Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.001
Character Consideration
Objective
The student will describe characters.
Materials
Narrative text
Choose text within students instructional-independent reading level range.
Choose text that features multiple characters.
Student sheet (Activity Master C.001.SS1)
Pencils
Activity
Students describe a character using a graphic organizer.
1. Provide each student with a copy of the text and a student sheet.
2. Students read or review the text.
3. Name the main characters in the story. (Each student selects a different character.)
4. Write the name of the selected character on the student sheet.
5. Describe the selected character by reading the prompts and recording answers.
6. Discuss the answers and how the role of the character contributes to the story.
7. Teacher evaluation
Name
Character Con
sideration
Title:
C.001.SS1
Author:
Character:
Thoughts
Quotes
Actions
Feelings
Goals
What others say
about characte
r
Description
Something else
important
2007 The Florida
Center for
Reading Researc
h
4-5 Student
Center Activitie
s: Comprehension
Extensions and Adaptations
Use other character maps (Activity Master C.001.SS2 and C.001.SS3).
Answer questions from a selected character's viewpoint (Activity Master C.001.SS4).
Describe a situation outside the story and how the character might react to it (e.g., how
the character would react to losing a baseball game).
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.001.SS1
Character Consideration
Title:
Author:
Character:
Thoughts
Actions
Goals
What others say
about character
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Quotes
Feelings
Description
Something else important
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
C.001.SS2
Character Consideration
Title:
Author:
Character:
Thoughts
Actions
Quotes
Trait
Thoughts
Actions
Quotes
Trait
Thoughts
Actions
Quotes
3
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Trait
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.001.SS3
Character Consideration
Title:
Author:
Character
What would you do if you
were the character?
Wh
at
ch thing
ara s
cte doe
r d s th
o? e
rtant
impo
abou
t the
cter
chara
Do yo
thing
Some
u like
t
Why o he charac
r why
ter?
not?
the ?
es k like
o
d
o
at er lo
h
t
W c
ara
ch
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
C.001.SS4
Title:
Character Consideration
Author:
How does the character think and feel
about the event or problem?
How does the character feel about the
outcome of the event or problem?
Event or problem
How does the character react
to the event or problem?
Character
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.002
Character Connections
Objective
The student will identify similarities and differences between characters.
Materials
Narrative text
Choose text within students instructional-independent reading level range.
Character student sheet (Activity Master C.002.SS1)
Character comparison student sheet (Activity Master C.002.SS2)
Pencils
Activity
Students compare characters using a graphic organizer.
1. Provide each student with a copy of the text and a character student sheet. Provide
students with one character comparison sheet that they will complete together.
2. The students read or review the text.
3. Name the characters in the story. (Each student selects a different character.)
4. Write the name of the selected character on the character student sheet. Write specific
information about the character.
5. Discuss the unique and shared characteristics of the characters.
6. Write the unique characteristics of the characters and the shared characteristics on the
character comparison sheet.
7. Teacher evaluation
Name
C.002.SS1
Character
for Reading
Florida Center
Research
Unique
Characteristics
Shared
Characteristics
Unique
Characteristics
Author:
s
Connection
2007 The
Character #2
:
Character #1
Name
Author:
Title:
Title:
Character:
Character Conn
ections
Thoughts
Description
Feelings
Actions
Goals
Traits
C.002.SS2
ehension
es: Compr
Center Activiti
4-5 Student
Other
4-5 Student Center
Activities:
Comprehension
2007 The Florida
Center for Reading
Research
Extensions and Adaptations
Use other graphic organizers to compare characters in the same story or different stories
(Activity Masters C.002.SS3 and C.002.SS4).
Discuss the perspective of two characters regarding an event (Activity Master C.002.SS5).
Use a 3-way Venn diagram to compare three characters (Activity Master C.002.SS6).
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
C.002.SS1
Character Connections
Title:
Author:
Character:
Thoughts
Description
Feelings
Actions
Goals
Traits
Other
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
Shared
Characteristics
Unique
Characteristics
C.002.SS2
Unique
Characteristics
Character #1:
Title:
Author:
Character #2:
Character Connections
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
C.002.SS3
Character Connections
How are they alike?
Title:
Title:
Character #1:
Character #2:
How are they different?
