Summer Poem Worksheet | Grade 5 ELA Printable

This Grade 5 poetry worksheet uses Walter Dean Myers' "Summer" to build students' ability to interpret figurative language, identify mood, and analyze how word choice shapes meaning in a seasonal poem. Students complete 10 structured problems that move from literal comprehension to deeper analysis of imagery and tone.

At a Glance

• Grade: 5 · Subject: English Language Arts — Poetry
• Standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.4 — Determine meaning of words and phrases, including figurative language
• Skill Focus: Mood, imagery, and word choice in poetry
• Format: 1 page · 10 problems · Answer key included · PDF
• Best For: Independent practice after poetry read-aloud
• Time: 20–30 minutes

The worksheet presents the full text of "Summer" by Walter Dean Myers alongside 10 targeted questions. Tasks include identifying sensory images, explaining how specific word choices create a carefree summer mood, matching figurative expressions to their meanings, and writing one original sentence using a similar poetic technique. An answer key with model responses is included on a separate section of the page.

• Guided practice (problems 1–3): Students identify explicit images and label the sense each appeals to (sight, sound, touch). A brief example is provided to anchor the task.
• Supported practice (problems 4–7): Students explain how two word choices contribute to the poem's mood, using a sentence-starter frame to scaffold written response.
• Independent practice (problems 8–10): Students compare the poet's tone to a contrasting season, cite evidence from the text, and compose one original poetic line. No scaffolds provided.

This gradual-release structure mirrors the I Do, We Do, You Do model, giving students a clear path from observation to independent literary thinking.

Primary standard: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.4 — "Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes." Supporting standard CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.1 applies where students cite textual evidence to support their interpretations. Both standard codes can be copied directly into lesson plans, IEP goals, or district curriculum mapping tools.

Use this worksheet after a read-aloud of "Summer" to consolidate comprehension and vocabulary work. As students work independently on problems 8–10, circulate and note which students default to plot retelling rather than mood analysis — a reliable formative signal for reteaching figurative language. Assign problems 1–7 as guided small-group work (15 minutes) and problems 8–10 as an exit ticket (10 minutes).

Best suited for Grade 5 readers working at or near grade level in poetry units, author studies, or summer-themed literacy celebrations. Pairs naturally with a direct instruction anchor chart on sensory language and figurative devices. Students who need additional support benefit from pre-reading the poem aloud twice before beginning written tasks.

This worksheet targets CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.4, requiring students to determine the meaning of words and phrases — including figurative language — as used in a literary text. Walter Dean Myers' "Summer" is rich with sensory imagery and informal diction, making it an effective vehicle for this standard. According to NAEP 2024 data, fewer than 40% of Grade 5 students demonstrate proficiency in interpreting figurative language in poetry, underscoring the need for repeated, structured exposure. Fisher and Frey (2014) identify gradual-release frameworks as among the most effective structures for building literary analysis skills, a design principle embedded throughout this worksheet's 10-problem sequence. The answer key supports both self-assessment and teacher-led review.