Time to Get Up! Mark, time to get up! said Mom as she opened the. Mmmm, moaned Mark. He pulled a blanket over his

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): Time to Get Up! Mark, time to get up! said Mom as she opened the door to his bedroom. First day of school! Mmmm, moaned Mark. He pulled a blanket over his head and tried to settle deeper into his bed. It took him a while but he managed to find a spot that seemed to please him. The room got quiet again. A dog barked outside of the bedroom window. Light from the early sun streaked through a pair of partly open curtains. A small clocked ticked softly on a table next to the bed. Meow, said a cat as it strolled into Mark s room. You tell him, Max, said Dad. Mark, you don t want to be late on the first day of school. Hey, maybe I should get Toby in here to pull off your blanket. Where is that dog? Max bounded onto the end of Mark s bed. Little by little Max tiptoed across the blanket. Reaching Mark s pillow, he plopped himself down. 11 19 28 40 52 62 72 82 92 102 112 125 137 138 148 156 161

What? mumbled Mark. He reached up and discovered Max sitting on his head. Max, what are you doing here? I fed you last night. You are supposed to be up and getting dressed, said Grace, Mark s older sister. She flipped on the light to his bedroom. Light flooded the room. Max just sat and blinked a few times in the bed. I need to get in the bathroom so you had better get in there now or you will be out of luck. Uh, okay, muttered Mark, his eyes still closed. Suddenly, a blast of music erupted from the radio sitting on the table next to Mark s bed. An arm stretched out and Mark clicked off the radio with his left hand. Max took it all in stride and yawned. Mark, please get up, said Mom. She walked into the room and opened the curtains all the way. Alex and Jake will be here soon. We will have to send them on without you if you aren t ready. 168 178 185 194 204 215 228 240 244 252 261 272 283 291 301 312 324 329

Mark slowly opened his eyes. He shielded them with a hand. Oh, Mom, the light is so bright. I have to put my hand over my eyes to block out the sun. I ll bump my feet on something, he said. Quit trying to delay the first day of school, laughed Grace. She stood in the doorway to Mark s room brushing her hair. It s here. Get up. Get on your way. I ve had to do it a lot more years than you. Mark turned over and tried to pull the blanket over his head again. This time his mother had hold of the end. He was unable to move it. But she could. She pulled it off. Mom, it s too early, whined Mark. Please let me sleep a bit longer. Just five more minutes. Sorry, Mark, replied Mom. Didn t you hear me say that Alex and Jake will be here soon? Mark s eyes popped wide open. Alex and Jake? he sputtered. That s right. I forgot. No, Mom, I didn t hear you before. Alex and Jake and I are all in the same room this year. It s going to be a great school year. Why didn t 338 352 365 369 378 388 400 410 420 432 445 454 462 471 479 488 498 511 523

you wake me up earlier, Mom? Mark kicked off his covers and hopped out of bed. Max just managed to jump out of Mark s way. He seemed annoyed at being knocked off of the bed without so much as a warning. Sorry, Max, said Mark. I didn t mean for you to be bothered, but I ve got to get to school. It s the first day, you know. 533 544 554 564 575 587 589

Time to Get Up! Mark, time to get up! said Mom as she opened the door to his bedroom. First day of school! Mmmm, moaned Mark. He pulled a blanket over his head and tried to settle deeper into his bed. It took him a while but he managed to find a spot that seemed to please him. The room got quiet again. A dog barked outside of the bedroom window. Light from the early sun streaked through a pair of partly open curtains. A small clocked ticked softly on a table next to the bed. Meow, said a cat as it strolled into Mark s room. You tell him, Max, said Dad. Mark, you don t want to be late on the first day of school. Hey, maybe I should get Toby in here to pull off your blanket. Where is that dog? Max bounded onto the end of Mark s bed. Little by little Max tiptoed across the blanket. Reaching Mark s pillow, he plopped himself down.

