Activity Overview
Students decide on what are important parts in the text and categorize them into the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Having students decide on the beginning, middle, and end will help them break the text up 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 depending on the ability of the student or the length of the text.
Example My Father's Dragon Summary
Beginning
Elmer Elevator befriends an alley cat who tells him of a mysterious island called Wild Island. The cat says there is a baby dragon there that is tied up and forced to carry people and cargo up and down the river. Elmer decides he will run away to Wild Island to save the dragon.
Middle
Elmer hides in a cargo ship and eventually makes it to the island. On the island he runs into many animals that block his path to the dragon. Elmer uses his supplies from his knapsack to help him get past the animals. For example, a lion has snarly hair, so Elmer gives him a comb and shows him how to brush his hair and tie it up.
End
To cross the river, Elmer ties the crocodiles tails together with a band and a lollipop to form a chain. He runs across, but the animals chasing him get stuck in the middle of the river on the crocodiles backs. Elmer reaches the dragon, cuts him free from his rope, and together they fly away from Wild Island.
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 My Father's Dragon.
- 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
Students decide on what are important parts in the text and categorize them into the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Having students decide on the beginning, middle, and end will help them break the text up 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 depending on the ability of the student or the length of the text.
Example My Father's Dragon Summary
Beginning
Elmer Elevator befriends an alley cat who tells him of a mysterious island called Wild Island. The cat says there is a baby dragon there that is tied up and forced to carry people and cargo up and down the river. Elmer decides he will run away to Wild Island to save the dragon.
Middle
Elmer hides in a cargo ship and eventually makes it to the island. On the island he runs into many animals that block his path to the dragon. Elmer uses his supplies from his knapsack to help him get past the animals. For example, a lion has snarly hair, so Elmer gives him a comb and shows him how to brush his hair and tie it up.
End
To cross the river, Elmer ties the crocodiles tails together with a band and a lollipop to form a chain. He runs across, but the animals chasing him get stuck in the middle of the river on the crocodiles backs. Elmer reaches the dragon, cuts him free from his rope, and together they fly away from Wild Island.
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 My Father's Dragon.
- 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 My Father\'s Dragon Summary Activity
Organize a My Father's Dragon group retelling activity
Gather students in small groups and assign each group a section of the story (beginning, middle, or end). Working together helps students practice summarizing and build confidence sharing aloud.
Give each group time to plan their retelling
Let students discuss key events and decide how to retell their assigned part. Encourage them to use their own words and add simple props or drawings for fun and clarity!
Support students as they practice their retelling
Circulate and guide groups as they rehearse. Offer gentle feedback on clarity and sequencing, and praise creative ideas or teamwork you notice.
Have each group present to the class in story order
Invite groups to share their retelling in sequence: beginning, middle, then end. This helps the whole class hear the story flow and supports comprehension.
Reflect with the class after all retellings
Lead a quick discussion: What details were most important? Which group’s strategies helped everyone understand? This reflection builds critical thinking and oral language skills.
Frequently Asked Questions about My Father\'s Dragon Summary Activity
How can I teach a summary of My Father's Dragon to 2nd or 3rd graders?
To teach a summary of My Father's Dragon to 2nd or 3rd graders, have students identify the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Let them create a storyboard with pictures and sentences for each part, helping them break down the plot into main events.
What are the main events in My Father's Dragon?
The main events in My Father's Dragon are: Elmer befriends a cat and learns about Wild Island (beginning), travels to the island and outsmarts animals (middle), and rescues the dragon to escape together (end).
What is a simple storyboard activity for My Father's Dragon?
A simple storyboard activity is to have students draw three pictures showing the beginning, middle, and end of My Father’s Dragon, then write a sentence under each picture to summarize the key events.
Why is it helpful for students to break a story into beginning, middle, and end?
Breaking a story into beginning, middle, and end helps students understand plot structure and makes it easier for them to identify and remember the most important events in a story.
What supplies or materials do students need for a My Father's Dragon summary activity?
Students need paper or storyboard templates, drawing materials (crayons, markers), and pencils for writing sentences. Optionally, they can work with a partner or individually to plan their ideas.
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