44 Paraphrasing Task Cards for Diverse / International context (Differentiated)

44 Paraphrasing Task Cards - Differentiated content for diverse classrooms and international contexts

What is it?

• 44 Paraphrasing Task Cards (universal themes for diverse classrooms or international schools)
• Each card contains a fact about: The human body, food, history, geography, countries, buildings or the Earth
• Each card has a small picture for visual support
• Word choice is appropriate for EAL/ELL learners
• Differentiated fact cards, answer sheets and extension worksheets
• Fact cards are 2 - 3 sentences in length so students can paraphrase in different ways

What does it include?

• 44 fact cards + 4 blank (for student creation)
• 1 Paraphrasing Strategies Poster
• 3 Answer Sheets (differentiated): 20 answers, 10 answers & 6 answers
• 4 Worksheet Extensions:
  • Paraphrase in 3 Different Ways Worksheet
  • Paraphrase and Draw a Picture Worksheet
  • Mini Research Project
  • Write Your Own Fact Cards

How do I use it?

• First model different ways to paraphrase a fact card using strategies poster (included) as a reference
• Students can move around the room choosing interesting fact cards and paraphrasing them on their answer sheets
• Can be done independently or at a literacy centre 
• Differentiated Answer Sheets (20, 10 or 6 answers)
• Use extension worksheets as needed for early finishers, homework or to show understanding in visual ways

Rationale

• As an international school teacher, my students found some of the content on other paraphrasing resources unfamiliar due to its USA-specific content. Additionally, I noticed single sentences were difficult for my students to paraphrase; to recognize different options for rewording, they needed two or three sentences to draw information from. I created this resource to address these two challenges in my own teaching setting. The word choice in this resource was crafted with EAL / ELL learners in mind. However, it is not overly simplified and can be used across multiple grades and abilities. To differentiate this activity, I made some cards longer and more detailed than others. Students can choose the fact cards best for their ability by looking at the length of the text. Answer sheets are also differentiated (6, 10 and 20 answers)