Introduce, Summary, and CIREC- Steps for Retelling

Introduction:

1. Begin with an introduction.

________ (name of the text read) by _________ (author)  is a/an ________ (genre, e.g., narrative, informational piece) that’s all about ________ (topic).

Summary (integrates key or interesting vocabulary in the writing):

1. If the selection is a narrative, focus on the story elements that were included in the sample of the text you read.  Add details that seem to be important.

________  by ________  is a narrative that’s all about ________ .  In the selection I read, ________ , the main character, …

1. If the selection was information on, the structure of the section you read as well as important are found in the writing.

Were a cause and effect discussed?

Were two or more things compared?

Was a description presented?

Was there a sequence outlined?  

Did the author present an opinion give a rationale for it?

Frame your retelling of key concepts in a way that follows the in the text.

Connections, Interpretations, Reactions, Evaluation, and Conclusions (CIREC):

4. Don’t forget to make connections to experiences or other books, add personal interpretations, share reactions, describe your evaluations of the writing, and explain your conclusions.  You can use the following to guide your retelling.

C: Tell how this compares with what you knew before.

I: Share your thinking.

R: Explain your reactions.  How did it make you feel?

E: Tell what was exciting or interesting.

E: Talk about the writer’s style.

C: What conclusions have you made so far?

Rainbow Retelling Stem Prompts

Red- Ready to hear a retelling of the story? The characters in the story are…

Orange- On to where this story took place…

Yellow- You have to hear the problem in the story…

Green- Get ready for a few more details…

Blue- Better start bringing it to a close and telling you how the problem was solved…

Purple- Picking my favorite party is easy, it was when…