Common Core Standards
Grade 4
Speaking and Listening SL.4.2
Paraphrase portions of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
Paraphrasing's a valuable skill that will come up again and again in students' educational careers. And even into their adult lives, too.
Regardless, having them "regurgitate"—but in their own beautiful words—what's written, said, or visually presented, means they understand the overall gist and message.