Summarizing in Science

This video is a great resource for science teachers who are trying to get their students to become independent learners when they read text with information they are unfamiliar with. This video demonstrates implementing the gradual release of responsibility chart found on the resource website here. This chart starts with a think aloud where the teacher demonstrates to the class how to summarize passages. Then the students get a chance to practice as they work on the skill with a partner. And finally, students get the chance to be independent learners and paraphrase the passages on their own. The featured teacher in the video summarizes why literacy belongs in science class by saying, “In order for students to understand the science, they have to be able to gather that information through reading, and to share that information through writing.” Understanding text is critical to science, but it is also useful in other content areas. Having students who are able to summarize what they just read in science or in math class, lets the teacher know that they actually understand the material and aren’t just on auto pilot getting through the text. Teachers from all content areas should check out this resource because it not only shows the importance of summarizing texts, but it also models an effective lesson plan in which students progressively become proficient at a skill.
       

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