Skip to the content
Peabody TeachFor teachers and grown-ups

Retelling rubric: grades K–2, 3–5 and 6–8

This retelling rubric scores how well a student tells a story back after reading or hearing it: the characters, the setting, the events in order, the problem and how it is solved, and using words from the story. It works for an oral retell, a drawing with labels, or a written one. K–2 is the heart, with three plain levels. Grades 3–5 and 6–8 use four levels with points, with sequence counting twice. Print it, or open it in the rubric maker.

Written for Peabody Teach. Checked . Free to print, copy and change.

Retelling rubric, grades K–2

3 levels, 5 criteria, no points (a switch in the maker adds them).

Retelling rubric (Grades K–2)Name ____________________ Date ________
CriteriaWow!YesNot yet
CharactersI name the main characters and tell about one.I name the main character.I do not name the characters yet.
SettingI tell where and when the story happens.I tell where the story happens.I do not tell where yet.
In orderI tell the beginning, middle and end in order.I tell some parts in order.My parts are mixed up.
Problem and fixI tell the problem and how it got fixed.I tell the problem.I do not tell the problem yet.
Story wordsI use two or more words from the story.I use one word from the story.I do not use story words yet.
Open in the maker
  • I can tell who is in the story.
  • I can tell where the story happens.
  • I can tell what happens in order.
  • I can tell the problem and how it got fixed.
  • I can use words from the story.

Retelling rubric, grades 3–5

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Retelling rubric (Grades 3–5)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Characters and settingNames and describes the main and supporting characters and the setting.Names the main characters and the setting.Names some characters; setting is missing.Characters and setting are missing./ 4
Sequencecounts ×2All key events in correct order with transition words.Most key events in order.Some events are missing or out of order.Events are random./ 8
Key eventsIncludes every important event and leaves out minor ones.Includes most important events.Misses important events or adds many small ones.Few events retold./ 4
Problem and solutionExplains the problem, the attempts to solve it, and the solution.Tells the problem and solution.Tells only the problem or the solution.Neither is told./ 4
Story languageUses several story words and phrases in the right places.Uses some story words.Uses one story word.Uses no story words./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can describe the characters and setting.
  • I can retell events in the correct order.
  • I can include the important events and skip the small ones.
  • I can explain the problem and how it is solved.
  • I can use words and phrases from the story.

Retelling rubric, grades 6–8

4 levels, 5 criteria, 24 points in all.

Retelling rubric (Grades 6–8)Name ____________________ Date ________ Total ____ / 24
CriteriaExceeds4 pointsMeets3 pointsApproaching2 pointsBeginning1 pointScore
Characters and settingExplains key characters' roles and relationships and how the setting shapes events.Describes key characters and the setting.Lists characters and setting with no detail.Characters or setting missing./ 4
Plot structurecounts ×2Retells exposition, rising action, climax, falling action and resolution in order.Retells the main plot parts in order.Skips a plot part or mixes up the order.Plot is incomplete or confused./ 8
Key eventsSelects the events that drive the plot and explains why they matter.Includes the main events.Includes minor events at the expense of key ones.Key events missing./ 4
ConflictExplains the central conflict, its type, and how the resolution follows from events.Explains the conflict and resolution.Names the conflict without explaining it.Conflict missing./ 4
Own wordsRetells in own words with accurate details and a few well-chosen quotes.Own words with accurate details.Some details are wrong or copied.Inaccurate or copied./ 4
Open in the maker
  • I can explain who the characters are and how the setting matters.
  • I can retell the plot from exposition through resolution.
  • I can choose the events that matter most to the plot.
  • I can explain the central conflict and how it is resolved.
  • I can retell in my own words with accurate story details.

When to use it

  • After a read-aloud or guided reading, as a quick comprehension check.
  • One-on-one retells while the rest of the class reads, scored on the spot.
  • Older students and English learners: a retell before a summary, to check the whole story is there.

What to say to students

  • Tell who was in the story and where it happened.
  • Tell what happened first, next, then and last.
  • What was the problem? How did it get solved?
  • Use some of the special words from the story.

Related

Was this useful?

The criteria are generic and written for this site, with no standards codes, so they fit any curriculum. Open one in the maker to change a word, add a row or switch to a single-point rubric; what you change stays in your browser.