Details and Share
What Year Did That Happen?
Students will practice rewriting and summarizing paragraphs, paraphrasing the information, facts, and other details in a writing sample.
Grade Level: 6 - 8th
Subject:
Length of Time: About 2 - 3 Class Periods
Common Core Alignment
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.4 - Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. (Grade-specific expectations for writing types are defined in standards 1-3 above.)
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.8 - Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, using search terms effectively; assess the credibility and accuracy of each source; and quote or paraphrase the data and conclusions of others while avoiding plagiarism and following a standard format for citation.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.7.10 - Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.
Objectives & Outcomes
The students will be able to effectively paraphrase and rewrite a paragraph from various sources, successfully convey the content, avoid plagiarism, and follow the usual rules for writing.
Materials Needed
- One 4-6 sentence paragraph from various sources for each student
- Access to dictionary/thesaurus resource; each student will need the number of index cards equal to the number of students in the classroom
Prepare ahead of time: 3-5 line paragraphs equal to the number of students in the classroom, best if paragraphs are non-fiction related to science and history topics, assign a number to each paragraph. Separate example paragraph to display for students to see.
Procedure
Opening to Lesson
- Display the example paragraph so all students can read it
- Ask a volunteer to read it aloud
- Ask a second student to summarize the paragraph in their own words
- Ask a third student to summarize in their own words
- Ask students why writers cannot copy content word for word
- Discuss the responses, stressing that plagiarism is illegal
Body of Lesson
Modeling
- Tell students: Each of you will now have a chance to practice rewriting content without plagiarizing the work.
- Ask students how they could change the words of a paragraph without changing its meaning or content
- Allow students to respond, guiding them to the use of dictionaries/thesauruses
- Refer to the original example paragraph and have students choose a word or two to replace with a synonym from a thesaurus
Guided Practice
- Distribute the blank index cards to each student
- Pass out one of the articles to each student
- Students will paraphrase the paragraph, writing it on an index card, have them write the paragraph number onto the card
- Once the article is paraphrased, collect all of the original articles
- Next, have each student pass their paraphrased paragraph to another student (hand it to the student behind them, etc.)
- With a new index card, the student will rewrite the paragraph that was just paraphrased, writing the number on their index card
- Important: The students will keep the card they just completed but pass the original to another student. (The original will be one of the FIRST cards from the original paragraphs.)
- The previous steps will be followed until each student’s original card is returned to them. In their possession they will have a stack of index cards, one for each of the original articles paraphrased from x number of paragraphs from peers
- The teacher will collect all of the index cards- combining all of the #1s, #2s, etc.
- Once all cards are collected, the teacher will read aloud Original Paragraph #1 and the Last paraphrased Paragraph #1 (which was paraphrased the same number of times as there are students in the class)
- Students will compare/contrast the two paragraphs sharing their comments
- The teacher will repeat this exercise with several other index cards
Independent Practice
- Assign for homework a worksheet with five paragraphs students will effectively paraphrase
Closing
Stress to students that when paraphrasing a paragraph or someone else’s writing the content should not be changed, the information should be conveyed as originally as possible. Ask students what difficulties they had in doing the exercise. Remind students that the use of a dictionary/thesaurus is important.
Assessment & Evaluation
Review student’s work, create a worksheet with 5 paragraphs students must paraphrase and rewrite.
Modification & Differentiation
Use paragraphs from one multi-page resource related to science/history. Present the lesson over a longer period of time. Use half the number of paragraphs to shorten the lesson.
Related Lesson Plans
Mini Diorama
This visual arts lesson will allow students to share some personal interests in the form of a diorama. Sample rubric included.
Video Diary
In this performing arts lesson, students will work to create a short video diary to showcase the import parts of their life and edit the video into a 5 minute or less montage using EZVid or similar program.
Theater in Action
Students will write and perform a scene from the story, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
Paper Mache Zoo
In this visual arts lesson, students will create zoo animals (or any animals) using paper mache. The ‘zoo’ can be displayed in the classroom or in a localized area of the school.
Ready to Pursue a Master’s Degree in Education? Make it Your Time!
Teacher.org’s lesson plans encourage conceptual understanding and lifelong learning skills in students as well as empower and motivate teachers.
Are you currently teaching but have the desire to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education? Follow your passion for teaching but at the same time give yourself the tools to further your career and learning. Whether it’s higher salaries, advanced career opportunities, or leadership positions, earning your Master’s Degree in Education is one worth pursuing. Make it your time!