Early Atlas

Activity

Story Retelling with Props

After a read-aloud, children use props and picture cards to retell or act out the story's events in order.

Ages 36–66 months

Inspired by Waldorf Play-based learning comprehension retelling sequencing narrative

Supports this milestone

  • demonstrates an understanding of narrative structure through storytelling/re-telling. — Head Start ELOF

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Materials

  • A familiar, well-loved picture book with a clear sequence of events
  • Simple props or stuffed animals matching the main characters
  • Three or four picture cards showing the key events of the story

Steps

  • Look at the cover together and recall who the story was about.
  • Invite a child to find the picture card that shows what happened first.
  • Encourage sequencing words by asking: "What happened first, and then what?"
  • Have children continue ordering the cards and acting out each event with the props.
  • Retell the whole story together, pointing to each card in order.

Variations

  • Hide the props and let children pull one out to recall where it belongs in the story.
  • Have children retell the story to a puppet or a younger friend.

Differentiation

  • For younger children, use just two event cards and retell one or two key events.
  • For older children, ask them to explain how one event caused the next.

Accessibility

  • Offer felt pieces or large picture cards so children can sequence without speaking.
  • Welcome retelling through gestures, signs, or a child's home language.

Safety

  • Use soft, child-safe props with no small detachable parts.

Practices these skills

Evidence

Early Atlas