I have used various activities similar to retelling throughout my short teaching career, however I must admit it was seldom a completely thought out process. We would read a book, I would ask questions about the gist and central ideas contained in the story. Now I realize that there are a wealth of different ways one can set up a retelling instructional / assessment period. Using writing or pictorial retells, even acting it out. The most important part of the use of retelling in the literacy development curriculum is consistent but diversified use. Research shows that learners need exposure to strategies and methods for a period longer than a few weeks.

Justin