- 1). Explain the definition of a summary and its parameters. "Give the meaning in a concise way using as few words as possible" is summarization's definition from teacher Kechia Williams. Discuss why a summary cannot include all major details from a reading; a summary is to be the essence of a reading passage.
- 2). Show examples of strong summaries to the class. Look for them at the end of each story or unit. Discuss what makes each summary strong. Question students if they would include more or less information, and why. Examine information the writers did not include in the summary and why.
- 3). Summarize a story in front of the class. Think aloud - talk through your thoughts for including and discarding information. Explain your mistakes and corrections. Remind students that although a summary is short, utilizing a proper writing process still applies. Show your writing process. Pre-write by jotting down a few ideas, compose a first draft, make necessary revisions and then edit for mistakes. Publish by showing the class your finished project.
- 4). Complete a summary together as a class. Write using a process. Reiterate that the first draft may need modification, which is part of the process. Encourage student participation and allow for discussion concerning details.
- 5). Divide the class into groups. Assign each set to read a passage and then summarize it. Circulate the room and offer advice. Have each group read its summary aloud. Coordinate constructive criticism amongst peers concerning too detailed of information and overall questions from a lack of detail.
- 6). Assign students to read a passage and summarize it individually. Provide feedback for each student during the next class period. Look at where the class stands with summarizing skills. Return to previous activities if students need more practice. Continue assigning summaries and using them as tools with note-taking when students individually perform well.
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