Alpine Trek Worksheet
Phonics Expedition • Short ‘e’ (/ε/)
The Alpine Trek
Name:
Date:
Mission: Read the passage smoothly. Notice the words with the short ‘e’ sound (as in step, expert, and shelter), then answer the evidence-based questions below.
Word Spotlight (Short ‘e’) Warm up your eyes and vocal cords:
trek crest expert tempest shelter rescue
Decodable Reading Passage
Target Level: Grade 4 Fluency
Ben and Rex set out at dawn on a rigorous trek up the west crest of Mount Sentinel. Glen, an expert ranger stationed at base camp, sent them to check a remote weather shed resting on a rocky ledge. When the sunset went dark red, a sudden tempest swept the ridge. Chilly, wet gusts pressed hard against their chests, and Rex fell back a step from the sheer drop.
“Let’s get to the shed before the winds get worse!” yelled Ben above the roar.
They rushed past a jagged stone shelf and crept safely inside the alpine shelter. Inside, Glen had left dry blankets, a sturdy tent, and fresh trail rations on a wooden bench. As the tempest blew past, Ben fed his trusty rescue dog and inspected the shelter’s deck. With their test completed and the storm spent, both travelers rested well until sunrise.
Comprehension & Word Study
1. Why did Ranger Glen send Ben and Rex up the crest?
A To escape a wild wolf pack
B To check a remote weather shed
C To build a new campfire deck
2. What caused danger during their trek?
A A sudden, fierce tempest
B A deep canyon rockslide
C A broken wooden snowsled
3. Short ‘e’ Detective: Find three two-syllable words in the story that contain the short ‘e’ sound. Write them below.
4. Text Evidence: How did Ranger Glen’s preparation help Ben and Rex survive the storm?
Write in complete sentences.
Fluency Check: Reads: / 118 WCPM Accuracy: %
Target: Short Vowel /ε/ Mastery
Red Tent Worksheet
Grade 2 Phonics • Short ‘e’ Sound (/ε/)
The Red Tent
Name:
Date:
Directions: Read the story three times. Color a star each time you read. Then answer the questions below.
Short ‘e’ Words to Spot:
Meg Ted Rex tent nest step wet best
Fluency Stars
Decodable Story
68 Words
Meg and Ted set off to camp in the west woods. They took a big red tent and their pet dog, Rex.
Rex ran ahead and saw a bird on a nest. The bird began to peck at a twig. “Get back, Rex!” yelled Ted. Meg helped Rex step back from the nest.
Just then, cold wet rain fell from the sky. “Quick, get in the tent!” Meg said. They all ran inside to rest. Ted fed Rex ten crunchy treats. When the rain stopped, the sun set in the west. Meg said, “This is the best camp yet!”
Questions About the Story
1. Where did Meg and Ted go to camp?
A In the west woods
B Next to a pet shop
C On a hot sand dune
2. Why did Ted yell, “Get back, Rex!”?
A Rex dropped his red ball
B Rex saw a bird on a nest
C Rex fell in a wet pond
3. Fill in the missing short ‘e’ word:
Word Bank: [ tent • ten • wet ]
When the cold rain fell, Meg said to get inside the big red .
4. What did Ted feed Rex inside the tent? Write a full sentence.
Score: / 4 points
Great reading! Practice makes progress.
