Understanding and Explaining Texts: Mastering 8.RI.10
Understanding and Explaining Texts: Mastering 8.RI.10 Objective: By the end of this 45-minute lesson, the student will be able to read informational texts appropriate for grade 8 and explain the content clearly, demonstrating comprehension and the ability to convey the main ideas in their own words.
Learning Objectives
- Identify key ideas and details in an informational text.
- Summarize the main points of an informational text in own words.
- Verbally explain the content of the text clearly and accurately.
Materials Needed
- Age-appropriate informational text or article (about 1-2 pages)
- Notebook or paper
- Pencil or pen
- Highlighter or colored pencils
Key Vocabulary
- Informational Text
- A type of writing that gives facts, explanations, or instructions about real-world topics.
- Summary
- A brief statement that tells the main points of a text.
- Explain
- To make something clear or easy to understand by describing it in detail.
Detailed Activities
Reading and Highlighting Key Points
- Give the student the informational text to read silently.
- Ask the student to use a highlighter or colored pencil to mark important facts or ideas as they read.
- Encourage the student to underline or circle any words they find difficult.
Summarizing the Text
- Discuss the highlighted parts with the student to ensure understanding.
- Guide the student to write a short summary (3-5 sentences) of the main ideas in their own words.
- Help the student focus on what the text is mostly about, not every detail.
Oral Explanation Practice
- Ask the student to explain aloud what the text was about, using their summary as a guide.
- Encourage the student to speak clearly and use complete sentences.
- Provide gentle corrections or prompts to help clarify the explanation if needed.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- This lesson helps build your child’s reading comprehension and ability to communicate what they have learned.
- Encourage your child to take their time reading and not to worry about unfamiliar words; looking them up or asking for help is part of learning.
- Praise your child’s efforts in explaining the text, focusing on clarity rather than perfection.
Assessment Questions
- What is the main idea of the text you read?
- Can you tell me two important facts from the text?
- How would you explain this text to a friend who has not read it?
Extension Ideas
- Have your child find another informational text on a topic they like and repeat the reading and explaining process.
- Create a simple poster or drawing to illustrate the main ideas of the text.
- Encourage your child to write questions they have about the text and look for answers together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choose simpler texts or break the reading into smaller sections. Discuss unfamiliar words together and use pictures or videos to support understanding.
Model explaining by summarizing a short text yourself, then ask your child to try. Use prompts like ‘What happened first?’ or ‘Why is this important?’ to guide their thinking.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Students may think summarizing means copying sentences directly from the text instead of using their own words.
- Some students might focus too much on small details and miss the main point.
- Students might rush through reading without fully understanding the information.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Provide audio versions of the text to support reading.
- Use graphic organizers to help identify main ideas and details.
- Allow extra time and break the lesson into shorter segments.
For Advanced Students:
- Challenge them to compare two informational texts on the same topic.
- Have them write a longer, detailed summary or a short report.
- Encourage them to present their explanation to a family member.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend about 15 minutes on reading and highlighting to ensure comprehension.
- Allow 15 minutes for discussion and writing the summary to reinforce understanding.
- Use the final 15 minutes for oral explanation and feedback to practice communication skills.
Standards
- 8.RI.10 — Read and comprehend literary nonfiction at the high end of the grades 6–8 text complexity band independently and proficiently.
Printable Worksheet
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