by Diana L. Grady |
V.I.P. (Very Important Points)
This is a guided paraphrasing activity in which any topic or subject could be incorporated. It creates some lively conversation about the books and stories children are reading. After modeling this lesson, the goal is for students to begin to use this strategy on their own.
Resource Type: Lesson Plan
Audience: Elementary, Secondary, Adult, University
Audience Language Proficiency: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced
Duration: 60 minutes
Materials And Technology:
- Content-related reading material (adapt the text as necessary)
- Self-sticking notes
- Pencil and paper
Objective:
- The learner will read an assigned passage.
- The learner will pick the most important part of that passage.
- The learner will paraphrase that information orally to a partner.
- The learner will paraphrase that information in writing, using two to three complete sentences.
Language Skill: Grammar, Listening, Reading, Speaking, Vocabulary, Writing
Content Area: Language Arts/Content Areas
Procedure: Students are given a passage to read and 3 or 4 self-sticking notes. Instruct students to cover their reading, beginning at the top of the page, with one hand (horizontally, thumb and palm down) and use one of the self-sticking notes to show where their hand ends. Instruct students to read the part that was covered by their hand and stop at the sticky note. This is usually about one paragraph. This limits the amount of reading they do prior to discussing the “very important points” of the passage. It is a good way to lower anxiety as they know they will only read as much as their hand will cover and then discuss it with a partner.
Students then read the passage, individually or with a partner, and mark two “very important points” (VIP) with their sticky notes. After reading and picking two important points, the class comes back together for a discussion. This is especially important the first time this is introduced. As they volunteer to share what they think are the most important points of the reading, be sure to repeat or rephrase their comments. Write their ideas on the board in full sentences. Repeat the above steps, until the entire article or textbook section is read and summarized on the board.
When students are ready to try this independently, they can work in small groups and go through the same process of reading, talking about the important points and then writing them as a group. To do this, students assemble into small groups and discuss where they placed their markers and why. I suggested they begin with “I picked this point because…..”
Individual students then sit down and paraphrase what they have read in 1 – 3 written sentences. The sentences must be complete with punctuation and capitol letters in appropriate places.
Students then read the passage, individually or with a partner, and mark two “very important points” (VIP) with their sticky notes. After reading and picking two important points, the class comes back together for a discussion. This is especially important the first time this is introduced. As they volunteer to share what they think are the most important points of the reading, be sure to repeat or rephrase their comments. Write their ideas on the board in full sentences. Repeat the above steps, until the entire article or textbook section is read and summarized on the board.
When students are ready to try this independently, they can work in small groups and go through the same process of reading, talking about the important points and then writing them as a group. To do this, students assemble into small groups and discuss where they placed their markers and why. I suggested they begin with “I picked this point because…..”
Individual students then sit down and paraphrase what they have read in 1 – 3 written sentences. The sentences must be complete with punctuation and capitol letters in appropriate places.
Assessment: The written sentences serve as assessment for this lesson.
Differentiation: To extend this lesson, have student write the recount in a paragraph form after reading the entire passage.