Retelling a Story
The Spark
Concept
Story retelling requires a child to understand, organise and communicate narrative. It is one of the strongest predictors of reading comprehension. At Foundation, we focus on characters, setting and three key events: beginning, middle and end.
Activity
Ask: Can you remember a book we read recently? Who was in it? Where did it happen? What happened first? This activates schema and shows your child that you want them to do the thinking.
Check
After your child retells a story, ask: What happened at the beginning? What happened at the end? How did the character feel? Good retelling includes characters, setting and key events in order.
Parts of a Story (Set A)
Circle the correct answer for each question about stories.
Every story has a beginning, a middle and an...
The people or animals in a story are called...
The place where a story happens is called the...
Parts of a Story (Set B)
Circle the correct answer.
Which part of a story introduces the characters?
Where does the exciting problem usually happen?
When does the problem usually get solved?
Match Story Words to Meanings (Set A)
Draw a line from each story word to what it means.
Put the Story in Order (Set A)
Number these story events 1, 2, and 3 to show the correct order.
Beginning, Middle or End? (Set A)
Sort each story event into the correct column.
Who Is in the Story?
Think of a story you know well. Draw the main character and write their name.
The story is called: ______
Draw the main character:
The character's name is: ______
Where Does the Story Happen?
Stories happen in places! Circle the best setting for each story.
A story about fish would happen...
A story about a princess would happen...
A story about astronauts would happen...
Draw the Setting
Think of a story you know. Draw where the story happens (the setting).
The story is called: ______
Draw the setting:
The story happens at/in: ______
Match Characters to Settings
Draw a line to match each character to the place they would most likely be.
Story Feelings (Set A)
How would the character feel? Circle the best answer.
A character who lost their teddy would feel...
A character who won a race would feel...
A character who heard a loud noise at night would feel...
Character Feelings
Draw a character's face showing how they feel. Write a feeling word.
Draw a HAPPY face:
Draw a SAD face:
Draw a SCARED face:
Sort: Story Words
Sort each word: is it about a CHARACTER, a SETTING, or a FEELING?
Put the Story in Order (Set B)
Number these events to show the correct order for a simple story.
Retell a Simple Story (Set A)
Think of a story you know. Write one sentence for each part.
Beginning: ___________________________
Middle: ___________________________
End: ___________________________
Tip: Stories Are Like Sandwiches!
Every story has three parts — like a sandwich! The BEGINNING is the top piece of bread (we meet the characters). The MIDDLE is the filling (something exciting happens). The END is the bottom piece of bread (the problem is solved). When you retell a story, always include all three parts!
Draw a sandwich with three parts labelled Beginning, Middle, End:
What Happens First?
In most stories, what happens FIRST?
What usually happens first?
What usually happens last?
What usually happens in the middle?
Match Story Parts to Descriptions
Draw a line to match each story part to what it includes.
My Favourite Character (Set A)
Think of a character from a story you love. Draw them and write about them.
Draw your favourite character:
My character's name is: ______
One sentence about what they do: ___________________________
Story Problems (Set A)
Every story has a problem. Which problem fits each story?
A story about a lost puppy: the problem is...
A story about a broken toy: the problem is...
Story Spark: You Are a Storyteller!
Did you know that YOU tell stories every day? When you tell someone about your day, that is a story! It has a beginning (what happened first), a middle (the exciting part) and an end (how it finished). Tell someone about something that happened today — you are already a storyteller!
Something that happened today — Beginning: ______
Middle: ______
End: ______
Put the Story in Order (Set C)
Number these events in the correct order for a farm story.
Retell: The Three Little Pigs (Set A)
Retell the story of The Three Little Pigs. Write what happened in the beginning, middle and end.
Beginning: ___________________________
Middle: ___________________________
End: ___________________________
Story Knowledge Check (Set A)
Answer each question about stories.
What do we call the people or animals in a story?
The place where a story happens is called the...
The exciting problem in a story is sometimes called the...
Beginning, Middle or End? (Set B)
Sort these events from a story about a birthday party.
Draw Three Story Boxes
Think of any story. Draw the beginning, middle and end in three boxes.
BEGINNING:
MIDDLE:
END:
Match Problems to Solutions
Every story has a problem and a solution. Draw a line to match each problem to its solution.
