Paul Holmes -
University
English Professor

Free Materials For ESL Teachers and Learners

Short Stories for Kids

Complete lesson plans, including stories, listening, classroom activities, quiz questions and more!

The Exciting Sea Voyage

Once upon a time, there was a family of four – Dad, Mom, Jack and Jill. They were planning a special holiday and wanted to do something different. So, they decided to take a sea voyage!

The family packed their bags and boarded the boat. They were so excited to sail across the ocean. They waved goodbye to their friends and family and set off on their grand adventure.

As they sailed across the sea, they were amazed at the beautiful sights. They saw dolphins jumping in and out of the water, seagulls flying overhead and even a few whales!

One night, the family heard a loud noise. Jack and Jill were a bit scared, but Dad said it was just a storm. The family stayed safe below deck while the storm raged on.

When the storm was over, they were delighted to see a beautiful rainbow in the sky. They knew that it was a sign of good luck.

The family’s voyage ended after a few days and they arrived safely at their destination. They had a wonderful time and made lots of happy memories on their exciting sea voyage.

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Vocabulary

1. Voyage (noun): A long journey, especially by sea or in space.

2. Special (adjective): Unique or distinct in some way.

3. Wave (verb): To move one’s hand as a way of greeting or goodbye.

4. Overhead (adverb): Above or higher than something else.

5. Raged (verb): To be very angry or violent.

6. Rainbow (noun): An arc of colors in the sky caused by the sun’s reflection off of raindrops.

7. Delighted (adjective): Feeling or expressing great pleasure or joy.

8. Destination (noun): The place to which someone or something is going or being sent.

9. Memories (noun): Something remembered from the past.

10. Exciting (adjective): Stimulating; causing interest, enthusiasm, or emotion.

Comprehension Questions

1. What was the family of four planning to do for their special holiday?
2. What did the family see while sailing across the sea?
3. How did Jack and Jill feel when they heard the loud noise?
4. What did Dad say the noise was?
5. What did the family see in the sky when the storm was over?
6. How long did the family’s voyage last?
7. What did the family do during their voyage?
8. What did the family take away from their sea voyage?

Gap Fill Questions

1. The family of four was comprised of Dad, Mom, Jack and ____.
2. The family decided to take a ____ voyage for their special holiday.
3. While sailing, they saw dolphins ____ in and out of the water.
4. They heard a loud ____ one night, which Dad said was just a storm.
5. When the storm was over, they saw a ____ in the sky.
6. The family’s voyage ended after a few ____.
7. They stayed safe below ____ while the storm raged on.
8. Seagulls were ____ overhead during their voyage.
9. They even saw a few ____ during their journey.
10. The family had a wonderful time and made lots of happy ____.

Conversation Questions

1. What has been the best vacation you ever took?
2. What is the craziest thing you have ever done on a vacation?
3. Do you prefer to travel by land or sea?
4. What kind of animals have you seen on vacation?
5. What is your favorite part of going on vacation?
6. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
7. Have you ever been caught in a storm while on vacation?
8. What is the most beautiful place you have ever seen?
9. What is the best thing about traveling with family?
10. What is your favorite memory from a vacation?

Answers

Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The family of four was planning to take a sea voyage for their special holiday.
2. The family saw dolphins jumping in and out of the water, seagulls flying overhead and even a few whales.
3. Jack and Jill were a bit scared.
4. Dad said the noise was just a storm.
5. The family saw a beautiful rainbow in the sky.
6. The family’s voyage lasted a few days.
7. The family made lots of happy memories on their exciting sea voyage.
8. The family took away lots of happy memories from their sea voyage.

Gap Fill Question Answers:

1. The family of four was comprised of Dad, Mom, Jack and Jill.
2. The family decided to take a sea voyage for their special holiday.
3. While sailing, they saw dolphins jumping in and out of the water.
4. They heard a loud noise one night, which Dad said was just a storm.
5. When the storm was over, they saw a rainbow in the sky.
6. The family’s voyage ended after a few days.
7. They stayed safe below deck while the storm raged on.
8. Seagulls were flying overhead during their voyage.
9. They even saw a few whales during their journey.
10. The family had a wonderful time and made lots of happy memories.

📚 How about these other Level 1 stories?

Three friendly ghosts bring joy and laughter to a lonely boy, teaching him the power of true friendship.

The Three Friendly Ghosts

Three friendly ghosts named Casper, Jasper, and Hester meet a boy named Timmy, and they become best friends and have lots of fun adventures together.

A dragon and a squirrel team up to find an enchanted treasure, but the squirrel has a secret plan.

The Dragon’s Dream

Dillon the dragon had special dreams that showed him exciting adventures, like finding a shiny treasure!

Peter the mischievous penguin learns the importance of bringing joy to others through a grand party.

The Playful Penguin’s Party

Peter the penguin wanted to have a big party, but he forgot the music, so he asked his friend Sammy the seal for help and they made a happy song for everyone to dance to.

The Giant’s Garden

Greg and Whiskers had a pretty garden, but mean Goblins took the seeds. Whiskers helped and they made it pretty again.

Freddie the squirrel learns a valuable lesson about the true meaning of happiness and unity.

The Peacock Parade

Freddie the squirrel wanted to see pretty peacock colors, but naughty monkeys tricked him with a secret feather.

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