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
characteristics
Name of the
character
Name of the
character
C.002.SS4
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
characteristics
Shared
characteristics
Title
Title
Character Connections
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Title:
How did the character
feel, think, or react to
the event or problem?
Character #1
Event or Problem
Author:
How did the character
feel, think, or react to
the event or problem?
Character #2
Name
C.002.SS5
Character Connections
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
Character Connections
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
C.002.SS6
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.003
Check-A-Trait
Objective
The student will identify similarities and differences between characters.
Materials
Narrative text
Choose text within students instructional-independent reading level range.
Student sheet (Activity Master C.003.SS1)
Pencil
Activity
Students indicate traits of characters by completing a grid.
1. Provide the student with a copy of the text and a student sheet.
2. The student reads or reviews the text.
3. Writes the names of the characters in the boxes in the left column on the
student sheet.
4. Reads the character traits in the top row.
5. Reads each name one at a time and places a check in each t rait box t hat
describes that character.
6. Selects two characters. Uses the back of the student sheet to write how they are
similar or different based on the recorded information.
7. Teacher evaluation
Name
Check-A-Tra
it
Title:
brave
mean
helpful
hardworking
shy
friendly
kind
lazy
C.003.SS1
2007 The Florida
Center for
Reading Research
4-5 Student
Center Activities
: Compreh
ension
Extensions and Adaptations
List other traits and characters on the blank attribute grid (Activity Master C.003.SS2).
Determine the strengths and weaknesses of a character (Activity Master C.003.SS3).
Write riddles using traits and descriptors as clues. For example, Who was very thin,
hardworking, very friendly, and liked apple trees? Johnny Appleseed.
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.003.SS1
Check-A-Trait
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
mean
brave
hardworking
helpful
friendly
shy
lazy
Author:
kind
Title:
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
C.003.SS2
Title:
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Check-A-Trait
Author:
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.003.SS3
Check-A-Trait
Title:
Author:
Character:
Strength Weakness
Why?
1. Solving problems
2. Facing challenges
3. Being curious
4. Getting along with others
5. Other:
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.004
The Main Events
Objective
The student will sequence events in a story.
Materials
Narrative text
Choose text within students instructional-independent reading level range.
Student sheet (Activity Master C.004.SS1)
Pencil
Activity
Students write the main events of a story in sequential order using a graphic organizer.
1. Provide the student with a copy of the text and a student sheet.
2. The student reads or reviews the text.
3. Writes the title and author on the student sheet.
4. Writes the events in sequential order.
5. Teacher evaluation
Name
The Main Eve
nts
Title
C.004.SS1
Problem or Con
flict:
Event
Event
Event
Event
Event
Event
Resolution
2007 The
Florida Center
for Readin
g Research
4-5 Studen
t Center Activit
ies: Compr
ehension
Extensions and Adaptations
Share information from the student sheet with a partner and discuss story.
Sequence events (Activity Master C.004.SS2 and C.004.SS3).
Describe what happened first, next, then, and last in the story (Activity Master C.004.SS4).
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.004.SS1
The Main Events
Title:
Author:
Problem or Conflict:
Event
Event
Event
Event
Event
Event
Resolution
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
6.
The Main Events
2.
5.
1.
4.
Title:
Author:
3.
C.004.SS2
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.004.SS3
Event 2
Event 4
Event 6
Event 3
Event 5
Title:
Author:
Event 1
The Main Events
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
t happened last?
at happened next?
2. Wh
4 . W ha
at happened then?
3. Wh
t happened first?
The Main Events
Title:
1. Wha
Author:
C.004.SS4
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.005
Plotting the Plot
Objective
The student will identify the components of a plot.
Materials
Narrative text
Choose text within students instructional-independent reading level range.
Plot cards (Activity Master C.005.AM1)
Laminate.
Plot work board (Activity Master C.005.AM2a - C.005.AM2b)
Copy, align pages, glue sides together, and laminate.
Vis--Vis markers
Activity
Students write plot components and place them on the plot structure.
1. Place plot work board on a flat surface. Place the plot cards face down in a stack.
Provide each student with a copy of the text.
2. Students read or review text and discuss it. Write title and author on work board.
3. Taking turns, student one selects the top plot card from the stack, reads designation
at the bottom aloud, and writes the corresponding information on the card. Hands
card to student two.
4. Student two places the plot card in the appropriate box on the work board.
Explains placement.
