Retelling stories worksheets
Aligned with Common Core SL.2.2
Printable 2nd grade retelling worksheets: a five-finger retell chart, story maps, put-it-in-order strips, big part or tiny detail sorting and tell-a-story cards, all with short stories and answer keys.
The worksheets
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Five-Finger Retell Chart
A hand chart with the five parts of a retell (who, where, problem, events, ending), order words, and an example of a big part vs. a tiny detail.
Story Map
A short story with a picture and a story map on big blue writing lines. Fewer asks for the ending only, and More adds the middle. Includes an answer key with example answers.
Put the Story in Order
Four mixed-up story strips to number in order (three on Fewer, five on More), order words to say it out loud, and one ending to write. Includes an answer key.
Big Part or Tiny Detail?
Story cards to sort into big parts you need for a retell and tiny details you can leave out, plus one short-retell sentence. Includes an answer key.
Tell-a-Story Cards
Six picture cards, each with a character, a place and a problem, like a dragon at the beach who loses a key. Kids make up a story and tell it in order. Every version has new mixes.
Print the whole packet
One copy of every sheet above, in order. Tap + for more copies (up to 10).
For the parent or teacher
What it is
Retelling means telling the important parts of a story in order, in your own words. A good retell names who the story is about, where it happens, the problem, what happened, and how it ended. Kids who can retell are showing that they understood what they read or heard, and it's one of the best ways to build reading comprehension and clear speaking at the same time. In 2nd grade, kids are expected to retell stories and tell the central message (aligned with Common Core SL.2.2 and RL.2.2).
What comes next
Retell longer chapter books and real events from your day, or move on to taking turns in conversation.
How to teach it
- Start with the five-finger chart. Touch one finger for each part as your child retells. The hand is a reminder they always have with them.
- Read the story out loud first, even if your child can read it. Hearing it helps them focus on what happens.
- Have your child retell out loud before writing. Talking first makes the writing much easier.
- Use the order words (first, next, then, last). They help a listener follow along.
- Ask "Would the story still make sense without that part?" when your child adds tiny details.
Common mistakes
- Telling every single detail. A retell is the big parts only.
- Leaving out the ending. Ask, "How did it turn out?"
- Telling events out of order. Use the order strips or the order words.
- Copying sentences word for word from the story. Encourage "your own words."