How to Retell a Story
When you retell a story, tell who was in it, where it happened, and what happened in order.
Need more than one? Tap + for extra copies (up to 10).
How to do it
- Name the characters and the setting.
- Tell the beginning, middle and end in order.
- Try Somebody Wanted But So Then to sum it up.
Teaching tip
After a bedtime story, ask your child to retell it using the five words on the chart. This sheet is aligned with Common Core RL.1.3.
About this chart
Characters and setting, beginning-middle-end with a short story example, and the Somebody Wanted But So Then frame.
What kids practice
Retelling means telling a story again in your own words, in order. First graders learn to name the characters (who), the setting (where and when), and the main events at the beginning, middle and end. It shows they understood the story, not just read the words.
Watch for
- Retelling every tiny detail. Ask "What are the most important parts?"
- Mixing up the order. Have your child find the beginning and end first.
- Naming the setting as a thing, like "a tree" instead of "the park".
It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full retelling, characters and setting guide for 1st grade.
More sheets in this set
2. Story MapA short story with a story map for characters, setting, beginning, middle and end.
3. Characters and SettingA short story with character names to circle, a setting choice and a drawing box.
4. Somebody Wanted But So ThenA short story with a five-part retelling frame. Matches RL.1.2.
5. Beginning, Middle, EndTwo short stories, each with three events to put in order. Matches RL.1.2.