So Sad Reading Comprehension Worksheet

Young children feel sad sometimes, and learning to name that feeling is a big step in understanding it. This So Sad Reading Comprehension Worksheet gives first graders a short, gentle story about a boy named Robert who feels sad when the rain keeps him from flying his new kite. Children read about his gloomy afternoon, the phone call that changes everything, and the rainbow that turns his day around.

The passage is written at a first grade reading level with short sentences and familiar words, so beginning readers can read it on their own. The story also uses several words for sad, such as blue, gloomy and down, and several words for happy, such as glad and cheerful. After reading, students fill in the bubble for five multiple choice questions about why Robert was sad, what he wanted to do, who called, what was in the sky, and how he felt at the end.

What’s Included

• A one-page illustrated story about Robert, a rainy day and a rainbow
• Five multiple choice comprehension questions with three choices each
• A complete answer key for quick checking

Why This Worksheet Helps Kids

First, it builds real reading comprehension, because every question is answered by finding a sentence in the story. Second, it grows feelings vocabulary, showing children that there are many words for sad and many words for happy. Third, it models a hopeful ending: sad feelings do not last forever, and a kind call from someone who loves you can help you feel better.

Ideas for Teachers and Parents

Read the story aloud together first, then let children answer the questions on their own. Afterward, make two lists on the board, one for sad words and one for happy words, and have children find each word in the story. The So Sad Reading Comprehension worksheet also fits well in a social emotional learning lesson, a feelings unit, or a quiet morning at home talking about what helps us feel better.

Related Resources

• Finding Feelings Worksheet
• Adjectives Describe Feelings Worksheet
• Finding Feelings within a Text Worksheet
• Story Elements Song (MP3)

This 1st grade emotions worksheet is a simple way to pair reading practice with a talk about big feelings.