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): Pen Pal Letter The children in Kathy s class are pen pals with a class in another state. Read Kathy s letter to her friend in the other class. Dear Myra, How are you doing? I hope you aren t as busy with your class play as I am. I know we both helped write them. Mine is about a lost cat and yours is about someone getting help from friends. Your play includes fifteen parts. My play is made up of only four parts. Both of our plays take place in a park. Yours is in the winter with snow. Mine is in the summer when it is hot. How many songs do you have in your play? I think you wrote in your last letter that there are two songs. I put three songs in my play. Even the cat gets to sing. Our class is working on the scenery. We have finished all but one of the eight scenes. Didn t you write that you only have two scenes in your play? They must be 10 20 24 26 37 49 61 69 82 94 104 116 128 139 148 159 171

long scenes. All of mine are short. My teacher helped us paint the scenes. You wrote that a parent was helping you finish yours. How is that coming? Two days ago I spilled paint all over one of the scenes. I was frantic. I didn t know what we were going to do. The play is coming up and I wreck the most important scene. I was really troubled. I was trying to do too much by myself. That was not good. I will do better the next times. The other kids in my class helped me clean everything up. They worked on a new scene and it was done in no time. They were great. We have invited our parents to see the play. It is going to be during the day and many of the parents have to work. They will not be able to see the play when we put it on. Our teacher, Mr. Lyons, always likes our parents to see what we are doing in class. He is going to record the play with the school s camera. Myra, you wrote in your last letter that your class is going to put your play on in the school lunchroom at night. 182 193 199 210 222 234 246 258 268 279 286 297 309 323 334 347 352 363 375

You said there will be standing room only. Wow, that is great. Your school must really like to support all of its students. I wish our school had help like yours. How are you doing with math this month? We are studying how to divide numbers. It is hard for me. You wrote earlier this year that you are good at math. Do you have any ideas on how it can be any easier to learn? I would sure be thankful for any help. It is time for us to get back to work on our play. Please write back soon and tell me how your play went. I want to hear all about it. Sincerely, Kathy 386 397 406 416 427 439 452 459 472 484 490 491 492

Pen Pal Letter The children in Kathy s class are pen pals with a class in another state. Read Kathy s letter to her friend in the other class. Dear Myra, How are you doing? I hope you aren t as busy with your class play as I am. I know we both helped write them. Mine is about a lost cat and yours is about someone getting help from friends. Your play includes fifteen parts. My play is made up of only four parts. Both of our plays take place in a park. Yours is in the winter with snow. Mine is in the summer when it is hot. How many songs do you have in your play? I think you wrote in your last letter that there are two songs. I put three songs in my play. Even the cat gets to sing. Our class is working on the scenery. We have finished all but one of the eight scenes. Didn t you write that you only have two scenes in your play? They must be long scenes. All of mine are short. My teacher helped us

paint the scenes. You wrote that a parent was helping you finish yours. How is that coming? Two days ago I spilled paint all over one of the scenes. I was frantic. I didn t know what we were going to do. The play is coming up and I wreck the most important scene. I was really troubled. I was trying to do too much by myself. That was not good. I will do better the next times. The other kids in my class helped me clean everything up. They worked on a new scene and it was done in no time. They were great. We have invited our parents to see the play. It is going to be during the day and many of the parents have to work. They will not be able to see the play when we put it on. Our teacher, Mr. Lyons, always likes our parents to see what we are doing in class. He is going to record the play with the school s camera. Myra, you wrote in your last letter that your class is going to put your play on in the school lunchroom at night. You said there will be standing room only. Wow, that is

great. Your school must really like to support all of its students. I wish our school had help like yours. How are you doing with math this month? We are studying how to divide numbers. It is hard for me. You wrote earlier this year that you are good at math. Do you have any ideas on how it can be any easier to learn? I would sure be thankful for any help. It is time for us to get back to work on our play. Please write back soon and tell me how your play went. I want to hear all about it. Sincerely, Kathy

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): A Job Good morning, Mrs. Holmes, said James. How are you doing? Hello, James, said Mrs. Holmes. I am fine. Thank you. What can I do for you today? I saw that your grass is getting a little tall, replied James. I wonder if I could cut it for you? I will cut, rake, and sweep for $20. For an extra five dollars I will trim the yard, too. Mrs. Holmes stretched out her neck to look around at the front yard. Why yes, I guess it does need to be cut, she said. My son usually comes by and does it for me, but he is out of town for the next three weeks. Twenty dollars you said? Yes, Mrs. Holmes, answered James. I m trying to make enough money to go to camp next month. I have made almost two hundred dollars over the last two months. I m almost there. See. 8 10 19 27 38 51 63 67 76 89 101 113 117 125 136 145 150

