Retelling: A Comprehension Strategy

Strategy Corner

Retelling is a teaching strategy that engages students in reading, writing, speaking and listening. It is most often used with students in grades three and up. During the writing of the retelling, students demonstrate their knowledge of the following: literal recall of events and details, sequencing, text structures, characters, problem and solution, vocabulary, summarizing and paraphrasing.

During the sharing and comparing stage which follows the written retelling, students read their own retelling and their partner’s retelling, comparing both retellings to the original text, noting vocabulary substitutions, writing styles, individual interpretations of the text, and writing conventions.

It is suggested that retellings be done in groups of three over a three-week period. After students have been taught the procedure, teachers can use it at any time to evaluate literacy growth and comprehension. It is useful for both narrative and expository texts. Using a variety of genres exposes students to various writing styles and text structures.

Procedure:

  1. Choose a short selection such as a fable, two or three paragraphs about a topic from a content area, a short story, an article from a current events magazine or newspaper, etc. Length range should be from 100—300 words, depending on the grade level of the class.
  2. Make a copy for each child.
  3. Fold the copy so that only the title shows.
  4. Read the title to the students and have them write a prediction—what they think the selection will be about.
  5. Share the students’ predictions orally.
  6. Have the students read the selection silently. Give a set amount of time, usually 10—15 minutes. Students may read and reread as they wish during that time.
  7. Collect the papers with the selection.
  8. Ask the students to write a “retelling” of the story/selection they have just read.
  9. Pair students and have them share their “retellings” and compare them with the original text.

For more information, refer to Read and Retell by Hazel Brown and Brian Cambourne (Heinemann 1987).

By Carol Webb, Past President of Iowa Reading Association, Mississippi Bend Reading Council
Iowa Reading Association Newsletter, November 1999
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