Printable Story with Interactive Review Questions. Read and test reading comprehension online or print and use offline. For 3rd or 4th Grade and up.
What is April Fool's Day?
April Fool’s Day is celebrated every year on April 1st. It is a special day when many people try to fool their friends. The pranks are all in fun and are usually silly things like telling someone they have a spot on their nose or hole in their sock. As soon as the victim starts to look a little confused, the trickster shouts, "April Fool!"
How did April Fool’s Day start?
Most people think that it started back in the 1500s. At that time, New Year’s was celebrated on April 1. However, in 1582, Pope Gregory XIII ordered a new calendar (the Gregorian Calendar) to replace the old Julian Calendar. The new calendar called for New Year's Day to be celebrated on January 1.
In those days without radio, TV or internet, word spread very slowly. Many people did not find out about the change in the calendar for a long time, so they continued to think that April 1 was New Year’s. These people were called "fools" and jokes were played on them.
People had so much fun with April fooling that they continued the tradition long after everyone had switched to the new calendar. To this day, April Fool’s Day is celebrated all over the world.
Readers of this story will receive a check in the mail for $1,000,000.
When is April Fool's Day? January 1 April 1 December 28 April 1
In 1550, when was New Year's? January 1 April 1 September 1 April 1
In 1590, when was New Year's? January 1 April 1 September 1 January 1
Before 1582, what calendar was used? Julian Calendar Gregorian Calendar International Fixed Calendar Julian Calendar
After 1582, what calendar was used? Coptic Calendar Julian Calendar Gregorian Calendar Gregorian Calendar
What do people say after playing a joke on April 1st? April Fool! Fooled you. Ha! April Fool!
Readers of this story will receive $1,000,000. True False It doesn't say in the story. False
Who ordered the change to the new calendar in 1582? King Louis IV of France Pope Gregory XIII Queen Victoria of England Pope Gregory XIII
Why did it take so long for people to hear about the calendar change in 1582? News spread very slowly in those times. It was kept secret for 2 years. Only the Pope and the kings knew about it. News spread very slowly in those times.
Why did people start playing jokes on April 1? to make fun of those who were celebrating New Year's 3 months late The Pope declared it as a day for tricks. It doesn't say in the story. to make fun of those who were celebrating New Year's 3 months late