James opened up a small bag to show her. Mrs. Holmes saw many bills inside. Wow, James! exclaimed Mrs. Holmes. That is a lot of money. Shouldn t you take that home to keep it safe? Yes, I am on my way to do that now, replied James. I went around this morning to get paid from my customers. That is why there is so much here. Then I saw your yard. I decided to stop and ask if you wanted it cut. I see, said Mrs. Holmes. Okay, James, you can cut my grass. Let me show you the backyard so you will know what to watch out for there. I have some prize winning roses and I don t want anything to happen to them. Mrs. Holmes took James around to her backyard. She showed him all of the bushes to be careful around. He checked all of the flower beds and around her shed. Then James thanked her. He told her he would be back tomorrow ready to work. James walked home. He got everything needed to work on Mrs. Holmes yard ready to go for the next day. 160 165 174 185 197 207 219 232 242 254 265 275 283 294 305 316 320 328 340

Then he went inside his house to put the money bag in a safe place. But James could not find his money bag. He thought it was in his pocket. When he went to look, it was not there. James went to look everywhere in his house. The bag was nowhere to be found. His mother helped him look. James tried to retrace his steps but going back over them did no good. He still came up empty handed. James was beginning to think that his money bag was gone. He thought about fishing from a canoe. Not going to happen. Swimming in the cool lake in the early evening was lost. Long hikes along winding trails would not take place. No hot meals cooked over a smoky fire. No waking up to the sound of birds singing in the trees next to his cabin. All lost with his money bag. He suddenly felt tired. Just as James made his way out to the kitchen to help with supper, the phone rang. His mother answered. She talked quietly for a moment and then hung up with a smile on her face. James set to work putting out plates, silverware, and napkins. A couple of minutes later the 353 364 377 387 398 408 419 429 439 450 460 471 484 495 506 515 527 538 547

doorbell rang. With a smile still on her face, James mother asked if he could get the front door. He went to the door and saw that it was Mrs. Holmes. James opened the door. Mrs. Holmes was holding his money bag. Hello, James, said Mrs. Holmes. I thought you might be needing this. She handed him the bag. It was full of all of his money. I found it by the gate in my backyard. It must have fallen out of your pocket when I showed you the yard. Now, I will expect you at my house tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. sharp. She turned and left. Thank you, Mrs. Holmes, grinned James. Thanks for coming. You bet I ll be there. Thank you. 557 569 580 589 597 608 622 633 645 654 661 670

A Job Good morning, Mrs. Holmes, said James. How are you doing? Hello, James, said Mrs. Holmes. I am fine. Thank you. What can I do for you today? I saw that your grass is getting a little tall, replied James. I wonder if I could cut it for you? I will cut, rake, and sweep for $20. For an extra five dollars I will trim the yard, too. Mrs. Holmes stretched out her neck to look around at the front yard. Why yes, I guess it does need to be cut, she said. My son usually comes by and does it for me, but he is out of town for the next three weeks. Twenty dollars you said? Yes, Mrs. Holmes, answered James. I m trying to make enough money to go to camp next month. I have made almost two hundred dollars over the last two months. I m almost there. See.

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): Blackberries Look Juan, gasped Mike. He pointed through the fence. There s a blackberry bush just on the other side. I knew we would find some if we looked. Do you think Mr. James will mind us picking some of his blackberries? My grandparents know the James family, said Mike. He owns most of the land around this town. Mr. James won t miss a few blackberries. The two boys walked along the old wire fence until they came to a wooden ladder. It was set over the wire. A step was missing on their side of the ladder but they could still use it for climbing. Mike went first with Juan close behind. Mike and Juan headed for the nearest blackberry 8 18 27 38 40 47 58 64 74 86 98 109 111 119 bush. They snatched berries off of the branches 127 stuffing their mouths. Juice dripped down their chins and 136

on to the ground. After several minutes the two friends sat down on two large rocks to rest. Mike looked around and said, I wonder what s on the other side of that hill? Wait, said Juan. Don t you think we need to be getting back? We got our blackberries. My knees are knocking together and I m starting to sweat. It will be okay, laughed Mike. There s no one else around. Mr. James has a lot of land. He won t see us. Let s go see what s on the other side. Just look. Then we can go. Juan sighed, but said, Okay. Juan and Mike ran to the top of the hill. Mike got there first. He stood with his mouth open. When Juan joined him, he saw why. Stretching out below on the other side of the hill was a small lake in what seemed to be a deep pit. It looked like a canyon. The solid rock sides went straight up and down. Large rock formations jutted out of the water in spots all around the lake. The water 146 154 164 169 179 188 195 205 218 230 231 236 248 258 268 281 294 303 315

