Make Story Time Memorable With The Easy 5 Finger Retell

Story time doesn’t have to be a chore, or forgettable. If your child struggles to  remember last night’s story, or your bedtime routine feels flat, the 5 Finger Retell can help.

These five simple prompts turn reading into an interactive, memorable routine you both look forward to. 

Most nights, either I’m exhausted or my kids are bouncing off the walls. We read together, but by morning they’ve forgotten the story. Or worse, they just say, “I don’t know.” 

Sound familiar?

That’s not on the kids. It’s that we treat learning as something that only happens in classrooms with teachers. 

But this belief holds kids back. When kids are guided to reflect on a story at home–even just for five minutes–they remember more, understand more, and engage more deeply.

In this post:

• Learn about two different versions of 5 Finger Retell for readers at different levels 
• Understand why reading comprehension is so important for young readers.
• Download a 5 Finger Retell Activity Pack to get your child started (for free!)

To make it easier, I’ve created a free printable you can use right away. Download the 5 Finger Retell Pack below. 

I have used the 5 Finger Retell with students for years, and now I have started using it at home with great results. But what is the 5 Finger Retell?

What is the 5 Finger Retell?

The 5 Finger Retell is a quick, powerful reading routine consisting of five question prompts that ask your child to think about what they’ve read. 

It works for any age and fits any reading style, whether you’re reading to your child or they’re reading alone. 

What makes it so memorable is that you can ask your child to count off the prompts on their fingers as they answer!

There are two options I use, depending on the child’s age and reading independence: 

Option 1: Fun 5 Finger Retell

Best for early-readers or read-aloud sessions.

This is based on the ‘Wh-‘ question words that help kids read between the lines. The five question prompts are: Who, What, Where, When, and Why. 

Ask five different ‘Wh-’ questions to spark thinking: 

• Who gave the sword to the knight?
• What is the dragon guarding?
• Where did the Prince go missing?
• When will the spell break?
• Why did the princess say no?

The questions can be playful or serious, whatever gets your child engaged. 

If your child is ready for a deeper challenge, this next version adds more structure and depth. 

Option 2: Focused 5 Finger Retell

Best for confident, independent readers.

This version digs a little deeper. 

The five questions prompts are: Characters, Settings, Problems, Events, and Solutions. 

Ask your child to elaborate on the following:

• Characters: Who are they? Which ones are good? (Try: 3 words to describe)
• Setting: What places do the characters visit? How does each place make you feel?
• Problems: Why is the main character on this journey? Why does the villain want to stop the hero?
• Events: This can be a list of big events, or you can ask them to divide it into beginning, middle, end, and describe what happened in order.
• Solutions: How is the problem solved? How does the hero change after this?

The prompts keep your questions focused on important details. 

Tip: Try letting your child pick the ‘3 Words’ for each character. My daughter does this, and the mix of book adjectives and her own opinions shows she’s really thinking. 

But how do you make this something your child actually looks forward to?

Make it a habit!

Of course, the real learning happens when it becomes part of your routine. Let’s talk about how to make it engaging so it doesn’t become just another ‘task.’

How to Keep it Interesting

The secret of making this stick? Make it feel like play, not homework. 

Here are some quick ideas to help you: 

• Ask questions casually while reading: “who’s that?” “What just happened?”
• Trace your child’s hand and label each finger. Stick it in their reading space as a reminder. 
• Focus on different characters each night. 
• Imagine a ‘What if…’ ending. Try new twists and retells. 
• Let your child quiz you. My son loves trying to catch me out. 
• Create a reminder featuring the question prompts. 

My daughter made a bookmarks with the prompts on them. That way when we finish reading we are reminded to ask each other the questions. 

Tip: Want to see if your child really understands? When they quiz you, get the answers wrong on purpose. Watch your child spring to action and correct you!

When to Use The 5 Finger Retell

Before, during, or after the story. Your call!

Ask questions to predict what might happen. Pause mid-story to check in. Or use it the next day at breakfast to see what stuck. Whatever works for your family rhythm. 

I’ve found that turning it into a craft-based post-reading activity works best with my children.

Do it often enough and your child will start asking the questions themselves. 

When They Get It Wrong

Mistakes aren’t failures, they’re chances to grow. 

If your child gets something wrong, try this: Look surprised. Say “Really?” and ask them to show you in the book. 

That small search builds curiosity, correction, and confidence. The three Cs of lifelong reading. 

Now that you know how to use it, here’s why it is worth including in your routine. 

Why This Matters

Strong readers ask good questions. They connect what they read to their own lives and the world around them. 

This skill can be learned. And it starts with you. 

The 5 Finger Retell is one of many reading tools that help your child think, reflect, and remember. Because today they’re asking why the knight fought the dragon, but tomorrow they’ll be asking questions that shape who they become. 

I’ve turned the core prompts into a share-friendly pack your kids will love so you can start tonight.

Download Your Free 5 Finger Retell Activity Pack

Do you want a printable PDF version to get started? I’ve made a free activity pack you can download and use right away.

These activities have made a huge difference in my own home, and I hope they do the same for yours. Let me know how your child uses it!

Here are some words from some people I’ve helped…