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will explain that in retelling a story, it is important to include all the important elements of the story (characters, setting, problem, and solution). I will retell the story of Dog Breath: The Horrible Trouble with Hally Tosis, leaving out the characters and setting. (Example: He has bad breath and they may have to get rid of him. Then he saved them from being robbed so they decided to keep him.) I will point out that retelling a story without the characters or setting is not interesting to the listener and also may cause confusion. I will retell the story again, including the setting and characters and modeling for students a strong retelling.

TIP: Students should be able to identify the main problem and solution in the story. It may be necessary to model choosing main problems over secondary or smaller problems.

Ask: How did I retell the story in a way that was interesting and made sense to the listener? Students should respond that you included the story elements - characters, setting, problem, and solution.

will practice retelling our favorite book to a partner, including the story elements of character, setting, problem, and solution. Our partner will listen for the story elements of character, setting, problem, and solution. As a class, we will chart one volunteer’s retelling. We will read aloud When Charlie McButton Lost Power by Suzanne Collins, thinking about the characters, setting, problem, and solution.

will write a retelling of the story When Charlie McButton Lost Power, including the characters, setting, problem, and solution. You will share your retelling with a partner by reading it aloud. Your partner will complete the retelling checklist and check to make sure you have included all four story elements in your retelling. (Student Independent Practice is provided below in Teacher and Student Materials.)

TIP: Differentiate the Independent Practice for your students struggling with writing by creating a graphic organizer that they can use to organize their retelling.