seemed shallow for the most part. The surface of the lake was flat and smooth like a mirror. Here and there, birds perched on the rocks waiting to catch insects that flew above the water. A narrow road wound its way down along the side of the canyon from top to bottom. It looks like an old rock quarry, Mike finally said. I wonder how deep it is? Juan took one look at his friend and shook his head. Oh, no, Mike, he said. You got to see what was over the top of the hill. We ve seen it. Now let s go back over the fence. Juan could see the wheels turning inside of Mike s head. Mike got a certain look on his face when he was thinking. Come on, Mike, said Juan. We need to go. Okay, said Mike. I m going to go back and ask my grandfather about this land. We ve got that report coming up about local history. It has to be on something 325 336 346 357 367 377 383 394 407 420 421 430 442 443 452 463 471 482

around our town. Maybe he can talk to Mr. James and get me in to see him. That would be good, said Juan. Let s head back. I think when we get back it will be time to eat. Juan turned and headed back toward the bottom of the hill. Mike took one last look at the quarry. He grinned and said, Is that all you can think about? Food? 494 499 509 520 529 541 551

Blackberries Look Juan, gasped Mike. He pointed through the fence. There s a blackberry bush just on the other side. I knew we would find some if we looked. Do you think Mr. James will mind us picking some of his blackberries? My grandparents know the James family, said Mike. He owns most of the land around this town. Mr. James won t miss a few blackberries. The two boys walked along the old wire fence until they came to a wooden ladder. It was set over the wire. A step was missing on their side of the ladder but they could still use it for climbing. Mike went first with Juan close behind. Mike and Juan headed for the nearest blackberry bush. They snatched berries off of the branches stuffing their mouths. Juice dripped down their chins and on to the ground. After several minutes the two friends sat down on two large rocks to rest.

Mike looked around and said, I wonder what s on the other side of that hill? Wait, said Juan. Don t you think we need to be getting back? We got our blackberries. My knees are knocking together and I m starting to sweat. It will be okay, laughed Mike. There s no one else around. Mr. James has a lot of land. He won t see us. Let s go see what s on the other side. Just look. Then we can go. Juan sighed, but said, Okay. Juan and Mike ran to the top of the hill. Mike got there first. He stood with his mouth open. When Juan joined him, he saw why. Stretching out below on the other side of the hill was a small lake in what seemed to be a deep pit. It looked like a canyon. The solid rock sides went straight up and down. Large rock formations jutted out of the water in spots all around the lake. The water seemed shallow for the most part. The surface of the lake was flat and smooth like a mirror. Here and there,

birds perched on the rocks waiting to catch insects that flew above the water. A narrow road wound its way down along the side of the canyon from top to bottom. It looks like an old rock quarry, Mike finally said. I wonder how deep it is? Juan took one look at his friend and shook his head. Oh, no, Mike, he said. You got to see what was over the top of the hill. We ve seen it. Now let s go back over the fence. Juan could see the wheels turning inside of Mike s head. Mike got a certain look on his face when he was thinking. Come on, Mike, said Juan. We need to go. Okay, said Mike. I m going to go back and ask my grandfather about this land. We ve got that report coming up about local history. It has to be on something around our town. Maybe he can talk to Mr. James and get me in to see him.

That would be good, said Juan. Let s head back. I think when we get back it will be time to eat. Juan turned and headed back toward the bottom of the hill. Mike took one last look at the quarry. He grinned and said, Is that all you can think about? Food?

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): The Fortune Joe hung his head as he sat on the steps of his front porch. I am hot and thirsty, he groaned. Me too, said Beto. He stretched out flat on his back. I could go for some ice cold lemonade. Joe sat up as straight as a board. He looked at Beto and laughed. Beto, that s it! he said. What s what? Beto yawned into his hand. Your idea about the lemonade, said Joe. You know how I have been trying to figure a way to make some money? We can sell lemonade. I will set up a lemonade stand. It is hot. People are thirsty. I will sell lots of lemonade. Okay, said Beto. You can count me in. I can help you after my baseball game today. You re so smart! yelled Joe. That is even a better idea. You go to all the ball games you want. You can tell everyone there all about our lemonade. 13 21 31 40 52 59 66 75 87 98 110 111 122 128 138 151 157

