Retelling – Another Tool for the Reader's Toolbox

From the desk of Leigh Ann . . .

Each day we are on a quest – a quest to build readers.  We want our growing learners to know that reading is so much more than simply calling words with lyrical expression.  The purpose of reading is to gain meaning and a strategic way to build that meaning is through retelling.  By its very nature, retelling invites learners to read for deeper meaning, make personal interpretations, and communicate understanding to others. Readers of all ages can boost their comprehension skills through the practice of retelling.

Purposeful retelling goes deeper than the usual question and answer format.  Through retelling, students focus on key details and construct meaning.  They are challenged to read, organize their thoughts, and then put the text into their own words. One way to build the skill of retelling is to remind student to give you five – characters, setting, beginning, middle, and end.

1. Characters – Who is the story about?  Describe them – paint a picture with your words.

2. Setting – Where did the story take place? Use the pictures and clues from the story to know where events happened.

3. Beginning – How did the story start?  How did the author set the tone?  What clues were given to help the story unfold?

4. Middle – What happened next in the story to move the action along? Was there some type of problem?

5. End – How was the problem solved? What was the conclusion of the story? How were all the pieces tied together?

Retelling is also a quick and effective assessment tool.  It takes little teacher prep, provides flexibility, and involves a number of literacy skills (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).  Learners must truly engage and attempt to recall as much content as possible.  Readers are not limited to the mere checking of a box or a quick answer to a limiting question.  This process allows for a positive interaction between teacher and student as the learner shares a personal interpretation of a text.  Retelling is a comprehension strategy, assessment tool, and a social interaction process.  Three great reasons to add this tool to your reader’s toolbox.

Click here for a simple template: Retelling Template