Rat Year Beginnings Response Sheet
Grace Lin • Novel Study Grade 3 • Chapters 1–3
The Year of the Rat
Short Response • Answer in complete sentences using clues from the book!
Name:
Date:
Book Detective Rule: Always look back in the chapters to find clues that prove your answer!
Prove It!
1 Chapter 1 • Welcoming the New Year Reading Comprehension
In Chapter 1, what kind of year is the Year of the Rat supposed to be? Name one tradition or custom Grace’s family follows to celebrate, and tell why they do it.
(Helpful start: “The Year of the Rat brings... One tradition Grace’s family has is...”)
2 Chapter 2 • Surprising News Character Feelings
Melody’s parents say moving to California is “good news.” How does Grace feel when she hears this? Give one clue from Chapter 2 that shows Grace does not agree that the news is good.
(Helpful start: “Grace feels... A clue from the book that shows this is...”)
Story Clue: Grace was told the Rat year brings “fresh starts and new beginnings.” Think about how that prediction starts coming true right away!
The Year of the Rat • Chapters 1–3 Page 1 of 2
The Year of the Rat | Chapters 1–3 • Questions & Reflection
Name:
3 Chapter 3 • Best Friends at School Friendship Clues
Why is Melody such a special friend to Grace at school? What is Grace worried or afraid will happen after Melody moves away? Use details from Chapter 3 to explain.
(Helpful start: “Melody is special to Grace because... Grace is worried that...”)
4 Chapters 1–3 • Facing Big Changes Big Ideas
In Chapter 1, Grace thinks a year of “change” will be exciting. By Chapter 3, how has change become scary for Grace? What does Grace do or say that shows she wishes things would stay the same?
(Helpful start: “Change becomes scary because... Grace shows she wants things to stay the same by...”)
Friend-to-Friend Advice Your Thinking
Imagine you are Grace’s classmate. What kind words or advice would you tell Grace to help her feel brave about Melody moving to California?
The Year of the Rat • Chapters 1–3 Page 2 of 2
Rat Year Answer Key
Teacher Resource Grace Lin • Novel Study Companion
The Year of the Rat • Answer Key
Chapters 1–3 • Grade 3 Exemplars, Scoring Rubric & Discussion Notes
Model Responses
Grade 3 Short Response Scoring Guide (2 Points Each) R.A.P. Strategy
2 Points (Full): Answers prompt completely in a full sentence AND cites accurate chapter evidence.
1 Point (Partial): Gives a correct answer but omits evidence, or provides evidence without clear explanation.
0 Points: Inaccurate answer, off-topic, or restates the prompt without answering.
1 Chapter 1 • Welcoming the New Year Tradition & Symbolism
Prompt: What kind of year is the Year of the Rat supposed to be? Name one tradition or custom Grace's family follows and tell why.
Exemplar 3rd Grade Response:
“The Year of the Rat is supposed to be a year of big changes and fresh starts. One tradition Grace’s family follows is cleaning their whole house before New Year’s Day to sweep away bad luck, and wearing brand new clothes to welcome good luck.”
Acceptable Evidence: Cleaning house to sweep away bad luck; wearing new red clothes; eating dumplings/fish for prosperity; receiving red envelopes (hongbao) with lucky money; not sweeping or washing hair on New Year’s Day.
Teacher Tip: Praise students who explain why the custom is done (e.g., “to invite good luck” or “sweep away old luck”).
2 Chapter 2 • Surprising News Character Feelings
Prompt: How does Grace feel when Melody says her family is moving? Give one clue from Chapter 2 that shows Grace does not agree that it is good news.
Exemplar 3rd Grade Response:
“Grace feels shocked, upset, and heartbroken when she hears Melody is moving. A clue from the book is that Grace feels like her breath was knocked out of her and thinks to herself that losing her best friend is definitely not good news at all.”
Acceptable Evidence: Grace freezes; her stomach drops or feels heavy; she wonders how Melody could smile; she thinks California is too far away; she feels like crying or screaming.
Misconception Check: Ensure students contrast Grace’s inner feelings with the happy cheerfulness of Melody’s parents.
The Year of the Rat • Teacher Answer Key Page 1 of 2
The Year of the Rat • Answer Key | Chapters 1–3 • Questions 3 & 4 + Discussion Guide
Grade 3 Standards
3 Chapter 3 • Best Friends at School Friendship & Belonging
Prompt: Why is Melody such a special friend to Grace at school? What is Grace worried will happen after Melody moves away?
Exemplar 3rd Grade Response:
“Melody is special to Grace because they are both Asian American girls who understand each other, eat lunch together, and love drawing. Grace is worried she will be left all alone at school, have nobody to sit with, and feel like the only one who stands out.”
Acceptable Evidence: They share cultural understanding; Melody defended or partnered with Grace; they share art dreams; Grace fears eating alone at the cafeteria table or having no partner for projects.
4 Chapters 1–3 • Facing Big Changes Theme: Coping with Change
Prompt: How has change become scary for Grace by Chapter 3? What does Grace do or say that shows she wants things to stay the same?
Exemplar 3rd Grade Response:
“Change becomes scary because instead of fun new things happening, change means losing her best friend Melody. Grace shows she wants things to stay the same by wishing she could stop time, hoping Melody’s family changes their mind, and not wanting to talk about California.”
Thematic Takeaway: In Chapter 1, change represents hope and prosperity; by Chapter 3, change brings vulnerability and grief. Look for students who recognize that not all changes feel positive at first.
Friend-to-Friend Advice • Teacher Facilitation Prompts Social-Emotional Link
What to look for in student advice: Strong responses demonstrate empathy and suggest actionable coping strategies (e.g., writing letters, drawing pictures together, staying pen pals, cherishing remaining time).
Discussion Question 1: “Have you ever experienced an unexpected change you couldn’t control? How did you handle it?”
Discussion Question 2: “Can two friends stay close even when they live far apart? What can Grace and Melody do?”
The Year of the Rat • Teacher Answer Key Page 2 of 2