5. Continue until all plot cards are placed.
6. Peer evaluation
3
ts
tio
in
Ac
Fa
ll
in
Ac
tio
Ev
en
ts
Solution or
Resolution
Plotting the Plot
C.005.AM1b
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Introduction
or Exposition
Climax or
Turning Point
Comprehension
Ris
n
ve
C.005.AM2b
Comprehension
Author:
Plotting the Plot
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Title:
Extensions and Adaptations
Record answers on student sheet (Activity Master [Link]).
Write plot components of multiple stories on cards (Activity Master C.005.AM3) and
sort using header cards (Activity Master C.005.AM4).
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Comprehension
C.005.AM1
Plotting the Plot
introduction or exposition
rising action event
rising action event
rising action event
rising action event
rising action event
climax or turning point
falling action event
falling action event
falling action event
solution or resolution
plot cards
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
C.005.AM2a
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Title:
Introduction
or Exposition
i
Ris
ng
Author:
t
Ac
io
e
Ev
nt
Plotting the Plot
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Comprehension
C.005.AM2b
Fa
llin
Ac
tio
Ev
en
ts
Climax or
Turning Point
Solution or
Resolution
Plotting the Plot
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
[Link]
Solution or Resolution
Plotting the Plot
ts
Climax or Turning Point
Author:
llin
Fa
io
ct
n
ve
ts
Ri
Introduction or Exposition
sin
g
Title:
ct
io
ve
n
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Comprehension
C.005.AM3
Plotting the Plot
blank cards
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.005.AM4
Plotting the Plot
introduction
or
exposition
header
climax
or
turning point
header
solution
or
resolution
header
rising action
(multiple events)
header
falling action
(multiple events)
header
conflict
header
header cards
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.006
Plot Plan
Objective
The student will identify the components of a plot.
Materials
Narrative text
Choose text within students instructional-independent reading level range.
Student sheet (Activity Master C.006.SS1)
Pencil
Activity
Students write the parts of a plot on a graphic organizer.
1. Provide the student with a copy of the text and a student sheet.
2. The student reads or reviews the text.
3. Writes the parts of the plot on the student sheet.
4. Teacher evaluation
Climax or Turning Point
nts
ve
Ris
ing
Ac
tio
nE
ts
ven
Solution or Resolution
C.006.SS1
s: Comprehension
4-5 Student Center
Activitie
Introduction or Exposition
nE
ctio
gA
in
Fall
Name
Author:
Plot Plan
2007 The Florida
Center for Reading
Research
Title:
Extensions and Adaptations
Write a summary of the plot on the back of the student sheet.
Use a more detailed graphic organizer to record plot (Activity Master C.006.SS2).
Select two stories, complete a student sheet on each, and discuss the plots with a partner.
Use other plot graphic organizers (Activity Master C.006.SS3 and C.006.SS4).
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.006.SS1
Author:
nts
Eve
Climax or Turning Point:
tio
li
Fal
tion
c
gA
ts
n
Eve
gA
c
Solution or Resolution
Plot Plan
in
Introduction or Exposition
Title:
Ris
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
C.006.SS2
Author:
nts
Eve
Climax or Turning Point:
Theme:
Conflict:
n
tio
li
Fal
tion
c
gA
ts
n
Eve
gA
c
Solution or Resolution
Plot Plan
in
Setting:
Introduction or Exposition
Title:
Ris
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.006.SS3
Plot Plan
Title:
Author:
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.006.SS4
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Title:
Author:
Plot Plan
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.007
Story Pieces
Objective
The student will identify story elements.
Materials
Narrative text
Choose text within students instructional-independent reading level range.
Question cards (Activity Master C.007.AM1a - C.007.AM1b)
Use question cards that are appropriate for your students.
Laminate.
Student sheet (Activity Master [Link])
Pencils
Activity
Students answer questions related to story elements and record on a graphic organizer.
1. Place story element question cards face down in a stack. Provide each student with a copy
of the text and a student sheet.
2. Students read or review the text.
3. Taking turns, students select the top card and read the question. For example, "Who or
what is involved in the conflict?"
4. Discuss answer. Place the card in a discard pile.
5. Record answers to selected questions on the student sheet. (Use back of student sheet,
if necessary.)
6. Continue until all question cards are answered.
7. Teacher evaluation
"Who or what is
involved in the
conflict?"
