5 Finger Retell – Writing Flipbook Template

Use this fun flipbook template when teaching your students about retelling using the 5 finger retell strategy. The 5 finger strategy includes the following topics:

1. Setting
2. Characters
3. Problem
4. Events
5. Solution

Each category has a dedicated page in this flipbook. Once you have read a story to the class, have students draw and write about the story elements based on the prompt given on each page.

How to Create This Retelling Flipbook

This resource is intended to be printed double-sided. Please follow the instructions below to ensure that the resource prints correctly for your students!

1. To print double-sided, make sure to check “flip on the long edge” on your printer.  Print each student a copy of all pages and create a packet.
2. Cut out the flipbook pages on the dashed lines.
3. Stack the pages in order, beginning with the largest on the bottom, and ending with the smallest on top.
4. Align all pages along the top edge.
5. Staple the book together at marked staple points.
6. Have students draw and write about the story elements based on the prompt given on each page.

Multiple Applications for This Retelling Activity

The beauty of this resource lies in its versatility! This flipbook can be used with any picture book, guided reader or comprehension text, meaning it can be completed in a variety of ways. Why not try some of the following suggestions:

• Whole-class activity (for books read by the teacher)
• Small-group activity (for books read collaboratively)
• Individual activity (for books read independently)
• Homework task (for books read and shared at home)

Download to Get Started!

Use the dropdown arrow next to the Download button to choose between the editable Google Slides file or the easy-print PDF.

Remember to select double-sided printing and to “flip on the long edge” when printing this resource.

This resource was created by Samantha Rose, a Teach Starter collaborator.

More 5 Finger Retelling Resources

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5 Finger Retell Classroom Posters

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5 Finger Retell Teaching Slides

Teach your students about the 5 finger retell strategy with this set of teaching slides.