Summarizing

Summarizing What’s the big idea?

http://teacher.depaul.e du/Documents/Letterto GrandmotherFiction3rd Grade.pdf

What was the story about?

Summary 1 1.The main character traveled to Phoenix in the summer to visit his grandmother. But, it was very hot there so the main character stayed inside on the hottest days. At the end, he went home to his mom.

Summary 2 2. The main character traveled from Chicago to Phoenix to visit his grandmother. It was the first time he had been on a plane so he was scared. He thought he lost his luggage. It was really hot in Phoenix so they stayed inside most of the time. At the end, he came home to his mom.

Summary 3 3. The main character’s grandmother lives in Phoenix because it was too cold in Chicago. His mom visits her in the winter but he had school then. He traveled to visit her in the summer and it was his first time on a plane! He had never felt 110 degrees before. It was so hot it felt like being in a heater! They took a long bus ride to her house but it was okay because he got to lookout side on the way there. He eventually got used to the heat. When he got back to Chicago, his mom told him next time she’ll go with him!

1.The main character traveled to Phoenix to visit his grandmother. But it was very hot there so the main character stayed inside on the hottest days. At the end, he went home to his mother.

How do you write a summary? ● Beginning, middle, and end ● Only include information from the reading passage or book ● Explains what the author or characters think ● Includes only the most important ideas ● Include the main problem and solution ● Use your own words!

Writing a summary Beginning: - Who are the characters? - What is the setting? - What is the problem? Middle: - What events happen to the characters? - What is the climax of the story? End: - How is the problem resolved? - How have the characters changed?

What makes up a story? ● Characters - The people who are important to the story ● Setting - The time and location where a story takes place

● Conflict - The main issue, struggle, or problem that the main characters are up against. ● Key Events - The important events or actions that occur during the story ● Solution - The way the characters solve the conflict

Your turn! Read the Story “Red Riding Hood” Read the statements and think, “Is this an important part of the story?” If so, paste it on the right. If not, paste it on the left. When you are done, grab the second worksheet. Read both summaries and pick the best one. Tell me why you think the summary is better.

Directions: 1. Write your name at the top of BOTH papers. 2. Read the story (no pencil or highlighters) 3. Reread the story and highlight important sentences. 4. Paste the sentences that SHOULD be included in a summary on the LEFT. 5. Paste the sentences that SHOULD NOT be included in a summary to the RIGHT. 6. On the BACK of the story, write your own summary.