In this video, adult educator instructor Kay Combs models summarizing a short text using a graphic organizer. Combs and the students complete a K-W-L chart, which asks the readers to write down what they already know about a text, what they would like to find out, and what they learned. They also answer who, what, when, where, and why questions about the text in order to summarize it. Once they are able to summarize by identifying those elements of the text, they have a better understanding of what they have read.

Modeling this activity and collaborating as a group can also help students understand the thinking process that goes along with active reading. This is a concept that can assist students at many levels. Students who may not be able to read the text on their own can still benefit from thinking through the materials. And, students at higher reading levels are reminded to slow down, take note of what they are reading, and make sure they comprehend what they have read.

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