Tree Huggers

This reading introduces koalas as “tree-hugging” marsupials who spend most of their lives in eucalyptus trees. It covers their diet, sleeping habits, solitary nature, and reproduction, emphasizing the threats they face from habitat loss and disease.

Students improve their reading fluency through rhythm and repetition in informational text. The passage expands understanding of nonfiction text features and builds empathy through real-world environmental context, strengthening both emotional and academic literacy.