Tired of students' summaries sounding more like a never-ending recap? Teach them the "First, Then, Next, Finally" method! In this no-prep minilesson, students will learn to identify the main idea, essential information, and connections/theme of the text! In this digital and printable resource, complete with scaffolded notes and practice passages, students will also learn to develop a summary paragraph.

This 3-part minilesson includes model, whole class, group, and independent practice passages, for EACH STEP of summarizing, along with an assessment tool!

OVERVIEW OF RESOURCES:

*A PDF and EDITABLE Google Version is provided!

1. Guided Notes: Explanations of each part of a summary paragraph, including:

-Main Idea & Topic Sentence

-Essential Information & First/Then/Next/Finally Sentences

-Connection & Closing Sentence

Student practice pages- PDF

2. Practice Passages: Short and accessible poems for modeling, whole class or group practice, and independent application!

3. Summary Assessment: For students to apply their writing skills after completing the minilesson!

4. Summary Quick Guide Bookmark: A visual tool to remind students of the order and format of a summary paragraph!

5. Answer Keys: For all notes, practice passages, and assessments!