Who, Where, What? (Set A)
For a story you know, answer these three key questions.
WHO is the story about? ______
WHERE does it happen? ______
WHAT is the problem? ______
Story Feelings (Set B)
How would the character feel at each point in the story?
At the beginning, when everything is normal, the character feels...
When the problem happens, the character feels...
When the problem is solved, the character feels...
Put the Story in Order (Set D)
Number these events for a story about going to the beach.
Tip: Good Retellers Use Story Language
Good storytellers use special words! Try starting your retelling with 'Once upon a time...' or 'First...' Use 'Then...' for the middle and 'Finally...' or 'In the end...' for the ending. These words help your listener follow the story.
Practise: Once upon a time, ___________________________
Then, ___________________________
Finally, ___________________________
Retell Using Story Words
Retell a story you know using the story words: First, Then, Finally.
Story title: ______
First, ___________________________
Then, ___________________________
Finally, ___________________________
Sort: Story Connective Words
Sort each word: does it go at the Beginning, Middle or End of a retelling?
What Happens Next?
Read the story start. Circle what would most likely happen next.
A bird builds a nest in a tree. Then a storm comes. What happens next?
A boy plants a seed and waters it every day. What happens next?
A girl drops her ice cream. What happens next?
Predict the Ending
Read the beginning and middle. Write what you think the ending will be.
Beginning: A puppy escapes from the garden. Middle: The puppy gets lost in the park.
What do you think happens at the end? ___________________________
Match Story Beginnings to Endings
Draw a line to match each story beginning to its most likely ending.
Retell: A Story You Read Today
If you read or heard a story today, retell it here. If not, retell your favourite story.
Title: ______
Characters: ______
Setting: ______
What happened: ___________________________
Character Traits (Set A)
What word best describes each character?
A character who helps everyone is...
A character who faces danger to save a friend is...
A character who makes everyone laugh is...
Describe a Story Character
Choose a character from a story. Write about what they look like, what they do, and how they feel.
Character's name: ______
What they look like: ______
What they do in the story: ______
How they feel: ______
Put the Story in Order (Set E)
Number these events for a story about baking.
Story Spark: Stories From Your Family!
Ask someone in your family to tell you a story from when THEY were little. Then retell it here! Every family has wonderful stories to share.
Who told you the story? ______
What happened? ___________________________
Draw a picture from the story:
Story Map (Set A)
Fill in a story map for a story you know.
Title: ______
Characters: ______
Setting: ______
Problem: ______
Solution: ______
Sort: Character Traits
Sort each word: is it a GOOD trait or something a TRICKY character might do?
Why Did the Character Do That?
Think about WHY characters do things.
Why did the boy share his lunch?
Why did the dog bark at the stranger?
Why did the girl study hard?
Story Retell in Four Boxes
Draw four pictures showing four key events in a story you know.
Event 1:
Event 2:
Event 3:
Event 4:
Tip: Ask Yourself Questions!
Good readers ask themselves questions while reading. Try these: WHO is the story about? WHERE does it happen? WHAT is the problem? HOW does it get solved? HOW does the character feel? Asking questions helps you understand and remember the story.
Think of a story. Who? ______ Where? ______ What problem? ______
Match Questions to Story Parts
Draw a line to match each question to the story part it helps you understand.
Ask Questions About a Story
After reading or hearing a story, write three questions you could ask about it.
Story title: ______
Question 1: ___________________________
Question 2: ___________________________
Question 3: ___________________________
Is This a Good Retelling?
Read each retelling. Does it include Beginning, Middle and End?
A dog went for a walk. He found a bone. He went home happy.
There was a cat.
A girl lost her ball. She looked everywhere. She found it under a bush.
Fix This Retelling
This retelling is missing parts. Add what is missing.
Retelling: 'A boy went to the park. The end.' What is MISSING? ___________________________
Write a better retelling: ___________________________
Put the Story in Order (Set F)
Number these events for a story about a rainy day adventure.
Detailed Retell (Set A)
Retell a story in detail. Include characters, setting, problem, events, and solution.
Title: ______
My detailed retelling:
Story Elements Review
Identify each story element.
Characters are...
The setting is...
The plot is...
The problem is...
Sort: Story Elements
Sort each item: is it a CHARACTER, SETTING, PROBLEM or FEELING?