Name
C.007.SS1
Story Pieces
Who or what
is involved in
the conflict?
Who are the
important charac
ters
in the story?
What is the setting
of the story?
What is the theme
of the story?
What is the solution
to the problem?
4-5 Student
Center Activities:
What is the plot
of the story?
Who or what is
involved in the
conflict?
What is the proble
m
in the story?
What is the climax
or turning point
of
the story?
Comprehen
sion
2007 The Florida
Center for
Reading Research
Extensions and Adaptations
Complete two student sheets on two different stories. Write title or draw picture related
to each story on the back. Cut out each story's puzzle pieces, mix pieces, and give to a
partner to put pieces back in the right order. Turn pieces over to check by revealing the
title or picture.
Add questions. For example, What are the effects of the problem?
(Activity Master C.005.AM3)
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Comprehension
C.007.AM1a
Story Pieces
Who are the
important characters
in the story?
Who is your favorite
character? Why?
What is the setting
of the story?
What is the plot
of the story?
What is the theme
of the story?
What is the problem
in the story?
What is the
solution to the
problem?
What is another way
that the problem
could have been
solved?
question cards
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
Story Pieces
C.007.AM1b
What do the other
characters think
about the main
character?
Does the main
character change
in some way during
the story? How?
Name another story
that has a similar
theme or plot.
Name an event
and tell how two
characters
reacted to it.
What is the climax
or turning point
of the story?
Who or what
is involved in
the conflict?
Did the character
learn a lesson? If so,
what was it?
If the story
continued, what
might happen next?
question cards
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
[Link]
Story Pieces
Title:
Author:
Who are the
important characters
in the story?
What is the plot
of the story?
What is the setting
of the story?
Who or what is
involved in the
conflict?
What is the theme
of the story?
What is the problem
in the story?
What is the solution
to the problem?
What is the climax
or turning point of
the story?
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.008
Story Element Ease
Objective
The student will identify story elements.
Materials
Narrative texts
Choose three stories, books, or other texts that students have read. Put a number on each text.
Choose stories that can be compared and contrasted.
Story element header cards (Activity Master C.008.AM1)
Story element cards (Activity Master C.008.AM2a - C.008.AM2c)
Laminate.
Vis--Vis markers
Activity
Students write information related to story elements and sort into appropriate categories.
1. Place header cards face up in a row. Place the story element cards face down in a stack.
Provide each student with a copy of the texts.
2. Students review and discuss each of the texts.
3. Taking turns, students select the top card from the stack and read the category printed at
the bottom of the card.
4. Write the title of the text that corresponds to the number on the card. Write information
related to the story element and place in column under matching header card.
5. Continue until all cards are sorted.
6. Discuss the similarities and differences among the texts.
7. Peer evaluation
theme
header
The Lion's Tale
plot
header
The Lion's Tale
Title #1__________________
Title #1__________________
monkey, lion,
and alligator
in the jungle
characters
Title #3__________________
setting
Trio
_____
fic_____
Terri
The_____
Title #2___
Tim, Jim,
Keith
theme
characters
Extensions and Adaptations
Record answers (Activity Master [Link]).
Use 3-way Venn diagram to compare three stories (Activity Master C.002.SS6).
Choose multiple stories, write information related to the six story elements, mix into a
stack, use headers, and take turns sorting (Activity Master C.008.AM3).
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Comprehension
C.008.AM1
Story Element Ease
characters
setting
header
problem
header
solution
header
theme
header
header
plot
header
story element header cards
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
C.008.AM2a
Story Element Ease
Title #1__________________
characters
Title #1__________________
problem
Title #1__________________
theme
Title #1__________________
setting
Title #1__________________
solution
Title #1__________________
plot
story element cards
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Comprehension
C.008.AM2b
Story Element Ease
Title #2__________________
characters
Title #2__________________
problem
Title #2__________________
theme
Title #2__________________
setting
Title #2__________________
solution
Title #2__________________
plot
story element cards
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
C.008.AM2c
Story Element Ease
Title #3__________________
characters
Title #3__________________
problem
Title #3__________________
theme
Title #3__________________
setting
Title #3__________________
solution
Title #3__________________
plot
story element cards
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
[Link]
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Title #3
Title #2
Title #1
story
characters
setting
problem
solution
theme
plot
Story Element Ease
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
Story Element Ease
C.008.AM3
blank cards
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.009
Story Mapping
Objective
The student will identify story elements.