Beto looked at Joe. I m so smart? he asked. You mean somebody finally saw that? We will not just have a lemonade stand, said Joe. We will have a mobile lemonade stand. I have an old wagon. So do you. We will put all of the things we need on both wagons. Then we will wheel our wagons around to all of the ball games. There are always at least two games each night. Saturday is full of games all day. We can sell our lemonade drink for less money than the park. There are always so many people. We can also sell lemonade to the people around here. We will go to them. You are so smart. Thanks, Beto. Okay, said Beto. Where was I? I was just about to fall asleep. I need a little nap. Being smart is hard work. Come on, Beto, said Joe. We have a lot of work ahead of us. We need to make it to the ball fields in time for tonight s first game. 167 172 182 193 207 218 229 241 251 262 274 277 287 299 300 311 325 329

Beto stood up. He followed Joe into the house. The two boys began getting the things they needed. Then they put everything into his wagon. They went to Beto s house. They put in more ice. They got Beto s wagon. Now we can go on over to the ball fields. We can start selling our lemonade, said Joe. We can buy some real lemons later. Then we can make our own juice. We will be able to pay my mom back for all of the cups and sugar, too. This mix tastes good, said Beto. Lemonade made from fresh lemon juice will be even better. We will make a lot of money during all of this hot weather. 339 348 358 368 380 390 401 415 417 425 436 446

The Fortune Joe hung his head as he sat on the steps of his front porch. I am hot and thirsty, he groaned. Me too, said Beto. He stretched out flat on his back. I could go for some ice cold lemonade. Joe sat up as straight as a board. He looked at Beto and laughed. Beto, that s it! he said. What s what? Beto yawned into his hand. Your idea about the lemonade, said Joe. You know how I have been trying to figure a way to make some money? We can sell lemonade. I will set up a lemonade stand. It is hot. People are thirsty. I will sell lots of lemonade. Okay, said Beto. You can count me in. I can help you after my baseball game today. You re so smart! yelled Joe. That is even a better idea. You go to all the ball games you want. You can tell everyone there all about our lemonade.

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): The Weather Station Ruben, put on your coat, said Cynthia. She pulled hers off a hook at the back of the room. Carlos and Jadin are not here today. It is our turn to check the weather. Don t forget your pencil and papers. What? asked Ruben. The weather? Today? Are you sure it is our turn? Have you been outside today? It is cold out there. Can we wait a little longer for Carlos and Jadin? Cynthia stared at Ruben. She said, I heard you talking four days ago. You wished it was our turn to check the weather. Yes I did, said Ruben. But that was when I didn t have to wear all of my clothes outside. I guess I ll just go do it by myself, said Cynthia. She put on her hood. Okay, said Ruben. Let me get my coat. Do you have some gloves? Mine are thin. 9 21 33 40 47 59 71 73 82 94 96 107 115 126 131 142 147

Cynthia shook her head. She slipped into the hallway. Ruben walked close behind. They walked side by side to the door at the end of the hall. It led out to a field next to the school. Off to the left stood the weather station. Cynthia and Ruben walked out of the door. A cold wind slammed into their faces. Ruben yelled over the wind. Yowl! It is coooooold! Come on, said Cynthia. Let s check the weather and get back inside. Ruben opened the door to the weather box. It stood about five feet above the ground. Students were able to find out about the weather. Then they could tell the rest of the school. Cynthia looked inside the box. The wind tore some papers from her hand. They flew across the field. Oh, no! cried Cynthia. My papers! I ve got to have those papers. Without those papers we can t tell what the weather has been over the past month. She tried to chase after them. A blast of wind pushed them away. 156 166 181 192 202 207 216 224 228 238 248 259 262 271 280 290 299 310 320

Ruben took off like a rocket. He caught up to one of the papers. He snatched it before the wind blew it out of reach. He zoomed on to the next piece. Ruben stopped long enough to pick it up. He flew over the ground and grabbed all of the papers. Cynthia stopped and watched. Her mouth hung open. She had never seen Ruben run so fast. Cynthia said, Wow, Ruben. I didn t know you could run that fast. Thank you for getting my papers. You saved the day. Ruben said, I don t know what got into me. I think it s the cold. I m so worried about staying warm. I guess it pumped me up. I m not so cold anymore. Maybe when we re done we can run the track. 332 344 354 366 371 379 387 396 407 409 420 431 442 449

