Have you ever spent 20 minutes in your classroom reading a book just to have your students immediately forget what the book was about?
You probably already know how frustrating that feeling is.
Teaching students how to write book summaries can feel daunting. Are you ready to change that?
There are two main ways for students to summarize a book in elementary school.
The first way is a retell. This is exactly as it sounds.. students will retell the plot from the story using words such as first, then, next, last or somebody, wanted, but, so, then.
The other type of summary is to discuss the story elements. This will include character, setting, problem and solution.
The length and depth of a summary will depend on what grade the student is in.
Remember, you know your students best and what scaffolding they need to best complete a task.
Let’s face it.. the idea of book summaries can be really boring for students.
Spruce it up by selecting FUN and seasonal texts.
My favorite way to summarize picture books is by using holiday texts. Students can retell important plot events or can summarize story elements. My favorite units are:
Do your students practice summarizing stories?
Here are some of my favorite HOLIDAY book summary activities:
What books are your favorite for summaries? Drop them in the comments below!
