Scholars learn about the Hero's Journey as they read Ray Bradbury's "The Drummer Boy of Shiloh." They analyze the story's structure and narrative techniques. Finally, they write summaries of the text's central idea and use their...

In this article, "comprehension strategies" are explained. Supported by research, these strategies are divided into seven different steps, including the following: monitoring comprehension, metacognition, graphic and semantic organizers,...

Information that can be read or listened to that discusses two methods of how to write effective summaries as well as how to avoid plagiarism when summarizing informational texts. Finally, examples of literary summaries are provided....

Use these eight multiple choice passages to practice summarizing the main idea of a paragraph.

This page provides a detailed chart to aid students' understanding of texts. It goes through the steps of pre-reading, during reading, and after reading, outlining what students should be thinking about as they interact with a text. This...

An explanation and example of summarizing a paragraph, especially helpful for taking notes on texts.

In-depth instructions on critical reading with lots of links to more reading guides and activities. A good site to help improve reading skills to become a better writer.

This activity asks students to differentiate between main ideas and supporting details.

Tips on how to check understanding of text for adult learnings.

"April Raintree" was written by Beatrice Culleton Mosionier. This novel study is intended for adult learners at several stages in their acquisition of reading skills. The novel is about the experiences of a First Nations Metis child....

In this lesson, the teacher reads a story aloud and students work with a partner to retell the story using sentence starters. Includes downloadable poster.

Read a short informational text and determine the main idea and supporting details. Click to check your answers then click on Practice.

Students will select a book from an assigned section in the non-fiction area of the library. After reading the books, students will write a paragraph that summarizes the content area of the book. Students will illustrate the book that...

This is a one-page nonfiction excerpt from JFK's Inaugural Address on January 20, 1961. It is followed by an open-ended question which requires students to provide evidence from the story; it includes underlining the most important...

In this lesson, students will read and summarize the book by pages. After publishing, students will use their slides as sequencing exercises. This lesson plan can be adapted for any grade level or book.

In this lesson, young scholars will read and summarize the book by pages. After publishing, students will use their slides as sequencing exercises. This lesson plan can be adapted for any grade level or book.

Read a short text and then choose the best summary in this Rags to Riches learning game.

[Free Registration/Login Required] During this MEA simulation, kindergarten students will be given the power of slelecting a classroom pet. Students, working in collaborative groups, must collect data about different potential classroom...

To understand a text, you must understand the central idea of the story. Learn how to recognize the central idea and supporting details with this article. Click the links at bottom right.