Materials
Narrative text
Choose text within students instructional-independent reading level range.
Student sheet (Activity Master C.009.SS1)
Pencil
Activity
Students record information related to story elements on a graphic organizer.
1. Provide the student with a copy of the text and a student sheet.
2. The student reads or reviews the text.
3. Writes the title and author of the story on the student sheet.
4. Reads the prompts and records the answers until the sheet is complete.
5. Teacher evaluation
Name
Story Mappi
ng
C.009.SS1
Title and Auth
or
Character
Character
Character
Setting
Event
Event
Event
Event
Event
Solution:
2007 The
Florida Cente
r for Readin
g Research
4-5 Studen
t Center
Activit
ies: Comp
rehension
Extensions and Adaptations
Use different colored highlighters to mark story elements on a copy of the text.
Use other story maps (Activity Masters C.009.SS2 and C.009.SS3).
Write other questions about the story and exchange with a partner who answers
(Activity Master C.009.SS4).
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.009.SS1
Story Mapping
Title and Author
Character
Character
Character
Setting
Problem:
Event
Event
Event
Event
Solution:
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
C.009.SS2
Title:
Story Mapping
Author:
Setting
Where:
When:
Characters
Problem
Event
Event
Event
Event
Event
Solution
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
What is the solution to the problem?
What is the problem in the story?
What is the setting of the story?
Who are the important characters in the story?
Title/Author
What is another way the problem
could have been solved?
What is the theme of the story?
What is the plot of the story?
Who is your favorite character and why?
Name
Story Mapping
C.009.SS3
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
C.009.SS4
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Story Mapping
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.010
Side-by-Side Stories
Objective
The student will identify similarities and differences between stories.
Materials
Narrative texts
Choose text within students instructional-independent reading level range.
Select two short stories that students can compare.
Student sheet (Activity Master C.010.SS1)
Pencil
Activity
Students record similarities and differences of story elements by completing a
graphic organizer.
1. Provide the student with a copy of the texts and a student sheet.
2. The student reads or reviews both texts. Writes the story titles and authors on
the graphic organizer in the designated areas.
3. Thinks about the story elements of each story. Decides which are unique to each
story and which are shared.
4. Records the answers under the corresponding story title or shared area.
5. Continues until all story elements are recorded.
6. Teacher evaluation
4-5 Stude
nt
Title:
Cente
sion
Name
Author:
010.SS1
Comprehen
C.
r Activities:
Title:
Author:
2007 The
Florida
Center
Research
ics
ide Storie
s
Side-by-S
for Readi
ng
shared
characterist
Extensions and Adaptations
Read and discuss two stories with a partner and complete student sheet.
Compare narrative texts using other graphic organizers (Activity Masters C.010.SS2
and C.010.SS3).
Compare three stories (Activity Masters C.002.SS6 and C.008.SS1).
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
Side-by-Side Stories
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
shared
characteristics
Author:
Author:
Title:
Title:
C.010.SS1
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.010.SS2
Side-by-Side Stories
How are they alike?
Story #1
Story #2
How are they different?
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
C.010.SS3
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Side-by-Side Stories
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.011
Retell Recap
Objective
The student will retell a story.
Materials
Narrative texts
Choose two or more texts within students instructional-independent reading level range.
Optional: Laminate and use Vis--Vis marker.
Retelling Checklist student sheet (Activity Master [Link])
Pencils
Activity
Students restate a story with a partner.
1. Provide each student with a copy of the texts and a student sheet.
2. Students select one of the texts and read or review it.
3. Discuss text using the student sheet as a guide.
4. Student one writes name on top of student sheet and hands to student two.
5. Student one retells the story while student two checks the story elements as they are stated.
6. Student two hands back the student sheet to student one, discusses the retelling and the
items that are checked and unchecked.
7. Select a different text and reverse roles.
8. Continue until each student has retold at least one story.
9. Peer evaluation
Name
[Link]
Title:
Author:
Listener:
Retell Recap
Retelling Checklis
1. Told title and auth
or
2. Told the setting
3. Told about the
4. Told about the
5. Told what the
main character
other characters
problem was
6. Told the importa
nt events
7. Told the solution
8. Told how the stor
9. Told the stor y
y ended
in proper order
4-5 Student
Center Activities
: Comprehension
2007 The Florida
Center for
Reading Research
Extensions and Adaptations
Write the summary of the story on the back of the student sheet or on notebook paper.
