Sumarizing vs. Narrating

[jenntracy]

Ok this year i had to place my 2 eldest in private school. I am very pleased so far. They are able to work at a higher level in subjects or a little lower if they need to based on individual need.
One of my beefs though is when the owner said they were "summarizing" and not answering the questions she had. I understand if she asked a question and they couldn't directly answer it, but they knew what went on in the story. I wouldn't say it was summarizing, i would say it was maybe more of being able to pinpoint specifics like main idea, etc. To me that doesn't mean they were "summarizing". I was there when i heard the evaluations so they knew what level to place them in when they started school.I really felt they were "narrating".
To me there is a real distinction btwn narrating and summarizing.
I guess i just got irritated when she said "summarizing" b/c i felt like she was saying that they really didn't know what they read. Just b/c they can't answer one specific question doesn't mean they didn't know what was going on. Maybe they knew more about something else in the story but it just wasn't asked.
Why can't they use the word "narrate?
Okay i have said my 2 cents.
anyone have a clear definition of the two words to make me feel better?
Still praying to be able to homeschool next year. I do have my 4yr old and 18 month old at home with me. Praying the Lord will show me the way financially and still be able to homeschool. Job at home would be great!

thanks
Jenn D.

[annaz]

See now this is why I dislike reading "programs". They ask specific questions and who said what, but never ask what the story was about or discuss it. My kid may not be able to remember who said what in that particular question but could summarize (or narrate) the entire story, showing she understood the entire story. Then you have a child who couldn't tell you anything about the story but could tell you who said that. I see zero purpose for knowing particular details and not working on the story itself this at this age (assuming they're in elementary levels?). I can see details as you get older, but not before they understand the gist of the story. Just my .02. Just commiserating with you there, but no help. On the other hand, how old are your olders?