Reading Comprehension Worksheet - The Babysitter - Free Printable

Since the image you've uploaded is a reading comprehension passage titled "The Babysitter" by Judie Eberhardt, and no specific question was asked, I'll assume you'd like me to:

1. Summarize the story
2. Provide answers to common reading comprehension questions that might accompany this passage (since it's a typical classroom worksheet).
3. Explain the key themes and skills being tested

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🔹 Summary of "The Babysitter"

Wendy is an 11-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a babysitter. Although her mom says she’s too young (believing she should wait until she’s 16), Wendy is responsible and loves children. One day, while at the grocery store, Wendy hears Mrs. Olsen, a neighbor, looking for a babysitter for her 3-year-old daughter, Molly.

Wendy volunteers, even though her mom initially refuses. Wendy argues that she is almost twelve, lives nearby, and knows Molly well. After some persuasion, her mom agrees, and Wendy babysits for five hours on Saturday night.

During her shift, Wendy keeps Molly entertained by drawing pictures, reading stories, and giving her snacks. Her mom checks in twice, and everything goes smoothly. Wendy earns $15.00 and becomes the regular babysitter for the Olsen family. She also gains more babysitting jobs in the neighborhood and dreams of working in a daycare center when she’s older.

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🔹 Common Reading Comprehension Questions & Answers

#### 1. What is the main idea of the story?
> The main idea is that Wendy, despite being young, proves to be responsible and capable, earning trust and opportunities through her kindness and dedication.

#### 2. Why did Wendy want to babysit?
> Wendy wanted to babysit because she loved children and dreamed of being able to care for them. She also hoped to eventually work in a daycare center.

#### 3. How old is Wendy?
> Wendy is 11 years old.

#### 4. Why did Wendy’s mom think she was too young to babysit?
> Wendy’s mom thought she was too young because she believed babysitters should be at least 16 years old.

#### 5. Who did Wendy babysit for, and what was the child’s name?
> Wendy babysat for Mr. and Mrs. Olsen, and the child’s name was Molly.

#### 6. What did Wendy do while babysitting Molly?
> Wendy drew pictures, read stories, and gave Molly a snack.

#### 7. How much money did Wendy make from babysitting?
> Wendy made $15.00.

#### 8. What does Wendy dream of doing when she grows up?
> Wendy dreams of working in a daycare center so she can be with children all day long.

#### 9. What character traits describe Wendy?
> Wendy is responsible, kind, persistent, loving, and hardworking.

#### 10. What problem did Wendy solve in the story?
> Wendy solved the problem of finding a reliable babysitter for the Olsens by offering her services and proving she could be trusted.

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🔹 Skills Practiced:

This passage tests several reading comprehension skills, including:
- Main idea and supporting details
- Character analysis
- Sequence of events
- Inference (e.g., why Wendy was eager to babysit)
- Vocabulary in context
- Author’s purpose (to show how responsibility and passion lead to opportunity)

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🔹 Themes of the Story:

- Responsibility: Wendy shows maturity beyond her age.
- Perseverance: She doesn’t give up when her mom says no.
- Growth and Opportunity: Her success leads to more jobs and future goals.
- Community: Neighbors help each other, showing trust and support.

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If you have a specific question about the text or need a worksheet-style answer sheet, let me know!