Sunflowers – Factual Interview Text, Glossary & Student Profile

Sunflowers – Factual Interview Text, Glossary & Student Profile

A differentiated reading activity on Helianthus annuus for grades 3–7🌻📚

This resource offers a creative and low-prep way to introduce your students to one of the best-known summer flowers: the sunflower (Helianthus annuus). Using an age-appropriate factual text in the form of an interview, this lesson invites students to learn more about the plant’s features, growth, and significance – all while practicing reading comprehension and working independently.

The main text is written as an interview with a sunflower, which makes the content more relatable and engaging for younger learners. It’s differentiated into two versions (standard and simplified) to support mixed-ability groups. A glossary is included for both versions to support vocabulary development and help students access the content on their own.

What’s included:

• Factual text in interview form (2 levels of difficulty)

• Glossary for each version of the text

• Printable student profile to be completed after reading

• Photo of a sunflower (self-taken, for classroom use)

• Answer key for the profile

• Optional extension task for early finishers

• All materials in both full-color and black-and-white versions

• Format: PDF

Classroom ideas:
Start the lesson with the sunflower photo as a silent impulse or discussion starter. Use guiding questions like: “Do you know this flower?” or “What can you tell about it?” From there, you can assign the text to pairs or small groups – or have it performed by two students, one acting as the sunflower, the other as the reporter. It’s a simple way to add some movement and creativity to factual reading.

The profile helps students consolidate what they’ve read, and the glossary encourages independent clarification of unknown words. For quick finishers, there's a short research task on the healing properties of sunflowers, offering a meaningful extension.

This material works well as part of a science or language arts lesson and is also easy to use in a substitute lesson. No extra prep required – just print and start.

📍 Best wishes,
Heike from @Lernfitness

Did You Know?

I teach with a certified therapy dog, and together we create a positive and welcoming learning environment. 🐶