PROBLEM / SOLUTION A popular theme in many selections is how a problem is solved. This can make a selection exciting or inform you about how people or animals solve problems.

The strategies below will help you understand the problem and solution in a selection.

The problem in a selection involves the main characters or the subject of the story.

Read the beginning of the selection carefully Read the beginning of the selection carefully. This is usually where the problem appears.

Think about who has the problem and what caused it.

Look for the solution later in the selection Look for the solution later in the selection. Sometimes the solution is a surprise.

After you understand the problem in a selection, begin looking for the solution.

ANIMAL HOMES

A basic need that all animals share is finding protection for themselves and for their young. How they meet this need is often unusual.

Almost all birds build nests to protect their young.

Some are very simple, often not much more than a collection of sticks placed in a tree or in another high place.

Other nests are very elaborate.

The oriole, for example, weaves a baglike nest that hangs from an outside branch of a tree.

The nest can’t be reached easily by snakes or other animals that might eat the oriole’s eggs, and is so tightly woven that the wind and water can’t get in.

Bats don’t build nests. Instead, they seek protection in caves, hollow trees, and buildings.

Once they find a likely spot, they head for the highest point inside the structure. There, they hang upside down during the day and come out only at night to seek food.

VAMPIRE BAT LONG – EARED BAT SHORT-NOSED FRUIT BAT HORSESHOE BAT VAMPIRE BAT LONG – EARED BAT SHORT-NOSED FRUIT BAT

Prairie dogs dig burrows in flat, open areas Prairie dogs dig burrows in flat, open areas. These are not just holes in the ground. They are carefully designed with “rooms” to store food, raise young, and give shade during the hottest part of the day.

A group of prairie dogs will dig their burrows together to form towns or colonies.

This is an added form of protection because one prairie dog is always on lookout duty. Its whistle will warn all the members of the colony when an enemy approaches.

Snakes live in holes, but they can’t dig them Snakes live in holes, but they can’t dig them. They simply move into a hole dug by another animal such as rabbit, mouse, or coyote.

KINGSNAKE EATING A RATTLESNAKE COBRA ANACONDA KINGSNAKE EATING A RATTLESNAKE

Once the snake has moved in, the former owner will probably make another home.

1. What is the most important problem in the selection. a.) Building nests b.) Finding food c.) Finding protection

2. Which of these is a solution mentioned in the selection. a.) Hanging upside down b.) Digging burrows c.) The hottest part of the day

3. How do snakes make a home? a.) Move into the hole of another animal b.) Dig a burrow with “rooms” c.) Build a simple nest of sticks