Unit Plan 33 (Grade 3 ELA): Summarizing and Synthesizing Information

Focus: Condensing and connecting across texts

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Informational, Writing)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

This week, students learn to condense information from a single text (find the main idea and key details) and then connect ideas across two texts on the same topic. They practice short, accurate summaries and produce a brief synthesis paragraph that uses evidence from both texts. By Friday, each learner will summarize two new passages, state how the texts are alike and different, and write a concise paragraph that draws evidence from both to answer a prompt.

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to…

1. Determine the main idea of an informational text and explain how key details support it; write a concise summary in their own words.
2. Compare/contrast the most important points and details in two texts on the same topic and explain what is shared or unique.
3. Cite or paraphrase specific information from texts to support short written responses that synthesize ideas.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 3

• Reading Informational: RI.3.2 (determine main idea; recount key details; explain support)
• Reading Informational: RI.3.9 (compare/contrast key points in two texts on the same topic)
• Writing: W.3.9 (draw evidence from texts to support analysis, reflection, and research)

Success Criteria — student language

• I can say the main idea in one sentence and list 3 key details that support it.
• I can write a 2–3 sentence summary that uses my own words and stays focused.
• I can explain one similarity and one difference between two texts with evidence.
• I can write a synthesis paragraph that answers a question and uses evidence from both texts.