Activity Overview
In this activity, students decide on what they think the important parts in the text are, 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 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 Treasure Summary Example
Beginning
Isaac has a reoccurring dream that tells him to go to the capital city and look for treasure by the bridge of the Royal Palace. He decides he will listen to his dream and journeys to the Palace.
Middle
At the Palace, the Captain of the Guards asks him why he is there and the man explains his dream. The Captain laughs and says it's a pity the man has traveled so far for a dream.
End
Isaac travels back to his home and digs under the stove and finds a treasure! He builds a house of prayer and adds an inscription. He sends a priceless ruby to the Captain of the Guards. Isaac is content and is never poor again.
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 The Treasure.
- 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 on what they think the important parts in the text are, 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 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 Treasure Summary Example
Beginning
Isaac has a reoccurring dream that tells him to go to the capital city and look for treasure by the bridge of the Royal Palace. He decides he will listen to his dream and journeys to the Palace.
Middle
At the Palace, the Captain of the Guards asks him why he is there and the man explains his dream. The Captain laughs and says it's a pity the man has traveled so far for a dream.
End
Isaac travels back to his home and digs under the stove and finds a treasure! He builds a house of prayer and adds an inscription. He sends a priceless ruby to the Captain of the Guards. Isaac is content and is never poor again.
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 The Treasure.
- 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 The Treasure BME Summary
Organize student ideas using a graphic organizer
Help students visually sort events from the story by providing a simple graphic organizer with sections for Beginning, Middle, and End. Students fill in the boxes with short notes or sketches as they read, making it easier to identify key moments for their summaries.
Model summarizing with a class think-aloud
Demonstrate summarizing by reading a short passage aloud and thinking out loud about what belongs in each part of the BME organizer. This shows students how to make decisions about importance and sequence.
Guide students to choose main events collaboratively
Encourage discussion by having students work in pairs or small groups to agree on the most important events for each story section. This supports deeper understanding and helps quieter students participate.
Add visuals to bring summaries to life
Boost engagement by asking students to create quick sketches or storyboards for each part of their summary. Visuals help students process and remember key story events.
Wrap up with a whole-class share and reflection
Build confidence by inviting students to share their summaries and discuss why they chose certain events. Use this as a chance for classmates to give positive feedback and for you to reinforce key story elements.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Treasure BME Summary
What is a BME summary in reading?
A BME summary is a way to break down a story into its Beginning, Middle, and End. It helps students identify the most important events in each part to better understand and retell the story.
How do you teach students to summarize a story using BME?
To teach students to summarize using BME, have them read the story, then discuss what happens at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end. Ask them to pick the most important event from each part and write or draw it.
What are some examples of main events from 'The Treasure' for a BME activity?
For 'The Treasure', the beginning is Isaac's dream and journey, the middle is his talk with the Captain of the Guards, and the end is finding the treasure at home and building a house of prayer.
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 organize information, remember key events, and improve comprehension, especially when retelling or summarizing.
What is a quick BME storyboard activity for grade 2 or 3?
Have students draw three pictures—one for the beginning, one for the middle, and one for the end of the story. Under each picture, they write a short sentence describing the main event.
More Storyboard That Activities
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