Super Summarizer

book

By:  Beth Montgomery

Reading To Learn

 

Rationale:

            Summarization is one of the most vital concepts any skilled reader can utilize.  Summarization is an important literacy goal because it helps students to understand what has been read.  This lesson will teach students how to summarize what they are reading and ultimately learn how to find meaning of what they have read.

 

Materials:

 

Procedure:

  1. “Today we are going to learn about summarizing what we have read.  Does anyone know what the word summarize means?  Well, it means to find a main idea in a passage we have just read.  We are going to pick out the most important facts to understand the meaning of the passage.”
  2. “We are going to summarize a short article together.  First, we will read the passage.  After I read the passage, I am going to pick out the main point.  Next, I am going to pick out supporting details to support the main point.  Finally, I am going to rewrite the passage in my own words, and only use the information that I have picked out as important.”
  3. “Now, I want each of you to practice summarizing an article.  I am going to pass out a sheet that has a paragraph on it.  I want everyone to read the paragraph silently, so that we can comprehend what we read.  Then, I want everyone to write in the answers to these questions in their journal:  What is the title of the article?  What is the main idea of the article?  List a few details to support the main idea (a little hint to list details is to ask yourself Who, What, Where, When, Why and How.)”
  4. “After everyone finishes writing in your journal, I want you to find a partner and tell him or her what you thought the main idea is and the details you listed to support the main idea.” 
  5. “Now that everyone has finished working with a partner, we are going to do this summarize the article as a class.  We are going to use a pocket chart to display our answers.  Who can tell me the title of the story?  Good, write the title of a sentence strip and place it in the pocket chart.  Who knows what the main idea of the story is?  Great job!  You can place the sentence strip in the pocket chart.  What are some supporting details that can be added to support the main idea?  Wonderful!  Come place these ideas in the pocket chart!”
  6. “Lastly, I would like each one of you to rewrite the paragraph in your own words.  This way we can practice summarizing the information.  When you are summarizing the article, you should include the main ideas and supporting details.  When you are done, everyone will have a chance to read their summary to the class.”

 

References:

 

Hinshaw, Margaret Ann:  http://www.auburn.edu/rdggenie/guides/hinshawrl.html

 

Website:  http://news.nationalgeographic.com/kids/.html

 

Website:  http://www.scholastic.com

 
Return to Explorations