Somebody Wanted But So Then
Read the story. Retell it in five parts: Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then.
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This is sheet #23624601.
How to do it
- Read the story.
- Fill in Somebody, Wanted, But and So.
- Tell how it ends with Then.
Teaching tip
Count the five parts on five fingers while retelling out loud. This sheet is aligned with Common Core RL.1.3.
About this worksheet
A short story with a five-part retelling frame. Matches RL.1.2.
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, with an answer key. See the full retelling, characters and setting guide for 1st grade.
More sheets in this set
- See it all
1. How to Retell a StoryCharacters and setting, beginning-middle-end with a short story example, and the Somebody Wanted But So Then frame. 
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.
5. Beginning, Middle, EndTwo short stories, each with three events to put in order. Matches RL.1.2.