Activity Overview
In this activity, students decide what the important parts in the text are, and categorize them into the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Having students decide the beginning, middle, and end will help them break up the text, and make it easier to choose one or two main events to create. Students can plan their ideas with a partner or individually and decide what main parts they would like to add to their storyboard.
The storyboard above shows one example for the beginning, middle, and end, but you could set a number of frames for the students to use based on the ability of the student, or length of the text.
Example Henry and Mudge Summary
Beginning
Henry is lonely. His parents agree that he can get a dog. Henry finds Mudge as a puppy, and Mudge grows to be three feet tall and 180 pounds. They become great friends and do everything together.
Middle
Mudge decides to take a walk without Henry and he gets lost! He is sad and misses Henry. Henry searches for Mudge, but can't find him. Henry is sad and thinks Mudge left him.
End
Henry realizes that Mudge loves him and would never leave, so he must be lost. Henry searches again and finds Mudge! Henry and Mudge continue to do everything together, and Mudge never leaves without Henry.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Make a storyboard summary of Henry and Mudge: The First Book.
- Make a picture that shows the beginning of the story.
- Make a picture that shows the middle of the story.
- Make a picture that shows the end of the story.
- Write a sentence under each picture.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students decide what the important parts in the text are, and categorize them into the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Having students decide the beginning, middle, and end will help them break up the text, and make it easier to choose one or two main events to create. Students can plan their ideas with a partner or individually and decide what main parts they would like to add to their storyboard.
The storyboard above shows one example for the beginning, middle, and end, but you could set a number of frames for the students to use based on the ability of the student, or length of the text.
Example Henry and Mudge Summary
Beginning
Henry is lonely. His parents agree that he can get a dog. Henry finds Mudge as a puppy, and Mudge grows to be three feet tall and 180 pounds. They become great friends and do everything together.
Middle
Mudge decides to take a walk without Henry and he gets lost! He is sad and misses Henry. Henry searches for Mudge, but can't find him. Henry is sad and thinks Mudge left him.
End
Henry realizes that Mudge loves him and would never leave, so he must be lost. Henry searches again and finds Mudge! Henry and Mudge continue to do everything together, and Mudge never leaves without Henry.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Make a storyboard summary of Henry and Mudge: The First Book.
- Make a picture that shows the beginning of the story.
- Make a picture that shows the middle of the story.
- Make a picture that shows the end of the story.
- Write a sentence under each picture.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Events | Each of the cells represents a different part of the story. The cells are in order from beginning to end. | One cell is out of order, or the storyboard is missing important information. | Important information is missing and/or two or more cells are out of order. |
| Images | Cells include images that accurately show events in the story and do not get in the way of understanding. | Most images show the events of the story, but some are incorrect. | The images are unclear or do not make sense with the story. |
| Descriptions | Descriptions match the images and show the change over time. | Descriptions do not always match the images or mention the importance of the event. | Descriptions are missing or do not match the images. |
| Spelling and Grammar | Spelling and grammar is mostly accurate. Mistakes do not get in the way of understanding. | Spelling is very inaccurate and hinders full understanding. | Text is very difficult to understand. |
How Tos about Henry and Mudge Summary
Introduce character traits to deepen understanding
Guide students to notice and discuss Henry and Mudge’s character traits as they read. Highlighting qualities like kindness, bravery, or loyalty helps students connect personally to the story and supports deeper comprehension.
List key traits for Henry and Mudge together
Ask students to brainstorm a list of words describing both characters. Write their ideas on the board or a chart to make character traits visible and spark discussion.
Support ideas with evidence from the text
Have students find sentences or events that show each trait. Example: If students say Mudge is loyal, they can point to when he misses Henry after getting lost.
Create a simple character map
Draw two circles (one for Henry, one for Mudge) and fill them with traits and supporting evidence. Visuals help students organize their thoughts and make comparisons clear.
Reflect on how traits affect the story’s events
Lead a discussion about how each character’s traits influence what happens. Encourage students to think about how being brave, loyal, or curious changes the story’s outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions about Henry and Mudge Summary
What is a simple summary of Henry and Mudge: The First Book?
Henry and Mudge: The First Book is about a lonely boy named Henry who gets a big dog named Mudge. They become best friends, but Mudge gets lost. After searching, Henry finds Mudge, and they promise to always stay together.
How can I teach beginning, middle, and end using Henry and Mudge?
Have students identify key events in the story and sort them into the beginning, middle, and end. Students can create a storyboard or draw pictures for each part, then write a sentence to summarize each section.
What are some easy activities for summarizing Henry and Mudge with second graders?
Try activities like drawing the main events, making a three-part storyboard, or working with a partner to choose the most important moments. Encourage students to use pictures and simple sentences to retell the story.
Why is it helpful for students to split a story into beginning, middle, and end?
Breaking a story into beginning, middle, and end helps students organize their thoughts, focus on key details, and improve their summarizing and comprehension skills.
What main events should be included in a Henry and Mudge storyboard summary?
The main events are: Henry gets Mudge, Mudge gets lost, and Henry finds Mudge. Students can illustrate each event to show understanding of the story's structure.
More Storyboard That Activities
Henry and Mudge: The First Book
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