This worksheet pack is based on the Think & Speak nonfiction lesson Why We Dream, part of the How Humans Work series. Through a story-based informational passage with Maya and Kai, students learn why dreams can feel strange, how the brain stays active during sleep, what REM sleep is, and why dream memories often fade quickly after waking.
Designed for intermediate ESL / EFL learners and young ELA students, this resource helps students build reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar awareness, listening skills, and written response skills while exploring an engaging science-related topic.
What's Included
- Reading passage with illustrations (PDF + DOCX)
- Student worksheet (PDF + DOCX)
- Answer key with sample answers and rubric (PDF + DOCX)
- Story audio for listening practice (MP3)
Worksheet Activities
Students will:
- Read a story-based nonfiction passage about dreams
- Listen to the story audio
- Answer comprehension questions
- Practice key vocabulary from the passage
- Practice the words process and connect in context
- Complete a Dream Detective activity connecting daytime events and dreams
- Practice while + past continuous
- Write a short extended response explaining why the brain is “busy, not silly” during sleep
Skills Covered
- Reading comprehension
- Listening comprehension
- Vocabulary development
- Cause and effect
- Making connections
- Science literacy
- Grammar in context
- Short constructed response writing
- Evidence-based explanation
Suitable For
- ESL / EFL learners
- Grade 5 or above students
- B1 / B1+ English learners
- Online English classes
- Homeschool lessons
- Reading comprehension practice
- Listening practice
- Science-themed English lessons
How to Use
Use this worksheet after watching, reading, or listening to Why We Dream. It works well for classwork, homework, self-study, online lessons, or as part of a nonfiction reading unit about the brain, sleep, memory, and emotions.
Topic
Dreams, REM sleep, memory, emotions, and how the brain works during sleep.