3rd Grade Reading & Language Arts — Stories of Faith — Reading and Writing with Purpose
Students will practice summarizing and retelling a Bible story in their own words, identifying characters, setting, and the main lesson.
A book report helps us show that we understand what we have read. When we write a book report, we tell about the characters, the setting, the main events, and the lesson or theme of the story.
Characters are the people or beings in the story. In the story of David and Goliath, the main characters are David, Goliath, King Saul, and God. The setting is where and when the story takes place — the Valley of Elah in ancient Israel.
The plot is what happens in the story. A good summary tells the beginning, middle, and end. In the beginning, the Philistine giant Goliath challenges Israel's army. In the middle, young David volunteers to fight, trusting in God. In the end, David defeats Goliath with a sling and a stone because God was with him.
The theme or lesson is what the story teaches us. The story of David and Goliath teaches us that with God on our side, we can face any challenge, no matter how big it seems. God does not look at size or strength — He looks at the heart.
When we read and retell Bible stories, we learn about God's faithfulness, His love for His people, and the important lessons He wants us to remember.
Choose one of these Bible stories: David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17), Noah's Ark (Genesis 6-9), or Daniel in the Lion's Den (Daniel 6). Read or listen to the story, then write a book report that includes: (1) Title and Scripture reference, (2) Main characters, (3) Setting, (4) Summary of what happened (beginning, middle, end), (5) The lesson God teaches us through this story. Draw an illustration for your book report.