Guided Reading Activity The Best Worst School Year Ever Trifold

The Best/Worst School Year Ever by Barbara Robinson tells the hilarious story of the Herdman kids, known as the worst kids in town, as they cause chaos during the school year. Told from the perspective of Beth Bradley, the book explores how the Herdmans disrupt routines, challenge expectations, and surprisingly teach lessons about kindness and acceptance. Through humor and unexpected moments of insight, the story reveals that even the most unruly individuals can bring out the best in others.

This trifold activity is created to help students practice reading comprehension skills while providing differentiated instruction for various reading levels. Trifolds can be utilized during guided reading, as independent seat work, or in literature circles. The included writing wrap-up allows for assessing multiple skills in one cohesive project, making it an ideal, standards-aligned resource for busy teachers. Multiple subjects can be assessed, including reading skills, reading comprehension, and writing reflection.

What’s Included in This Resource:

• Each trifold is broken down by chapters or pages and allows chunking of information for easy teacher planning and appropriate student use. In each trifold, the following skills are assessed:

  • Making Connections: Encourage students to relate the story to their own lives, other texts, and the wider world.

  • Making Inferences: Help students combine text evidence with prior knowledge to draw logical conclusions.

  • Using Context Clues: Teach students to deduce the meaning of unfamiliar words using hints from the text.

  • Visualization: Support students in creating mental images of characters, events, and settings.

  • Evaluation: Develop critical thinking by analyzing characters, themes, and the author’s message.

• Writing Wrap-Up: A writing assessment tool for reflection and deeper understanding.

How This Resource Benefits Teachers:
✔ Provides differentiated instruction for diverse learners.
✔ Fosters text engagement and critical thinking with content.
✔ Offers flexibility for grades, seat work, or group discussions.

What Teachers Are Saying:
⭐ "This resource made my guided reading groups more organized and productive!" - Rebecca T.
⭐ "Perfect for differentiation and keeping all students engaged at their level." - Larraine C.
⭐ "My students loved the activities, and it worked seamlessly in our literature circles!" - Celia N.