Arkansas Foundations of Reading Test (FORT)

What is a method teachers can use to help students retell fictional stories?

1. Having students create dioramas from the story

2. Asking students to write a review of the book

3. Previewing the story, pausing for summaries, and leading shared or independent retellings

4. Making students memorize the story

The correct answer is: Having students create dioramas from the story

A highly effective method for helping students retell fictional stories involves previewing the story, pausing for summaries, and leading shared or independent retellings. This approach encourages comprehension and active engagement with the text. By previewing the story, students can activate prior knowledge and set a purpose for reading. Pausing to summarize key sections of the story allows students to reflect on the main points and clarify their understanding. Leading them in shared retellings fosters collaboration and discussion, while independent retellings provide opportunities for students to articulate their understanding in their own words. This method not only enhances retention but also develops narrative skills and comprehension strategies, enabling students to construct and convey meaning effectively. On the other hand, creating dioramas can be a creative activity, but it may not directly support the development of retelling skills. Writing a review encourages critical thinking and analysis rather than focusing on the retelling of the narrative. Memorizing the story emphasizes recall over comprehension and may hinder students from engaging with the text critically and creatively.