8 ways for teaching Main Idea

Main idea can be a challenge to teach. At first it doesn't seem so hard to teach. All students have to do if figure out what the passage is mostly about. But when faced with the learning objective to do so, there is a lot more that goes into that question: "What's the main idea?" Students are figuring out how to comprehend what they are being taught as well as what the most important part is without getting sidetracked by the details.

I have found that it is good to use a variety of tools and even better when you revisit the concept throughout the year.

1.) Start with an chart

 

2.) Use examples and non-examples

3.) Look at Titles

4.) Look for key words

5.) Look for the details (little ideas)

6.) Read the first line and last line

7.) Add in the missing title

8.) Use activities to reinforce and keep practicing

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Practice main idea and supporting details with these short informational text cards.

• 24 practice cards, scoot page, and answer key
• 3 passages with answer keys included

Covers RI.3.2 for common core is covered. If you are not teaching Common Core, then the pack is still valuable to use when teaching 3rd grade students to find the main idea and support key details in a text.

Attitude of Gratitude

No matter what your age, THANK YOU goes such a long way. Teaching gratitude in the classroom has many benefits. One of them is that you will feel good. The happier you are, the more likely you are to inspire others too. Research has shown that certain small actions, done regularly, can give a lasting sense of joy and well-being.

1.) Writing Thank you notes that no one expects. Encourage your students to write thank you notes to people who have made an impact in their little life. Have them think about the many people who work even in their school community. The custodian, secretary, past teacher or a friend. These people do so many things that get unnoticed!

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2.) Practice random acts of kindness. Each year I take time to make a big deal out of random acts of kindness. This includes: saying hi to someone new, making cookies for another class, writing positive notes and placing them in lockers around the school, help a classmate with their work, or pick up trash around the playground.

3.) Thank you LORD! If you work in a faith-based system. Here is an idea. Thank the Lord for the things He has done for you with a salvation turkey. This specific activity allows kids to know they are loved and ALL apart of our Lord's community! I can't take credit for this idea. Our second grade team at Hudsonville Christian School does this each year. Each kid cuts out each part and traces their hand on 5 different colors. Then layers the papers and cuts them all at once!

4.) A Pocketful of Thankfulness- A good question to ask for gratitude is: Write down each good thing that has happened to you in the last day. Describe it in detail, where you were, who said what, and the time of day it was. These are great reflections to come back to. This lesson is explained below. 

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What’s the best time of the year to be thankful? ANYTIME! Make a bulletin-board display that’s full of thankfulness using this creativity.

Read this book: Violet the Purple Fairy learns how to make Gratitude Soup by thinking of all the things, people, places, and experiences that she is grateful for, putting them in an imaginary soup pot. She is able to shrink her pot of soup with her imagination, and she keeps the gratitude warm and flowing in her heart all day and all night. Perfect for teaching your children about gratitude with fun and play, this rhyming, colourful picture book combines collage and watercolours as Violet the Purple Fairy tells her own story of cooking with gratitude. Your children might even be inspired to make their own Gratitude Soup! 

OR THIS ONE

This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

THEN.....

Students brainstorm things they are thankful for. Depending on the age/time you have, they can either list ideas or write 3-5 sentences. These get published onto a 3 X 5 card and placed on the pocket. Then a picture is drawn on a blank 3 X 5 card and placed inside.

It can be displayed on a bulletin board or locker/coat hook area. A great take home just before Thanksgiving or anytime of the year.