Summarizing Texts
Students will review what a summary is and complete a worksheet for practice. They will then write their own informational text and a peer will summarize.
Essential Question
How does summarizing a text help us better understand the text?
Grade(s):
- 3
- 4
- 5
Subject(s):
Recommended Technology:
Laptops/Chromebooks
Ipads
Other Instructional Materials or Notes:
Worksheets
Lesson Progression
1. Begin by asking students if anyone knows what it means to summarize a story or text.
2. If needed, guide discussion toward the following: a summary is a brief statement or account of the main points of something.
3. Explain that summaries do not simply restate what has just been read but is instead a "recap" of the important things that were read and put into a much simpler format. Demonstrate what this might look/sound like using a story students are familiar with such as The Three Little Pigs.
4. After sharing that example, the teacher will invite students to practice summarizing another familiar story or recently read text together. The teacher will guide students as needed through this process.
5. Next, pass out summary graphic organizer worksheet and passage or text that will be used. This process can be scaffolded depending on the students needs. These worksheets can be found in the Lesson Resources.
6. Students will read through the text that has been give to them.
7. Students read text individually - highlighting, underlining, or circling important facts. As they read along the text, have students fill out Summary Worksheet. The teacher walks around and redirects and assists as needed. Anyone who finishes early, can begin working on their writing of a short informational text that will be used later in the lesson.
8. Once everyone in the class is finished, go over worksheet. Prior to this, the Teacher may want to walk around and read summarizing sentences to ensure understanding or have a few students read their sentences aloud.
10. After reviewing the worksheet and text together, students will work on writing heir own short informational text.
11. Students will trade writing with each other and complete the worksheet again but this time using their peer's writing.
12. Once everyone has a had a chance to finish, provide some time for sharing, questions, and clearing up any misconceptions that may still exist.
13. These worksheets will be taken up and can be used for a grade.
Teacher Notes
Remediation/Extension-Students can work in pairs rather than working individually.
The text that is used for this lesson can be scaffolded to meet the individual needs of students.