The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald Differentiated Study Guide Lit Set for Grades 3 to 5

PROBLEM: Many classic literature units fall apart in real elementary classrooms because the original text can be long and challenging, and students often read at different levels—so teachers end up reteaching constantly or simplifying until the story loses its power.

SOLUTION: This differentiated novel study for The Princess and the Goblin solves that problem by giving you both the complete original text and a condensed, five-part adapted version, so your class can move together while students read at the level that fits. The adaptation keeps the major plot events, character choices, and core themes so your discussions stay meaningful and text-based.

Dual-track assurance: Every discussion prompt, quiz item, and short-answer question is designed to be answerable from the adapted Part text while still mapping cleanly to the corresponding original chapter range for extension reading and evidence practice.

Perfect for: Grades 3–5 whole-class novel study, small groups, literature circles, intervention support, and enrichment extension.

This product includes a zip file consisting of:

NOTE: All files are editable and include (PDF, DOCX, PPTX, Google Docs/Slides/Forms)

Full Original Text: 51,000 words | 7.9 Flesch-Kincaid GL

• Lexile Range (est.): 900L–1100L | CEFR (est.): B1–B2
• Band line: Best as teacher read-aloud/extension text for Grades 4–6.

Adapted Version Text: 12,700 words | 4.2 Flesch-Kincaid GL

• Lexile Range (est.): 650L–900L | CEFR (est.): A2–B1
• Band line: Best for Grades 3–5 independent or supported reading.
• Both versions tell the same story, allowing students to participate in shared discussions even when reading different texts.

Student Final Worksheet/Quizzes (PPTX, Google Slides/Forms)

• 10 Vocabulary Words
• 10 Short Answer Recall/Comprehension
• 5 Challenge Questions (synthesis, analysis, themes, real life connection)
• 5 Multiple Choice Quizzes (20 Questions) (1 per part)

Teacher’s Guide & Answer Key

• 5 Sets of Daily Discussion Questions (1 per part)
• 5 Sets of Self-Graded Exit Quizzes (1 per part, 20Qs each)
• Answer Keys for Vocab, Short Answer, and Challenge Questions
• Key Figures & Places reference sheets to help students track characters and settings

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Quick Guide for Teachers:

Adapted-Only Track (Fastest: 5-Day Model)

• Best for Grades 3–6 classes that need a manageable, one-week novel experience.
• Day 1–5: Students read one adapted part per day and use the matching Main Ideas & Themes Discussion Questions and self-grading multiple-choice quiz.
• End the week with the Final Worksheet (Vocabulary Words, Short Answer Questions, and Challenge Questions).
• This track keeps lessons tight, predictable, and complete in five days.

Original-Only Track (Longer: Multi-Day Per Section)

• Ideal for stronger readers or classes ready for original language and sentence structure.
• Students read the original chapters aligned to each adapted Part
• Use the same Discussion Questions, MC exit quizzes, and Final Worksheet; all items are text-accurate for both versions.
• Vocabulary Words (10) are usable for both tracks, because each word appears in both the adapted text and the corresponding original chapters.
• This track preserves the full descriptive style and classic voice while giving you ready-made, age-appropriate assessments.

Dual-Track Differentiation (Mixed Readers, Flexible Timelines)

• Lets your entire class study the same plot, scenes, and themes at the same time—even when some students need the adapted text and others handle the full novel.
• Assign adapted Part 1 to students who need a shorter, clearer text and original corresponding chapters to students reading the full text; repeat this pattern through Parts 2–5 (timing will depend on your classroom's reading level)
• Give original-text students multiple days per section while adapted-text students reread key scenes, complete vocabulary tasks, and tackle discussion questions in pairs or small groups.
• All assessments are usable for both tracks: Discussion Questions, MC Exit Quizzes for each Part, and the Final Worksheet (Vocabulary, Short Answer, and Challenge Questions).

What’s the Tradeoff of Using the Adapted Version?

Pros:

• Reduces the novel to a fraction of its original length, fitting neatly into a one-week unit.
• Well suited for shorter attention spans and developing readers
• Preserves core narrative elements, characters, and themes
• Far better than skipping the book entirely due to time limits or reading-level concerns.
• Works for whole-class read-alouds, small-group novel studies, independent reading, or focused close-reading lessons.

Cons:

Omits some original language, side scenes, and descriptive passages for brevity, so students do not see every nuance of the original author's style.

Leaves fewer opportunities for deep line-by-line stylistic analysis than a full-length, multi-week novel study.

Adapted Version Summary

Part 1 (Ch. 1–6)

Irene discovers the hidden tower room and meets her mysterious “grandmother,” but struggles when Lootie won’t believe her. Curdie helps Irene and Lootie when danger appears at sunset.

Part 2 (Ch. 7–12)

Curdie learns more about the goblins underground and discovers their hatred of rhymes. Irene receives guidance that requires trust instead of proof.

Part 3 (Ch. 13–18)

Strange goblin-creatures appear near the house, Irene is frightened but guided back by a silver light, and the ring’s meaning deepens. Curdie overhears a disturbing “future princess” clue.

Part 4 (Ch. 19–24)

Irene follows the invisible thread to rescue Curdie from a stone trap, and they escape through water channels back to the garden. Curdie begins to learn humility about what he can’t easily explain.

Part 5 (Ch. 25–32)

The goblins break in, Curdie drives them back with rhymes, and the thread guides him to safety. The goblins’ flood plan backfires, and the mountain returns toward peace.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this with mixed reading levels?

Yes—use the adapted Parts for shared pacing and discussion, and assign original chapters as extension/enrichment or evidence practice.

Are the quizzes and questions answerable from the adapted text?

Yes—each assessment is written to be answerable from the adapted Part text while still mapping to the original chapter range.

How long will this unit take?

A common pacing is 5–15 instructional days depending on whether you do one Part per day (fast) or add rereads, writing, and extension reading (slower).

Standards

Reading Literature: CCSS RL.3.1, CCSS RL.3.2, CCSS RL.3.3, CCSS RL.3.4, CCSS RL.3.5, CCSS RL.4.1, CCSS RL.4.2, CCSS RL.4.3, CCSS RL.4.4, CCSS RL.4.5, CCSS RL.5.1, CCSS RL.5.2, CCSS RL.5.3, CCSS RL.5.4, CCSS RL.5.5
Writing: CCSS W.3.1, CCSS W.3.2, CCSS W.4.1, CCSS W.4.2, CCSS W.4.9, CCSS W.5.1, CCSS W.5.2, CCSS W.5.9
Anchor Standards: CCRA.R.1, CCRA.R.2, CCRA.R.3, CCRA.R.4, CCRA.R.5, CCRA.W.1, CCRA.W.2, CCRA.SL.1, CCRA.L.4