The Little Mermaid Reading Comprehension | Differentiated Worksheets

Suggested ages: 4–8. Choose the reading and question level to suit the child; beginning readers may need adult support.

Explore The Little Mermaid with this illustrated reading comprehension booklet, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s traditional tale.

Children read the complete story on one page, supported by eight original illustrations and numbered sections that help them find information. They then explore the story through retrieval questions, vocabulary activities, sequencing, inference and personal responses.

Two additional “Read and choose” pages offer picture-supported activities with short instructions and minimal writing, making it easier to support different learners using the same story.

What’s included:

• One-page illustrated reading text with eight numbered sections

• Retrieval questions with multiple-choice and short answers

• Vocabulary matching and sentence completion

• Event sequencing and true-or-false activities

• Inference and personal-response questions

• Two picture-supported “Read and choose” pages

• Teacher notes and a complete answer key

Skills practised:

• Finding information in a text

• Understanding vocabulary

• Ordering key events

• Inferring characters’ feelings and motives

• Explaining ideas using story clues

Use for shared reading, guided reading, literacy centres, partner work or supported independent activities. Children can revisit the reading page as they answer, and responses may be discussed or dictated where appropriate.

Please note:

This resource follows Andersen’s traditional story, including its darker themes and ending. It includes the loss of the mermaid’s voice, a threat to kill the prince, and her transformation into sea foam and a spirit of the air. Please review the story before use.

Format:12-page PDF • A4 portrait • Black-and-white student pages • Reading text included—no separate book required.

For one teacher’s classroom or personal home use. Additional teachers require their own licence.

Which pack should I choose?

Read & Sequence

Choose this for reading practice: read illustrated story sections, match text to pictures and put the events in order. An optional make-a-book activity provides further reading practice.

Reading & Comprehension — this pack

Choose this for understanding the story through questions, vocabulary work and other reading activities. See the individual listing for the reading and question levels included.

Retell, Sequence & Write

Choose this for picture sequencing, story mapping and retelling the original story aloud and in writing, with picture prompts and captions for support.

Story Innovation / Creative Writing

Choose this for changing characters, settings or events, then planning and writing a new version of the story.

Each pack is sold separately and can be used on its own. You do not need to buy all four. Check the shop for the packs currently available for your chosen story and read each listing for its exact contents.