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Summarize Stories with Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then
November 12, 2018

A strong and succinct story summary must include the essential story elements. A frame can support students in writing an organized and complete narrative summary.
- Main character = Somebody
- Character motivation = Wanted
- Conflict = But
- Rising Action/Climax = So
- Falling Action/Resolution = Then
Reveal a previously-read and well-known text to students. Model the SWBST framework (e.g., The Empty Pot) using our downloadable pocket-chart cards. Then reveal a second example using a previously-read text. Conclude this initial lesson by facilitating the completion of an all-class SWBST frame with student input (e.g., The Little Red Hen).
Download JPEGs
Setting | Character (Somebody)| Motivation (Wanted) | Conflict (But) | Rising Action (So) | Solution (Then)

The Empty Pot

Little Red Hen
Repeat this whole-class lesson over the next several days using a variety of previously-read texts including literature, historical narratives, informational texts, etc. (NOTE: This framework is effective with any informational text structured as a problem/solution.)
Guide students to experiment with the skill within teacher-led small groups. Using leveled texts, students will read and orally summarize the key supporting details. Hand each student one of the SWBST pocket-chart cards and conduct a shared summary.
While students are orally summarizing their parts, the teacher scribes the writing onto an enlarged graphic organizer. (NOTE: The graphic organizer can be recreated onto large chart paper, projected using the PDF version, or displayed as a Notebook file on the Smart Board.) This scribing activity teaches students how to record key details within the SWBST graphic organizer.
Practice skills within independent literacy stations. Once students show understanding in whole-class and small-group lessons, it’s time to give them ongoing practice within literacy stations. Examples might include:
- LISTENING STATION—Students listen to a text and orally summarize it using the SWBST cards.
- FLUENCY STATION—Partners read and orally summarize a text using the SWBST cards.
- CLASSROOM LIBRARY—After reading, students individually summarize key details orally using the cards and/or in writing using the graphic organizer.
Thank you so much! I love this!