The Weather Station Ruben, put on your coat, said Cynthia. She pulled hers off a hook at the back of the room. Carlos and Jadin are not here today. It is our turn to check the weather. Don t forget your pencil and papers. What? asked Ruben. The weather? Today? Are you sure it is our turn? Have you been outside today? It is cold out there. Can we wait a little longer for Carlos and Jadin? Cynthia stared at Ruben. She said, I heard you talking four days ago. You wished it was our turn to check the weather. Yes I did, said Ruben. But that was when I didn t have to wear all of my clothes outside. I guess I ll just go do it by myself, said Cynthia. She put on her hood. Okay, said Ruben. Let me get my coat. Do you have some gloves? Mine are thin.

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): Money People have used money for a long time. What did they do before there was money? People did not need money long ago. They found what they needed to live. People made clothes out of animal skins. They ate plants that were near their homes. They killed animals for meat. Some lived in caves. Others made homes out of plants. There were no stores where they could buy these things. People started to swap things. One person had a goat and another person had a fish. The people would trade. People began to trade more and more. Some were farmers. They grew a lot of food. Others raised animals for meat. Still others made things like boats and clothes. They were trading these things back and forth. There was still no need for money. Trading did not always work. Some people did not want what a person had to trade. Then no one got what 10 16 26 36 46 56 66 70 80 90 99 109 119 128 134 143 155

they wanted. People began to use things like money. They started to take some things for other things. Salt was used to keep food safe to eat. Salt was used as money. Shells and beads were used as well. People started to use metal as money. It was called coins. The coins were made of silver and gold. Some of the coins had pictures. Coins were easy to use. The coins could be used all over. Coins were not easy to use all of the time. Many coins took up a lot of room and could be heavy. It could be hard to move with a lot of coins. The people of China started to use paper money. Other places tried this. It did not work at first. People liked to use coins. They liked to use gold and silver. But slowly people began to use it. Money has been used for many years. It helps people get the things they want and need. 165 175 187 194 204 215 226 231 242 255 268 273 283 294 302 312 319

Money People have used money for a long time. What did they do before there was money? People did not need money long ago. They found what they needed to live. People made clothes out of animal skins. They ate plants that were near their homes. They killed animals for meat. Some lived in caves. Others made homes out of plants. There were no stores where they could buy these things. People started to swap things. One person had a goat and another person had a fish. The people would trade. People began to trade more and more. Some were farmers. They grew a lot of food. Others raised animals for meat. Still others made things like boats and clothes. They were trading these things back and forth. There was still no need for money. Trading did not always work. Some people did not want what a person had to trade. Then no one got what they wanted. People began to use things like money. They

started to take some things for other things. Salt was used to keep food safe to eat. Salt was used as money. Shells and beads were used as well. People started to use metal as money. It was called coins. The coins were made of silver and gold. Some of the coins had pictures. Coins were easy to use. The coins could be used all over. Coins were not easy to use all of the time. Many coins took up a lot of room and could be heavy. It could be hard to move with a lot of coins. The people of China started to use paper money. Other places tried this. It did not work at first. People liked to use coins. They liked to use gold and silver. But slowly people began to use it. Money has used for many years. It helps people get the things they want and need.

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): The Elf The elf moved from one tree to the next. It was dark. The sun had set only minutes before. Animals did not notice the elf. His soft shoes made no noise on the forest floor. Moving slowly, the elf hid behind one tall oak tree. He crept to a tree just to the left. There he stopped and pulled on a low hanging branch. A door opened in the trunk. The elf quickly shuffled inside. Two owls sat high in the tall oak tree. Henry, it s good to see that Clarence has returned safe, one owl said to the other. Yes, Bob, it is good, said Henry. Do you think he found what he was looking for on his trip? I did see a pouch on his back, said Bob. It seemed to have something inside. We will know in good time, said Henry. He closed his eyes and went to sleep. Henry would be up later. He 11 21 33 35 45 58 69 75 86 96 100 111 120 132 136 146 158

