True Worth Reading Passage
Reading & Reflection · Grades 3-5
Name: Date:
The Crumpled Dollar: What Is Self-Worth?
Learning why your value never changes, even on tough days.
Big Idea
Word
Self-Worth:
Knowing in your heart that you matter and are important, no matter what happens.
Word
Valuable:
Having great importance and meaning; something special that cannot be thrown away.
[1] One morning, a teacher held up a crisp, clean twenty-dollar bill in front of the classroom. She smiled and asked, “Who would like this money?” Right away, every single student raised their hand high into the air.
[2] Next, the teacher crumpled the paper bill into a tight, messy ball. She dropped it onto the floor and stepped on it with her shoe. She picked up the dusty, wrinkled bill and asked again, “Does anyone still want it?” Once again, every hand stayed in the air!
[3] Why did everyone still want the dirty, crumpled bill? Because it was still worth exactly twenty dollars. It did not matter that it had folds or dirt on it. Its true value did not change at all. This simple lesson shows us what self-worth is. Self-worth is the truth that you are important and special simply because you are human. You do not have to earn your value, and nobody can take it away from you.
[4] Sometimes we think we are only special when we win. Scoring a soccer goal, getting an “A” on a test, or wearing cool shoes can make us feel proud. But what happens when you miss the ball or get a low grade? You might feel sad for a little while, but your self-worth never drops. Your value is always steady and safe, like the ground under your feet.
[5] Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone has hard days. When you feel down, remember the crumpled dollar bill. You might feel a little wrinkled by a bad day, but you are still just as valuable as you have always been!
Remember: You are valuable every single day. A bad grade or mistake does not change who you are!
Questions on Page 2 →
Comprehension & Activity Page 2 of 2
Show What You Know: Self-Worth
1. Based on the passage, what is the best meaning of self-worth?
A The feeling you only get when you win a first-place trophy or game. B The truth that you are always valuable and special, even when you make mistakes. C The number of toys, video games, or nice clothes you have at home.
2. The Crumpled Dollar Lesson:
Why did the students still want the twenty-dollar bill after it was crumpled and stepped on? How is this like a person who has a tough day?
3. True or False? (Read each statement carefully)
A. If you get a low grade on a spelling test, your self-worth decreases.
TRUE FALSE
B. You are valuable simply because you are you, without having to earn it.
TRUE FALSE
4. Helping a Friend Remember Their Worth:
Imagine your classmate missed a goal in gym class and said, “I ruin everything! I'm no good.” What kind words would you say to remind them of their self-worth?
★ You are important, unique, and always worthy! ★