Character Comparison
Think of two characters from different stories. How are they the same? How are they different?
Character 1: ______ from ______
Character 2: ______ from ______
How they are the same: ___________________________
How they are different: ___________________________
Match Story Events to Feelings
Draw a line to match each story event to how the character would feel.
Retell and Connect (Set A)
Retell a story AND write about how it connects to your own life.
Story title: ______
What happened in the story: ___________________________
This reminds me of when I: ___________________________
Story or Not a Story?
Does this text tell a story (with beginning, middle, end) or is it just information?
A dog lost its ball. It looked everywhere. It found it under a bush.
Dogs have four legs. Dogs can bark. Dogs eat meat.
A girl planted a seed. It grew into a flower. She gave it to her mum.
Story Map (Set B)
Fill in a story map with more detail.
Title: ______
Main character: ______
Other characters: ______
Setting: ______
Problem: ______
Key events (3): ___________________________
Solution: ______
Put the Story in Order (Set G)
Number these 5 events in the correct order.
Story Spark: Make Up Your Own Story!
You know all the parts of a story now — so make one up! Create a story with a character, setting, problem and solution. Even just 3 sentences is a story!
My character: ______
My setting: ______
My story: ___________________________
Story Time at Home
Build story retelling skills through everyday reading.
- 1After reading, ask: Who was the story about? Where did it happen? What was the problem?
- 2Take turns adding one sentence each to retell a story you both know.
- 3Use soft toys to act out a familiar story — who plays each character?
- 4Ask your child to read the pictures in a wordless picture book and make up a story.
Retell in Your Own Words (Set A)
Think of a story you read recently. Retell it completely in your own words. Do NOT copy the book — use YOUR words.
Story: ______
My retelling:
Beginning, Middle or End? (Set C)
Sort these events from a story about a lost kitten.
What Is the Lesson?
Many stories have a lesson or moral. What lesson does each story teach?
A story about sharing toys: the lesson is...
A story about trying again after failing: the lesson is...
A story about being kind to a new kid: the lesson is...
What Is the Lesson? (Set A)
Think of a story you know. What lesson or message does it teach?
Story: ______
The lesson of this story is: ___________________________
Match Stories to Lessons
Draw a line to match each story type to the lesson it likely teaches.
Retell and Draw (Set A)
Retell a story by drawing four pictures in order. Write one sentence under each picture.
Picture 1:
Sentence: ___________________________
Picture 2:
Sentence: ___________________________
Would You Change the Ending?
Think about different endings for stories.
If the Three Little Pigs had all built brick houses...
If Cinderella never went to the ball...
Write a Different Ending
Choose a story you know. Write a DIFFERENT ending for it.
Story: ______
Original ending: ___________________________
My new ending: ___________________________
Interview a Character
Pretend you can interview a character from a story. Write three questions you would ask them.
Character: ______ from ______
Question 1: ___________________________
Question 2: ___________________________
Question 3: ___________________________
Sort: What Makes a Good Retelling?
Sort these: does a good retelling NEED this, or is it EXTRA?
Retell to Someone
Choose a story. Retell it OUT LOUD to someone in your family. Then write how it went.
I retold: ______
I told it to: ______
The best part of my retelling was: ___________________________
Next time I could improve: ___________________________
Character Actions and Traits
What does the character's action tell us about them?
A character who gives their lunch to a hungry friend is...
A character who tells the truth even when it is hard is...
A character who climbs a mountain alone is...
Story Comparison
Think of two stories. How are they the same? How are they different?
Story 1: ______
Story 2: ______
How they are the same: ___________________________
How they are different: ___________________________
Tip: Retelling Gets Better with Practice!
The more stories you retell, the better you get! Great retellers remember the characters, setting, problem, key events (in order) and the solution. They also talk about how characters feel and what lesson the story teaches. Keep practising!
The story I retell best is: ______
I remember it well because: ___________________________
Story Map (Set C)
Create a complete story map with all elements.
Title: ______
Characters: ______
Setting: ______
Beginning: ___________________________
Problem: ___________________________
Key event 1: ___________________________
Key event 2: ___________________________
Solution: ___________________________
Lesson: ___________________________
Match Story Connectives to Parts
Draw a line to match each sentence starter to the story part.
