The Best Summarizing Worksheets for Upper Elementary Classrooms
If you’ve ever asked your students to write a summary and received a retelling that starts with a story that goes… on and on… and on…, you’re not alone!
Teaching summarizing can be one of the trickiest reading skills in upper elementary. Students often confuse summarizing with retelling, adding every tiny detail instead of focusing on the main idea.
The good news is that with the right summarizing worksheets for upper elementary and engaging practice, summarizing becomes a skill your students can master (and even enjoy!).
✏️ Why Summarizing Is So Important
Summarizing helps students:
Identify main ideas and key details
Strengthen their reading comprehension
Practice writing concise, clear sentences
Develop a deeper understanding of text structure
It’s also a powerful tool for teachers. When students can summarize what they’ve read, you instantly know who understands the material — and who might need more support.
🔍 Start with the 5Ws: Who, What, When, Where, Why
When teaching summarizing, I always start with the 5Ws. These five questions help students focus on the essential information and leave out the fluff.
If you want ready-to-go Summarizing Worksheets for Upper Elementary, my Who, What, When, Where, Why Worksheets are designed exactly for this step.
Each worksheet includes short, high-interest stories written for upper elementary students and guided boxes for each of the 5Ws. Once students fill in the answers, they use that information to craft a short, one-sentence summary.
Teachers love these because they:
✅ Build confidence with a clear structure
✅ Include fun, age-appropriate stories
✅ Reinforce comprehension without overwhelming struggling readers
This resource makes summarizing less of a mystery and more of a manageable skill.
🧩 Take It a Step Further: Writing Complete Summaries
Once students have practiced identifying the 5Ws, they’re ready for the next level — writing complete, well-organized summaries.
My How to Write a Summary resource walks students through this process step-by-step.
It includes printable passages, graphic organizers, and teaching slides that explain:
What summarizing is
The difference between retelling vs. summarizing
Do’s and Don’ts when summarizing
Sentence starters that make writing summaries easier
These two resources create a smooth teaching progression from identifying main ideas to writing full, polished summaries.
🎯 How to Use These Summarizing Worksheets for Upper Elementary Resources in Your Classroom
Here are a few easy ways to integrate summarizing practice into your weekly reading block:
- Warm-Up Activity: Start small! Use one short passage as a 10-minute morning review.
2. Reading Centers: Let students rotate through a “Summarizing Station.”
3. Partner Practice: Have pairs complete the 5Ws and compare summaries.
4. Exit Ticket: Ask students to write a one-sentence summary before lining up.
5. Digital Practice: Use the slides for mini-lessons or independent review.
The goal is to make summarizing a regular habit — not just a one-time lesson before testing season.
