6 Ways To Encourage 4-8 Year Olds To Retell A Story (Speaking & Writing)
Let your child take charge of their learning
Access print-friendly, downloadable Maths and English resources for easy learning.
Our aim is to help children succeed at school. Supporting children in Maths and English can be made easier if you have the right resources.
Choose from our many plans or try us for free with Teach Weekly.
Why Retell A Story?
Most children love to listen to stories being read to them. Many enjoy reading stories by themselves or to an adult or sibling.
Whether it is a short story or a chapter of a longer one, recapping on what has just been read helps children pay attention to what they are reading and encourages them to think about the characters, plot, vocabulary used etc. It is also a chance for them to point out words they may not know the meaning of, or to ask about something they may not have understood.
How can you encourage young children to retell a story?
It may be a story you have just read to them, or one that they already know. Most children will choose to give a one word answer or tell you in two sentences the whole story.
Use these ideas to help your child organise their thoughts and think about the story in more detail.
- Read the story to them and ask them questions at the end.
Try and mix up the questions you ask. Some questions can have quick, short answers, e.g. What did the little girl do? What did she do next? What happened at the beginning, middle, end? Some questions can ask for your child's opinion e.g. Why do you think Cinderella was sad? Who do you think should go to the ball? Why? - Ask your child to retell the story, whilst looking at the pictures.
Buy Story Books For Kids - Ask your child to write, draw, or tell you 4 things they remember about the story.
- Let your child ask you questions about the story.
- Ask your child what they would do if they were a certain character.
- Use a story map to help your child retell the story.
Children can retell the story in their own words or write a sentence next to pictures.
Fiction and Non-Fiction Text
Children should be encouraged to read a variety of text types. Fiction texts children can read include: poems, plays and comics. Non-fiction texts children can read include: newspaper articles, adverts, weather reports, recipes, instructions, manuals and encyclopaedias.
If a child doesn't like reading they could retell something they have watched on T.V. or done activity they have recently taken part in. The aim is to encourage children to recall and remember; to increase their vocabulary and improve their speech and confidence.
As children get older, they will be given more formal activities to complete at school that involves answering comprehension questions.
Take a look at Teach My Kids Maths and English Worksheets aimed at your child's year group at school.
Join Teach My Kids to gain access to to gain access to a wide range of worksheets covering Math and English.
You Might Also Like To Read:
Reading Strategies - Help Your Child Improve Their Reading
How To Improve Your Child's Creative Writing
Top Ten Tips For Getting Homework Survival
Don't take our word for it...
"Amazing site just renewed my subscription for the second year. This site is well structured and has helped to assure me that the work we do at home co-ordinates and strengthens the work done at school."
"Teach My Kids is a fantastic resource. We use the work sheets to reinforce the Maths and English that our children, James 9 and Katie 8, are learning at school. They are ideal for when we have a spare 10 – 15 minutes, and also give us as parents the opportunity to see how much our kids know!
As and when the work sheets are completed, I log in and tick them as completed, so it’s clear which topics have been covered. I try to do 2 - 4 of worksheets a week and feel that they are of great benefit to both our children.
I would definitely recommend ‘Teach My Kids’, it’s fantastic value for money and if you have any questions or queries these are answered promptly."
"I have found the ‘Teach my Kids’ website to be very helpful and informative. The worksheets met my children’s individual needs at a time when I was struggling with ways in which to support them. They were very easy to follow have made a real impact on their confidence in Maths and English.
The website is clear and well thought out and easy for anyone to follow. Any queries are responded to promptly. A great website for parents!"
"Teach My Kids has all the ingredients of the National Curriculum and above all good lesson planning. Such an excellent tool for parents and children. The worksheets are attractive and easy to read and follow. Excellent lively illustrations. I am impressed by the rewards systems and learning path progress. The learning paths are well constructed and brilliant because all the children in the family can use it. Very useful advice to parents.
I would encouraged parents towards this user friendly and excellent web site."
"Teach my kids is a very valuable website! Great worksheets available that help me and my child on her sometimes confusing learning path. Fabulous helpful and friendly owners, would highly recommend!"
"I have been with Teach My Kids for a few months and can see an improvement in my daughter. The rewards have helped her stay focused."