(upbeat music) - [Narrator] Summarizing is a crucial part of every reader's toolkit.

Fearful, I'm frightened, I'm I like to practice this with my son when we read together.

And a cart full of courage.

As we work through the story, I ask him questions about the characters and where the story takes place.

What's that over there?

This helps them explain what's going on in the scene and elaborate on the details.

You want right here.

- Yeah (indistinct).

- And when we're done with the book, I asked him to summarize what we've read.

And what kind of animals are there.

I pushed him to decide what was important in the story and to highlight his favorite part.

- (mumbles) - As he describes what happened, I encourage him to share his own opinion.

So who would you sing with?

These additional thoughts spice things up and help keep his focus.

- (indistinct) last time when he-- - Reading out loud is always helpful for my son but asking him for a summary, pushes him to make decisions about what is most important and helps him relate every story to his own world.

(soft music) - [Woman] Made possible by the generous support of the Marlene and Spencer Hayes Foundation.