Summarizing using Central Ideas and Supporting Details

The lesson will use Reciprocal teaching and Social Studies concepts to practice identifying the central idea of the text. Reciprocal teaching is a strategy used to elicit comprehension of difficult/complex texts amongst students. 

    

 

Duration
Less than 1 hour
Lesson Type
Traditional Lesson

Grade(s):

  • 4
  • 5

Subject(s):

Recommended Technology:

Other Instructional Materials or Notes:

The passage, assessment, display poster are included in the lesson attachments.

Lesson Progression

  • Teacher will pass out the text titled “The United States: The Calm Before the Storm” passage to students (students will have previous knowledge of events leading to entering of the U.S. into WWII – SC Social Studies standard for 5th grade). Passage and assessment provided as attachments.
  • Students will be placed into groups of 4.
  • Teacher will explain to students what the central idea of the text is – the main idea, what the text is mostly about. Teacher will explain to students that the subheading of each section is a major clue for the central idea as it tells the reader what to expect in that portion of the passage. Teacher will then explain that a summary of the text is useful so other readers can grasp an overview of what was read without having to read it themselves – using the central ideas with key details helps to write a summary.
  • Students will be given their role for the reading (summarizer, questioner, clarifier, predictor)
  • Teacher will explain what each role means and demonstrate and exemplar model of each role. Teacher can use the chart provided in the attachments to display in the room, so readers know what their expectations are during the reading.
  • Before students are instructed to begin reading, teacher will instruct students to stop at each subheading and rotate roles (Lend-Lease Policy, Neutrality Acts, Development of Peacetime Draft)
  • Teacher will have students begin reading, walking around the room as students are doing so.
  • Teacher will facilitate the activity, stepping in when major clarifications need to be made.
  • Once the reading is completed for each group, teacher will direct students to the bottom portion of packet.
  • Students will work together to complete the central idea & key supporting details table. Teacher will remind students that the central idea is what that subheading was mostly about.
  • Teacher will supervise during this time, providing support when needed.
  • Students will work together to complete this task.
  • Once each group is finished, students will work independently to summarize the passage in the box provided.

Passage and Assessment

View Resource

Poster for Roles

View Resource

Assessments

  • Students will be provided feedback of participation (teacher will assess whether or not students are adequately completing the task of each role in the group as well as note taking while reading)
  • Students will turn in the packet and be assessed on the completion of the central idea/supporting details box.

Teacher will read each summary written by students, provide feedback and allow students to make adjustments before grading for accuracy.