Retelling Checklists
An important prerequisite to being able to summarize is the ability to retell orally. Most kindergarteners have developed a sense of story by mid-year and can use knowledge of story elements to retell stories read aloud to them. By mid-first grade, students can retell in logical order including important characters, setting, and main events. Expository texts should be included and retelling should include main ideas and important supporting details.
Some students may need a concrete structure (scaffolding) to use that prompts them to include important details in the retelling. A story map or expository graphic organizer can be explicitly taught and posted in the classroom library and listening station for practice. Students who are learning English as a second language benefit from multiple opportunities to hear texts read aloud and practice retelling the text. Consider having students act out the story or use puppets for retelling practice.
You can find a set of Retelling Rubrics here.
Happy teaching,
Kelly Harmon