Illustrations of a red-headed woodpecker in flight and perched, accompanying a Grade 3 reading comprehension worksheet titled "The Red-Headed Woodpecker."

Grade 3 Reading Comprehension Worksheet: "The Red-Headed Woodpecker"

Let's go through the story and answer each question step by step.

---

#### Story Summary:
Phyllis is sitting in her room when a bird flies in through an open window. The bird lands on the ledge above her door and starts tapping on the wood with its beak. Phyllis notices it behaves like a woodpecker but doesn’t look like one because it lacks a red head. The bird explains that it’s a young red-headed woodpecker whose red cap will grow in as it matures. Phyllis is happy the bird came to visit, asks if it stays during winter, and offers it a strawberry. The bird thanks her and eats the fruit.

---

Answer Key & Explanations:

#### 1. What did the bird do into the Phyllis’s room?
✔ Answer: The bird darted into the room and flew to the ledge above her door. Then, it began to rap at the wood with its strong little bill.

🔹 *Explanation:* The first sentence says, "into the room darted a bird," and then it says, "he flew to the ledge... he began to rap, rap at the wood." So we describe both actions.

---

#### 2. What did Phyllis say to the bird?
✔ Answer: Phyllis said, "You act like a woodpecker, but you do not look like one."

🔹 *Explanation:* This is directly quoted from the story: “You act like a woodpecker, but you do not look like one,” said Phyllis.

---

#### 3. What did the woodpecker reply?
✔ Answer: The woodpecker replied, "I belong to the family of red-headed woodpeckers."

🔹 *Explanation:* The bird says this to explain why it acts like a woodpecker even though it doesn't yet have the red head.

---

#### 4. Why did Phyllis happy?
✔ Answer: Phyllis was happy because the bird came to see her.

🔹 *Explanation:* She says, "I am very glad you came to see me," which shows her happiness.

---

#### 5. What did Phyllis give to the woodpecker?
✔ Answer: Phyllis gave the woodpecker a strawberry.

🔹 *Explanation:* The story says, "Here is a strawberry for you," and the bird says, "Thanks," while pecking at the fruit.

---

#### 6. Do you like birds? Tell the name of your favourite bird?
✔ Sample Answer (student response): Yes, I like birds. My favorite bird is the robin because it has a bright red breast and sings beautifully.

🔹 *Explanation:* This is an opinion question. Students should write their own thoughts. There’s no single correct answer — just encourage them to express personal preference.

---

✔ Final Answers:

1. The bird darted into the room, flew to the ledge above her door, and began to rap at the wood.
2. Phyllis said, "You act like a woodpecker, but you do not look like one."
3. The woodpecker replied, "I belong to the family of red-headed woodpeckers."
4. Phyllis was happy because the bird came to see her.
5. Phyllis gave the woodpecker a strawberry.
6. (Open-ended) Example: Yes, I like birds. My favorite bird is the robin.

---

This worksheet helps students practice reading comprehension skills such as identifying details, understanding dialogue, and expressing personal opinions. Great job! 🌟