Narration sheet
Read a passage, then the child tells it back: in words, on lines, or in a drawing.
Narration means a child tells back, in their own words, what they just read or heard. Young children say it aloud while a grown-up writes; older children write it themselves. This free sheet has lines for the retelling and a box for a drawing, and a dated page makes a ready work sample for a portfolio.
Checked October 30, 2026.
How do you do a narration?
- Read a short passage once, aloud or silently.
- Close the book and ask: tell me what happened.
- Write down what the child says, or let them write it.
- Let them draw the part they remember best.
How long should it be?
Short. A few sentences is plenty for a young child; older children can retell a whole chapter. Stop while it is still going well.
Does it count as a record?
A dated narration is a writing sample. Where a state asks for a portfolio or work samples, keep a few through the year; see what to file, by state and the portfolio.
Sources
- Peabody's state homeschool law pages (records rules, each linked to the law) (checked October 30, 2026)