Reading Comprehension | Whole Class
In this 120-minute whole-class lesson, students will read a grade-level text, practice comprehension strategies, and respond in writing using evidence from the text. The lesson supports students in identifying main ideas, making inferences, and explaining their thinking clearly.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Main idea | The most important point or message in a text. |
| Supporting detail | A fact or example that explains the main idea. |
| Inference | A conclusion you make using clues in the text and what you already know. |
| Text evidence | Words, phrases, or sentences from the text that support an answer. |
| Summarize | To tell the most important parts of a text briefly. |
Display the title of the text and ask students what they predict the text will be about. Record a few ideas and introduce the focus: reading closely and responding in writing.
Share predictions, listen to classmates, and write one sentence about what they expect the text to be about.
Model how to preview a text, identify key words, and think aloud while reading the first paragraph. Show how to find the main idea and one supporting detail. Briefly define inference and text evidence.
Follow along, annotate or underline important words, and copy strategy notes into notebooks.
Read aloud the text or select student volunteers to read sections. Pause at planned points to ask comprehension questions and model how to answer using evidence from the text.
Track the text, answer oral questions, highlight evidence, and discuss ideas with the class.
Give students 3-4 written comprehension questions. Model one answer using a claim, evidence, and explanation. Circulate to support students as they write responses.
Write answers in complete sentences, include evidence from the text, and revise answers if needed.
Ask students to compare answers with a partner and explain why they chose their evidence. Invite a few pairs to share responses with the class.
Discuss answers with a partner, check for completeness, and improve their written responses.
Prompt students to write a short paragraph summarizing the text or answering one deeper question about a theme, idea, or message.
Write independently using evidence from the text and clear sentence structure.
Collect a quick exit ticket asking students to identify the main idea and one piece of evidence, or to write one inference with support.
Complete the exit ticket and turn it in before leaving.
Review the key ideas: strong readers identify the main idea, support answers with evidence, and explain their thinking in writing. Ask students to share one strategy they used today that helped them understand the text.
Students will be assessed through written comprehension responses, participation in guided discussion, and the exit ticket. The teacher will look for correct identification of main idea, use of text evidence, and clear written explanations.
Students will reread the text or a short new passage and write one paragraph summarizing it, including at least two details from the text and one inference.