Printable Scholar
Home/Reading/Decodable Readers/Level 6/Kim's Big Fort

Kim's Big Fort

Latin Root: -struct- (build) 3rd Phase 6
Kim's Big Fort
Kim's Big Fort, page 1
1Kim wanted to construct a tall wooden structure in her yard. She loved to make things with her hands. Today, she had a grand plan to make a big fort. She found some thick wood. She made a clear plan for each step to help her build it. Kim began to build.
Kim's Big Fort, page 2
2She took out her hammer and some nails. She stood in the green grass and worked hard all morning. Her pal, Mike, came over to look at her work. "That is a big fort," Mike said with a smile. "I can instruct you if you need some help." "No thank you," Kim said.
Kim's Big Fort, page 3
3"I can do it myself." She just went back to work in the sun. But then, Gus the hound ran into the yard. Gus was a playful pup. He had a huge branch in his mouth. Gus was running fast, but he did not look where he was going.
Kim's Big Fort, page 4
4The big branch began to obstruct his path. He could not see the fort. Gus crashed right into the wood! The destruction happened fast. The walls fell down with a loud crash. The wooden parts were just a big mess on the grass.
Kim's Big Fort, page 5
5Gus dropped his branch and ran to hide behind a bush. He saw he had made a mistake. Kim was very sad. Her hard work was destroyed. Mike ran over to see the mess. "That was a bad crash," he said gently. "But do not be sad, Kim.
Kim's Big Fort, page 6
6We can reconstruct it together. We just need to make it stronger this time." Kim nodded her head. Mike was her instructor. He gave Kim a very helpful tip. "We must restructure the base," he said. "If the base is strong, the wind or a dog will not knock it down."
Kim's Big Fort, page 7
7That was a constructive tip, and Kim felt glad. They worked side by side in the yard. They put more thick wood on the base. They used more nails to make it firm. They made sure the tall walls would stay up if Gus bumped them again.
Kim's Big Fort, page 8
8Kim liked working with her pal. By sunset, the new fort was finished. It was the best structure they had ever built. It was safe and strong. Gus came back to look at it, but this time he just sat on the grass. He did not run into the fort again.
Circle or highlight all the words containing the root -struct- in the story above. How many did you find?

Comprehension Questions

After reading, ask these questions to check understanding:

  1. What did Kim want to make in her yard?
  2. Who crashed into Kim’s fort?
  3. What did Gus do at the end of the story?
Keep practicing
Practice Latin Root: -struct- (build) with 10 more free worksheets

Word work sheets for this skill to meet the root, build words on it and take them apart, plus this story's word sort, phrasing cards and word search.

Get the Latin Root: -struct- (build) worksheets →
Kim's Big Fort printed mini-book cover Download Mini-Book
Full-color picture book • Print, cut & staple • No signup required
Read-aloud version (one page per sheet, for projecting)
Want the whole level?
Level 6 pack · $14Every illustrated mini-book in the level, print-ready Or every reader (sight words + all 6 levels) for $39, best value
Every book stays free to print one at a time.

Reader Details

Phonics Skill Latin Root: -struct- (build)
Grade Level 3rd
Phase Phase 6
Worksheets Latin Root: -struct- (build) Worksheets

Target Words

construct instruct structure destruct obstruct reconstruct destruction instruction instructor constructive infrastructure restructure

Sight Words

the a and to was is it she he they said have with you are of for her there one

More Latin Root: -struct- (build) Readers

Thad's River Bridge illustration
Thad's River Bridge
← Scott's Important Report Jane's Tree Fort →

About This Decodable Reader

“Kim's Big Fort” is a free printable decodable reader designed for 3rd students practicing latin root: -struct- (build) phonics patterns. This mini-book uses phonetically controlled vocabulary so beginning readers can successfully sound out nearly every word in the story, building confidence and reinforcing the specific phonics skills they're learning.

The free PDF is a full-color illustrated mini-book: a cover, eight picture pages with one or two lines of story text each, and a back page listing the latin root: -struct- (build) words, high-frequency words, and discussion questions. Print the five sheets, cut each one in half along the dashed line, and staple — your child has a real little book to hold. A read-aloud version with one large page per sheet is also included for projecting to the whole class.

This reader is part of our collection of free decodable readers organized by phonics skill and aligned with the Science of Reading. For additional practice with latin root: -struct- (build) patterns, try our latin root: -struct- (build) phonics worksheets which include word sorts, phrasing practice cards, and rapid naming charts.