why did Ms. Sarah’s class have a Culture Festival?

• To learn about different cultures

• To decorate the classroom

• To cook special foods

By the end of the festival, how did Ms. Sarah’s class feel?

• Like strangers

• Like a big team

• Tired and bored

Put the following events in the correct order:
First ​ ​ (a)   Next​ (b)   Then​ (c)   Finally​ (d)  

• Maya showed her sari.
• Jun played his drum.
• Li brought spring rolls.
• Amina showed her necklace.

Match each vocabulary word to the correct definition.

• A group of people who live in the same a

• Contribute

• To say something out loud correctly

• Pronounce

• To help by giving or doing something

• Community

• A feeling of fear or worry

• Scared

Put the word Classmate in a sentence.

Write 2-3 sentences about something special from your own culture, family, or tradition. Describe what it is and why it’s meaningful to you.