Tip #142 from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents: Fun Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in Elementary School (McKinley, Abbot)

Today's tip for parents from two talented teachers comes from 365 Teacher Secrets for Parents by Cindy McKinley Alder and Patti Trombly.

#141

Rewrite a Story

Energy and persistence conquer all things.
~Ben Franklin

Does your child have a favorite book that has to be read to him because it is too long or too difficult for his age? Here’s an activity that allows your child to re-create that favorite book so that he can enjoy reading it over and over by himself or even to younger children.

Have your child choose one of his favorite longer stories and rewrite it as a picture book. This can seem to be an overwhelming task at first. If the book is particularly long, he may want to start by breaking this big project into a smaller, more manageable one by first:

●      creating a story map (Idea #81 );

●      making a sequencing chart (Idea #88 ); or

●      summarizing the story (Idea #158).

Using one of the above strategies will help him focus on the main events and eliminate the minor details to create a shorter, easy-to-read picture book. Remind him of his target audience (younger children) and suggest that he use simple, understandable words. After the story is complete, his younger siblings, cousins and neighbors will love to have him read it to them. He will feel a great sense of pride as he finishes reading the story to them and they chant, “Again, again!”

Extension: If your child enjoys recreating longer books, he may enjoy developing movies or plays into picture books to share with younger children as well.



Cindy McKinley Alder                          Patti Trombly

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