What You Will Learn

  • Unlock your creativity and spark your imagination as you learn how to summarize nonfiction texts in concise, descriptive, and well-structured ways.

  • Master new reading and writing strategies to help you become a summarizing pro. From identifying main ideas and details, to sequencing events and using graphic organizers, you'll learn how to piece summaries together - just like puzzles.

  • Pro Tip: Next, put your biliteracy skills to the test by taking the Spanish version of this course called, "El Rompecabezas de los Resúmenes." You'll walk away understanding new strategies, tips, and tricks to writing summaries in two languages!

Course Curriculum

Watch lesson videos for free by clicking the "free preview" button above!

  • 1

    Lesson 1

    • Course Handouts

    • What is a Summary?

    • Reading: The Baobab Tree

    • Identifying Main Ideas & Details

    • Putting Ideas Together
  • 2

    Lesson 2

    • Sequencing Events

    • Writing a Summary

    • Quick Check
  • 3

    Lesson 3

    • Why Use Graphic Organizers?

    • Reading: Mount St. Helens

    • Identifying Main Ideas & Details

    • Putting Ideas Together
  • 4

    Lesson 4

    • Sequencing Events

    • Writing a Summary

    • Putting It All Together

    • QUIZ: Summary Puzzles

Course Instrutor

Courtney Gordon

Courtney has been teaching for over 14 years and lives in Portland, Oregon. She holds a Master's in Education, B.A. in Elementary Education, and additional teaching endorsements in English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) and reading. She has taught in public and private preschools with the youngest of our English learners, and works with students of all ages at Bilingual Bridges. She's undoubtedly one of our most sought after literacy teachers for elementary and middle schoolers, too! Courtney studied Japanese throughout high school and spent a summer living there before graduating. She especially enjoys working with students from diverse backgrounds, is an avid reader, and loves teaching math!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When do the courses start and finish?

    All courses are based on a monthly subscription and begin as soon as you subscribe!

  • How long do I have access to the courses?

    After starting your monthly subscription, you'll have unlimited access to the courses for as long as you keep your monthly subscription active - across any and all devices you own.

  • How do I schedule the live, online classes that are included in my subscription?

    Our $45 and $65 monthly subscriptions will give you access to live, online classes. When you're ready to schedule, just click "1-on-1 classes" at the bottom of this page.

  • What if I'm unhappy with my courses?

    We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your subscription cancel it and you will not be billed for the next month. We do not provide refund for the month used or started.

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