would spend the rest of the night looking for food. Bob would be right there with him. Bob went to sleep as well. A few minutes later the door in the tree reopened. The elf walked onto the old leaves that covered the ground. A very thin woman followed him. She had on a white coat. The elf quickly closed the door. Did anyone follow you? asked the woman. No, ma am, said the elf. He shook from head to toe. I am sure that I came alone. I saw no one on my trip from the mountains. I slept in caves at night. I stayed behind trees during the day. I kept going no matter what got in my way. My pouch was safe all the time. I have the gift from your father. He wishes you well. Let me have it, growled the woman. She took it out of the elf s hands. She opened it and removed a small bottle. The woman opened the lid. She poured a drop from the bottle onto her finger. She disappeared in a flash of light. The elf picked up the bottle from the ground where it had fallen. He put it back into his pouch 169 181 191 201 212 220 227 238 252 263 274 288 296 307 318 328 338 349 361

and began to walk through the forest. Another five days trip lay ahead. 371 374

The Elf The elf moved from one tree to the next. It was dark. The sun had set only minutes before. Animals did not notice the elf. His soft shoes made no noise on the forest floor. Moving slowly, the elf hid behind one tall oak tree. He crept to a tree just to the left. There he stopped and pulled on a low hanging branch. A door opened in the trunk. The elf quickly shuffled inside. Two owls sat high in the tall oak tree. Henry, it s good to see that Clarence has returned safe, one owl said to the other. Yes, Bob, it is good, said Henry. Do you think he found what he was looking for on his trip? I did see a pouch on his back, said Bob. It seemed to have something inside. We will know in good time, said Henry. He closed his eyes and went to sleep. Henry would be up later. He

and began to walk through the forest. Another five days trip lay ahead.

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): The Trip Why do I have to go to Aunt Helen s and Uncle Bud s house? asked Brad with a frown. There is nothing to do there. I could be at home with my friends. Brad, we want to visit Uncle Bud, said Mom. It has been a couple of weeks since he had his operation and we would like to see how he is doing. If we can help him in any way, we will. Brad s family got to Uncle Bud s house later that morning. They walked into the living room. Brad saw a model train engine on one of the shelves. He walked over and took a closer look. Brad lifted it off of its little stand and held the engine in his hands. That is a model of one of the engines I used to drive, said Uncle Bud as he entered the room. I didn t know you ever worked on a train, said Brad. What was it like? Where did you go? How long did you work on the train? Did you get to honk the horn? 11 21 32 43 55 69 73 82 92 103 115 123 135 144 155 167 178

Slow down, laughed Uncle Bud. Let me sit down and I ll tell you all about it. 187 194

The Trip Why do I have to go to Aunt Helen s and Uncle Bud s house? asked Brad with a frown. There is nothing to do there. I could be at home with my friends. Brad, we want to visit Uncle Bud, said Mom. It has been a couple of weeks since he had his operation and we would like to see how he is doing. If we can help him in any way, we will. Brad s family got to Uncle Bud s house later that morning. They walked into the living room. Brad saw a model train engine on one of the shelves. He walked over and took a closer look. Brad lifted it off of its little stand and held the engine in his hands. That is a model of one of the engines I used to drive, said Uncle Bud as he entered the room. I didn t know you ever worked on a train, said Brad. What was it like? Where did you go? How long did you work on the train? Did you get to honk the horn?

Slow down, laughed Uncle Bud. Let me sit down and I ll tell you all about it.

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): The Wonder Bike This could be the best bike you will ever own. There is no other bike like it. People have sold their old bikes to buy ours. You can buy one for only one hundred dollars. The Wonder Bike comes in three colors: red, blue, and black. You can add a light for ten dollars. A basket can be put on a bike for twelve dollars. There is also a horn for five dollars. You can add anyone you like. What happens if you do not like one of our bikes? You may return it. We will give you all of your money back. Not one person has returned a Wonder Bike. Each person that has bought one of our bikes loves it. No other bike comes even close to being like ours. The Wonder Bike is the bike for you. 11 23 35 44 56 69 79 90 102 112 123 133 140

The Wonder Bike This could be the best bike you will ever own. There is no other bike like it. People have sold their old bikes to buy ours. You can buy one for only one hundred dollars. The Wonder Bike comes in three colors: red, blue, and black. You can add a light for ten dollars. A basket can be put on a bike for twelve dollars. There is also a horn for five dollars. You can add anyone you like. What happens if you do not like one of our bikes? You may return it. We will give you all of your money back. Not one person has returned a Wonder Bike. Each person that has bought one of our bikes loves it. No other bike comes even close to being like ours. The Wonder Bike is the bike for you.