Write About a Favourite Story Character
Write a paragraph about a character you admire from a story.
My favourite character is ______ from ______
I admire them because: ___________________________
Retelling Checklist
Tick whether each retelling includes the key elements.
Does this retelling have characters? 'A girl found a puppy. She took it home.'
Does this retelling have a setting? 'Someone did something.'
Does this retelling have a problem and solution? 'A boy lost his hat. He found it under his bed.'
Story Spark: Be the Storyteller!
You are now a storyteller! Retell your absolute favourite story as if you are performing it on a stage. Use expression, gestures and your best storytelling voice. Then write about the experience.
I performed: ______
My audience was: ______
The best part of my performance was: ___________________________
Retell From a Different Character's View
Choose a story you know well. Retell it from a DIFFERENT character's point of view.
Story: ______
I am retelling from the view of: ______
My retelling:
Fact or Opinion About a Story?
Is each statement a FACT about the story or an OPINION?
The story has three characters.
The story is the best one ever.
The story happens in a forest.
The ending is boring.
Book Review
Write a short review of a story you have read. Would you recommend it?
Title: ______
What it is about: ___________________________
I liked/did not like it because: ___________________________
I would rate it _____ out of 5 stars.
Sort: Types of Stories
Sort each story type into the correct column.
Create a Story With a Problem
Make up a short story that has a clear problem and solution.
Characters: ______
Setting: ______
Problem: ______
What happens: ___________________________
Solution: ___________________________
Match Characters to Story Types
Draw a line to match each character to the type of story they would be in.
Retell a Story in Exactly 5 Sentences
Choose a story. Retell it in EXACTLY five sentences. This requires choosing only the most important events.
Story: ______
Sentence 1: ___________________________
Sentence 2: ___________________________
Sentence 3: ___________________________
Sentence 4: ___________________________
Sentence 5: ___________________________
Story Elements Grand Quiz
Test your story knowledge!
Which is NOT a story element?
A story's problem is also called the...
A story with a beginning, middle and end has good...
Create a Sequel
Choose a story that has ended. Write what happens NEXT — a sequel!
Original story: ______
My sequel:
Tip: You Are a Story Expert!
You now know all the parts of a story: characters, setting, problem, events and solution. You can retell stories, identify lessons, predict endings and even create your own stories. These skills will help you understand every book you ever read!
I am good at retelling stories because: ___________________________
Grand Retell (Set A)
Retell the most complex story you know. Include all story elements.
Title: ______
Characters: ______
Setting: ______
Full retelling:
Lesson: ___________________________
Make a Story Book
Plan a mini book. Write what will go on each page.
Title page: ______
Page 1 (Beginning): ___________________________
Page 2 (Middle): ___________________________
Page 3 (End): ___________________________
Sort: Good Retelling vs Needs Improvement
Sort each retelling skill: are you good at it or do you need to practise more?
Story Recommendation
Write about a story you think everyone should read. Explain why!
The story is: ______
It is about: ___________________________
You should read it because: ___________________________
What Makes a Great Story?
Which features make a story great?
A great story needs...
A great story has...
A great story makes you feel...
Story Self-Assessment
Rate your retelling skills. Circle or write: great, good, or still learning.
Remembering characters: ______
Retelling beginning, middle, end: ______
Identifying the problem: ______
Explaining the solution: ______
Identifying the lesson: ______
Retell a Story to Teach Someone
Retell a story as if you are teaching it to a younger child. Make it clear and simple.
Story: ______
My retelling for a younger child:
Story Retelling Champion
You are a story retelling champion! Keep building these skills.
- 1After every story you read, practise the 5-finger retelling: characters, setting, problem, events, ending.
- 2Start a story journal: retell one story per week in drawings and writing.
- 3Act out a story with puppets or soft toys for your family.
- 4Read a new book and tell someone all about it without the book in front of you.
Grand Retelling Assessment
Read or listen to a story. Then retell it including all elements.
Title: ______
Characters: ______
Setting: ______
Beginning: ___________________________
Middle: ___________________________
End: ___________________________
Lesson: ___________________________
Story Spark: Pass the Story!
Play 'Pass the Story' with your family. One person starts a story with one sentence. The next person adds a sentence. Keep going until you have a full story with a beginning, middle and end. Then write it down!
Our family story:
Who helped tell it: ______