Today I will introduce the class to Tween Tribune. This is an AWESOME site for motivating your students to read nonfiction. See the video below for more information.
The lesson for today takes us back to the "Malala the Powerful" article from a lesson a few days ago and utilizes material Scholastic provides with the Scope magazines. Students will take a handout from the caddy that reviews the definition of an objective summary. Then, (depending on the comfort level of the class as some will not need the same level of support) we will use an objective summary model included with this issue to discuss what makes a good objective summary.
Although we have worked with objective summaries earlier this year, I find that students are still generally familiar with "summary" but not "objective". So, as we discuss the key points of an objective summary - we focus on the "no opinion" aspect which is harder to stick to now than it was when we were summarizing fiction.
Next, I will ask them to follow with me as I read aloud directions (on the same page as the definition) that ask them to correct a sample of an objective summary of the article "Malala the Powerful". The directions tell them that some information does not belong, so as we read they find that the sample summary has several parts we can remove to make it better.
We work through this together with the SMART board, but they also keep the information on their copy as an example for their binders.
To practice writing objective summaries students will work with a partner to write an objective summary of a high interest article I have chosen on Tween Tribune. (Note that I would select this article the day of or before to ensure interest and relevance.)
After 10 minutes, students will self assess their summaries to review and eliminate or add anything they felt they overlooked - just as we did with the Scholastic example.
To assist them with this, I will display an objective summary I have written of the article on the SMART board and review it with them before turning them loose to assess. I will also collect and review their work for my information.
To wrap up this class, we will share out the most common mistakes they noticed when reading their work.