Unit Plan 7 (Grade 4 ELA): Main Idea, Details, and Summaries

Focus: Determining main idea; summarizing; listening to paraphrase

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: English Language Arts (Reading Informational, Speaking & Listening)

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

I. Introduction

This week, readers learn to find the main idea of informational texts, choose key details that truly support it, and write concise summaries. They also practice listening to information (short talks, videos, or read-alouds) and paraphrasing accurately in their own words. By Friday, students will identify a passage’s main idea, explain how reasons and evidence support an author’s points, and produce both written summaries and oral paraphrases of new material.

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; distinguish main idea from interesting facts.
2. Write clear summaries that include the main idea and essential details, without opinions or minor trivia.
3. Identify an author’s point(s) and explain reasons/evidence that support those points.
4. Paraphrase portions of information presented orally or in media (charts, short videos, read-alouds) using accurate, student-friendly wording.

Standards Alignment — CCSS Grade 4

• RI.4.2 (determine main idea; explain how it is supported by key details; summarize)
• RI.4.8 (explain how an author uses reasons and evidence to support particular points)
• SL.4.2 (paraphrase portions of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media/formats)

Success Criteria — student language

• I can write a one-sentence main idea and list 3 key details that support it.
• I can write a 3–4 sentence summary that’s in my own words and opinion-free.
• I can name an author’s point and match it with a reason/evidence line.
• I can paraphrase what I hear/see in a short clip or read-aloud accurately.