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): Two Boys The two boys walked down the sidewalk. They went by a new store. They each had an arm across the other s shoulder. The two boys laughed and smiled. One of the friends spotted a piece of paper on the sidewalk. He bent down to pick it up. The other boy beat him to it. The first one was able to grab onto an edge of the paper. He began to pull on it. The other boy did the same. Each boy started shouting at the other. I saw it first! yelled the first boy. It is my ten dollar bill! But I picked it up first! shouted the second boy. It is mine! Soon, the two boys were pulling and shoving each other. Suddenly, the bill dropped out of their fingers and sailed away on the wind. 9 21 28 39 51 65 78 86 98 100 110 113 122 132 137

Two Boys The two boys walked down the sidewalk. They went by a new store. They each had an arm across the other s shoulder. The two boys laughed and smiled. One of the friends spotted a piece of paper on the sidewalk. He bent down to pick it up. The other boy beat him to it. The first one was able to grab onto an edge of the paper. He began to pull on it. The other boy did the same. Each boy started shouting at the other. I saw it first! yelled the first boy. It is my ten dollar bill! But I picked it up first! shouted the second boy. It is mine! Soon, the two boys were pulling and shoving each other. Suddenly, the bill dropped out of their fingers and sailed away on the wind.

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): Friends Mrs. John needs our help. Who wants to rake leaves? Bill asked the group sitting on his front porch. And then after that, we need others to sweep the sidewalk, wash windows, repair the fence, and cut branches back on the trees. Put me down for the windows. Ann wants to cut back the trees, said Mike. Please let me fix the fence. Sally can sweep the sidewalk, said Mary. Good, said Bill. That leaves washing the car, cleaning out the garage, and pulling weeds around the yard for me. I hope we can get done before supper, said Mike. I am going to be very hungry. 9 19 29 37 42 52 57 67 70 78 87 90 100 107

Friends Mrs. John needs our help. Who wants to rake leaves? Bill asked the group sitting on his front porch. And then after that, we need others to sweep the sidewalk, wash windows, repair the fence, and cut branches back on the trees. Put me down for the windows. Ann wants to cut back the trees, said Mike. Please let me fix the fence. Sally can sweep the sidewalk, said Mary. Good, said Bill. That leaves washing the car, cleaning out the garage, and pulling weeds around the yard for me. I hope we can get done before supper, said Mike. I am going to be very hungry.

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): A House for Birds You need many things to make a house for birds. You will need a pencil, ruler, hammer, small nails, paint, a brush, and a saw. You will also need the directions to make the house. The last thing you will need is wood. Read the directions. Cut the wood as it says on the directions. Do the things in the order on the directions. They will tell you how to put the sides and the top on the house. You will need to cut a hole for the birds to go in and out. The directions will tell you about painting the house, too. Put the house up in a tree when you have finished making it. Put some food for the birds in the house. The birds will come. 11 21 32 43 54 64 78 92 102 104 115 127 130

A House for Birds You need many things to make a house for birds. You will need a pencil, ruler, hammer, small nails, paint, a brush, and a saw. You will also need the directions to make the house. The last thing you will need is wood. Read the directions. Cut the wood as it says on the directions. Do the things in the order on the directions. They will tell you how to put the sides and the top on the house. You will need to cut a hole for the birds to go in and out. The directions will tell you about painting the house, too. Put the house up in a tree when you have finished making it. Put some food for the birds in the house. The birds will come.

Name: Examiner: Date: Total Words Read: Errors: Words Read Correctly (WRC): The Kite Beth readied the kite. Jeff watched the sky. Beth unwound the string and made sure the tail was on straight. Jeff noticed that the wind was blowing stronger than earlier. It pulled at the ribbons tied to the kite. Dark rain clouds were moving toward the field from the east. Jeff told Beth to be careful with the kite. Jeff took the kite and held it high above his head. Beth walked about ten yards away and pulled the string tight. The wind pushed against the kite and almost tore it out of Jeff s grasp. He hoped it would hold up to the wind. On Beth s signal, Jeff released the kite. Beth began to run away from Jeff. The kite shot straight up like an arrow. As the kite rose higher, Beth let out more string. All of a sudden, the kite dived to the ground. It hit hard. The tail came off and swirled in the wind. 9 19 28 39 49 59 70 80 91 103 104 113 125 136 149 158