Lesson 4

Learning intention and success criteria

Learning Intention: We are learning to take notes by summarising key information using dot points.

Success Criteria:
✅ I can record key ideas in my own words.
✅ I can use headings and subheadings to organise my notes.

Informative (expository) texts

Informative or expository texts are written to explain, describe, or present factual information about a topic. They are structured to help readers clearly understand key ideas using features like headings, subheadings, diagrams, and logical paragraphs. In the classroom, students learn to research, summarise key facts, and write in their own words—building skills in critical thinking, organisation, and effective communication.

informative text - ASteroids (Explict teaching)

As a class read the text below about Asteroids. Then use the note pad (below) to demonstrate how to turn a paragraph into a list of dot points. Explain to students that notes are not full sentences – just facts!

ASTEROIDS

Asteroids are small, rocky objects that orbit the Sun, and they are sometimes called minor planets or planetoids. Most asteroids are found in a region called the asteroid belt, which lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter. This area contains millions of asteroids, ranging in size from tiny pebbles to objects that are hundreds of kilometres wide. The largest asteroid in the belt is called Ceres, which is so big it is also classified as a dwarf planet. Asteroids are made from different types of rock and metal, and some may contain clay or traces of water. They have no atmosphere and are often irregularly shaped because they are too small for gravity to pull them into a round shape. Scientists believe asteroids are leftover building blocks from the early formation of the solar system, over 4.5 billion years ago. Studying them helps researchers understand more about the conditions in space when the planets were forming. Occasionally, an asteroid can be knocked out of the asteroid belt and travel closer to Earth. If it enters our atmosphere and burns up, it is called a meteor; if it lands on Earth, it is called a meteorite. Although most asteroids are harmless, very large ones could cause damage if they were to collide with Earth.

Asteroid Notes Animated

student task

Instructions:

Look back at your research from yesterday.
Use the article or information you found on your chosen topic.
Choose 3–4 main headings to help organise your notes.
Examples: Location, Appearance, Facts, Importance.
Under each heading, write dot-point notes using your own words.
Focus on the most important facts and ideas.
Do NOT copy full sentences from the article.
Your job is to summarise and show your understanding.
Use bullet points or dashes to keep your notes neat and easy to read.

Reflection

Turn and talk - What’s one fact you summarised in your own words today?

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