This printable is super simple (my favorite). It’s a summarizing graphic organizer with space for students to write notes about characters (“somebody”), conflict (“wanted” and “but”), rising action, climax and resolution (“so” and “then”). I’ve found that some of my students have a hard time condensing a story. They want to tell more than they need to for a summary. Encouraging them to follow this kind of statement helps limit them to only the most important ideas.
Summary Graphic Organizer
Download the full size printable: Summary graphic organizer [PDF]
What things have helped you teach summarizing?
