Retelling Wands

The last two weeks, the kids and I did our last review on retelling fiction and nonfiction. I knew I was about to start doing running records and I needed one more change to drill teach these in a different way.
My five leveled groups had two books: one fiction and one nonfiction. The kids met in groups and read with a buddy. We described, defined and retold each element orally and in writing.

We reviewed every single fiction and nonfiction element of the story. 

My students used my latest product, and loved it :)

Find it HERE. 

60 pages:circles to create your wands, full page posters (colored background) , half way posters (using less ink), and all the retelling in writing forms.

Turn a paint stick + paint spray + Velcro into a wand. 

Use when your students are Reading to Someone (and checking for understanding), retelling during a running record or retelling in writing. 

 Retelling in writing.

I had to try something different and this seemed to do the trick for most of them. They were asked to offer evidence from their text and I was so happy when I saw the results.  

I'd love to hear your thoughts. What do you do with the kiddos who do not get author's message?

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