This set of high-interest nonfiction reading passages is a great way to fit in social studies content while also reinforcing essential reading skills. Students can read about topics related to the geography of Virginia and answer corresponding questions. 4 informational text passages are included. The passages are written approximately at an end-of-4th-grade level. While they loosely correspond with the Virginia Studies curriculum (VS.2a-c: geography of Virginia), they do not necessarily explicitly reinforce content from those standards. Each passage includes 3-4 questions related to one nonfiction reading skill (either a review from 3rd grade or a new skill in 4th grade). Some passages also include vocabulary work. Skills covered in this set include: use context clues to clarify word meanings use knowledge of roots, affixes, synonyms, antonyms, and homophones to determine the meaning of new words use word-reference materials use vocabulary from other content areas use text structures to predict and categorize information explain the author’s purpose use prior and background knowledge, and identify new information learned use reading strategies to monitor comprehension How to use: I suggest assigning these passages weekly for homework, but feel free to use them however you like (i.e., morning work, guided reading group practice, etc.)! I know that everyone teaches various reading skills at different times in the year, so I've tried to keep the skills in this set appropriate for the early time in the year that most teachers are teaching the geography unit. Some of the questions are subjective; answer keys are provided where applicable. Thank you for visiting my store! Interested in more reading passages like these? You might like: Virginia's American Indians Reading Passages and Questions (VS.2d-g) Colonial Virginia Reading Passages and Questions (VS.4)