This week we are discussing the difference between a retell and a summary. Remember that a RETELL includes DETAILS and a SUMMARY is only the BIG IDEAS (think running along the details and jumping from big idea to big idea like we did in class!).
Using the book you're reading at home, write a summary based on the section you read this week. FOR FICTION: Include the title, author, main idea and SOMEBODY, WANTED, BUT, SO, THEN. FOR NONFICTION: Include the title, author, main idea and three details to support your main idea using words such as first, next, then, and finally. Fiction Example: In the book, The Willoughbys, by Lois Lowry, the main idea is about kids who want to get rid of their parents, and the parents who want to get rid of their kids. In chapter 4, entitled "The Odious Nanny", Nanny joins the Willoughby family. The children want to test Nanny to see what she'll be like compared to their parents. Barnaby A and B and Jane like Nanny, but Tim is not so sure. (So) When Nanny learns about Tim's point game, she quickly gives the others points for trying their oatmeal, and takes points away from Tim for not eating his. Then, Tim scowls as he realizes the power he holds over his siblings is quickly deteriorating under Nanny's rules. Nonfiction Example: In the article, "Susie Sausage Just One of Many New Shopkins Toys," by writers at the Washington Post, the main idea is how Shopkins have become a popular, best-selling toy in 2016. First, Shopkins are tiny toys that look like something you can find at a grocery store like cookies and carrots. Next, many believe that Shopkins are popular because they are easy to collect and the company wanted to cater to girls. In addition, the company is creating a new toy about every six months, which maintains interest. Finally, Shopkins are one of the toys on the "Hot Toy List" that also sell at an inexpensive price. (See the article here: https://newsela.com/articles/shopkins-toys/id/24269/)
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Our focus this week is determining the main idea. The main idea is what the text is "mostly about."
Here's the assignment: Using the book you're reading at home: 1.) State the main idea of your book (what is the book mostly about?) 2.) Support the main idea with details and specific evidence from the text (RACE). 3.) Include the title and the author. Example: In the book, The Willoughbys, by Lois Lowry, the main idea is the adventures of four children who want to get rid of their parents, and the parents who want to get rid of their children. I know this because the story includes many descriptions, particularly at the beginning, of kids who don't like their mom and dad, and vice versa (dark humor!). For example, Mrs. Willoughby states, "I never much liked those kids, especially the ones who look alike! What are their names?" (p.19). Similarly, the kids want to get rid of the parents, "We should send them on a vacation! One with lots of danger!" (p.21). This shows the children were trying to get their parents into trouble so they would not ever return. It's time to finish our scary stories!
I've been very impressed with everyone's enthusiasm around writing! The main objective (OBJ!) in writing these stories was to focus on adding details and ZOOMING in on both characters and setting and creating organized structure (beginning, middle, and end). Instead of a blog this week, I am asking you to work for at least 15 minutes a night to finish your story. They are due Thursday. I am posting the rubric for your review. |
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