Place questions in sequence on a binder ring to retell a story (Activity Master C.011.AM1).
Give story element clues to partner who guesses the title. For example, A small animal helps
a large animal escape from a trap in the jungle. What is the story? The Lion and the Mouse.
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
[Link]
Retell Recap
Title:
Listener:
Author:
Retelling Checklist
1. Told title and author
2. Told the setting
3. Told about the main character
4. Told about the other characters
5. Told what the problem was
6. Told the important events
7. Told the solution
8. Told how the story ended
9. Told the story in proper order
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
1
3
5
7
Retell Recap
State the title
and author
of the story.
Where and when
does the story
take place?
What are the
important
events?
How does the
story end?
story element cards
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
2
4
6
8
C.011.AM1
Who are
the main
characters?
What is
the problem?
How is the
problem solved?
What is the
theme of
the story?
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.012
Retell Review
Objective
The student will retell a story.
Materials
Narrative text
Choose text within students instructional-independent reading level range.
Student sheet (Activity Master C.012.SS1)
Pencil
Activity
Students restate a story using a graphic organizer.
1. Provide the student with a copy of the text and a student sheet.
2. Student reads or reviews the text.
3. Thinks about the characters, setting, problem, important events, solution to the problem,
and conclusion.
4. Writes a retelling of the story on the student sheet.
5. Teacher evaluation
Name
Retell Review
Title:
C.012.SS1
Author:
characters
setting
problem
events
solution
conclusion
2007 The Florida
Center for Reading
Research
4-5 Student Center
Activitie
s: Comprehension
Extensions and Adaptations
Write a retelling of the story in 20 words or less on the back of the student sheet.
Retell other stories using graphic organizers (Activity Masters C.012.SS2 and C.012.SS3).
Describe elements in the story and write a summary (Activity Master C.012.SS4).
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.012.SS1
Retell Review
Title:
Author:
characters
setting
problem
events
solution
conclusion
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
C.012.SS2
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Author
Events
Problem
Title
Characters
Setting
Solution
Retell Review
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.012.SS3
Retell Review
Title:
Author:
This story takes place
The characters are
This story begins when
The problem is
An event that happens is
Then,
After that,
The problem is solved when
The story ends by
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
C.012.SS4
Retell Review
Title:
Author:
Story Sequence
Students Retelling
Beginning
Who are the main
characters?
Where and when
does the story
take place?
What happens in
the beginning?
Middle
What happens
in the middle?
What is the
problem?
What does
the main
character do?
End
How is the
problem solved?
How does the
story end?
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Comprehension
Narrative Text Structure
C.013
Summary Step-Up
Objective
The student will summarize narrative text.
Materials
Narrative text
Choose text within students instructional-independent reading level range.
Student sheet (Activity Master C.013.SS1)
Pencil
Activity
Students write a summary of a story by using prompts.
1. Provide the student with a copy of the text and a student sheet.
2. Student reads or reviews the text.
3. Thinks about the characters, setting, problem, important events, and solution to
the problem.
4. Writes sentences on each of the steps corresponding to the story-related prompts
on the student sheet.
5. Writes a summary of the story at the top of the student sheet using information on
the steps.
6. Teacher evaluation
Name
C.013.SS1
Summary Step-Up
summary
solution
important event
important event
important event
problem
setting
character description
main character's name
author
title
4-5 Student Center Activities:
Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center
for Reading Research
Extensions and Adaptations
Summarize other stories using graphic organizer (Activity Master C.013.SS2).
Use the prompts somebody, wanted, but, so, then to tell or write a summary. For example,
Cinderella (somebody) wanted to go to the Royal Ball, but her stepmother wouldn't let her,
so her fairy godmother made it possible; then Cinderella married the prince.
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
Name
C.013.SS1
Summary Step-Up
summary
solution
important event
important event
important event
problem
setting
character description
me
main character's na
author
title
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
Name
C.013.SS2
2007 The Florida Center for Reading Research
=Summary Statement
Who was in the story?
Title:
What was the problem?
How was it solved?
Summary Step-Up
4-5 Student Center Activities: Comprehension
