Develop Summarizing Skills by Making an Illustrated Book of Your Kids' Favorite Movie

Part of comprehending books is being able to summarize what you've just read or seen. Some kids aren't ready to read and summarize a book, but they can summarize movies and TV programs.

After watching a film or program like Curious George or Thomas, work together with your kids to make a five page book about what you've seen. Divide your book into the five traditional story parts (Freytag's Pyramid) to make the act of summarizing more focused:

The Exposition: the introduction to the main character(s) and basic situation

The Inciting Incident: the introduction to the central conflict

The Development: how the characters and conflict develop during the rising action

The Climax: the highest point of suspense or interest

The Resolution: the event that ends the central conflict

Help your kids write labels or very short statements. Just remember to use THEIR words. It is up to them to summarize, not you! If they can't organize the story well, remind them how it developed.

For emerging readers, use short programs with very simple stories.