Do a read through

What can we use if we don't have a printed short story, a pencil, or a physical dictionary?

Use an online short story or e-book for the 'Choose a short story' step, mark unknown words with a pen or stylus instead of a pencil, type unfamiliar words into a notes app instead of a notebook, and look up meanings with an online dictionary or by asking someone as the instructions suggest.

My child keeps losing their place or rushing when timed—how can we fix that during the 'Set your timer' and read-aloud steps?

Have them first read aloud slowly while using a bookmark or finger to follow lines during the 'Read the story aloud slowly' step, do an untimed practice run to notice pauses, then do a timed run of the whole story to check pace.

How can I adapt this activity for different ages or reading levels?

For younger children pick a short picture story and help with the 'Read the whole story silently' and writing one-sentence summaries and single-word meanings, while older kids can choose a 2–3 page text, write full-sentence definitions for unfamiliar words, and experiment with voices during the 'Read the story aloud again' step.

What are simple ways to extend or personalize the activity after finishing the summary and sharing on DIY.org?

Extend the activity by recording the 'read the whole story aloud while timing yourself' step as an audio or video, creating illustrations for the summary in your notebook, writing an alternate ending, and then uploading the recording and images when you share on DIY.org.