Tell It Back

Supports this milestone

• uses an increasing number of words in communication and conversation with others. — Head Start ELOF
• uses increasingly complex language in conversation with others. — Head Start ELOF

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Materials

• One short, well-illustrated picture book with a clear, simple story

Steps

• Read the book slowly, pausing to enjoy the pictures together.
• Close the book and ask warmly, "Can you tell me what happened?"
• Let the child retell freely; accept single words, gestures, or short phrases.
• If they pause, point back to a picture or offer a gentle prompt like "And then?"
• Thank them for telling the story their way — there is no wrong version.

Variations

• Retell using the pictures as a guide for children who need more support.
• Act out a favorite part with simple movements instead of words.
• Let the child "read" the book back to you from the pictures.

Differentiation

• Younger children may name one object or character — celebrate that as narration.
• Older children can be invited to tell the beginning, middle, and end.

Accessibility

• Accept retelling in any language the child speaks, or through signs and pointing.
• Keep books short to match early attention spans.

Safety

• None — this is a quiet, seated activity.

Practices these skills

• Names Familiar Objects
• Uses Two-Word Phrases

Evidence

• Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework (ELOF) — U.S. Office of Head Start · 2015 · U.S. Department of Health and Human Services