Power Thinking Power Thinking helps us differentiate between main ideas and details. Main idea and details are simply assigned numbers. Main ideas are Power 1 ideas, while details are either Power 2, 3, or 4 ideas. You can use Powers as an organizational tool for reading, writing, and studying in all areas of the curriculum.

Introduction Power 1. Main idea Power 2. Detail or support for a Power 1 Power 3. Detail or support for a Power 2 (and so forth)

Start working with Power Thinking by using individual words/word phrases. Later, you can incorporate full sentences. Power 1. Animals Power 2. Dog Power 3. German Shepherd Power 3. Collie Power 4. Lassie Power 2. Cats Power 3. Siamese Power 3. Calico

Ideas or words having the same Power numbers must have a similar relationship to the Power above. For example, “bear” could be another Power 2 but “grizzly bear” would be too specific for a Power 2. If “bear” were the Power 2, then “grizzly” could be Power 3.

Power 1. Sports Power 2. Football Power 2. Basketball Power 3. court Power 3. basketball Power 3. hoop Power 2. Baseball Power 3. Power 3.

Power Structures can be extended into writing. Sports Basketball Football hoop court basketball

Power structures can help you develop paragraphs and structure your essays. These simple, structured paragraphs are the first step in the development of longer writing assignments. First develop Power outlines using words and phrases. Next, expand your ideas into complete sentences. Then, combine the sentences into a paragraph.

Begin with simple structure 1. I have several favorite sports. 2. Skiing in the winter is first on my list. 2. During the summer you will find me on my roller blades. 2. I love playing tennis. 1. My favorite sports keep my body and mind fit.

(1) My three favorite sports, skiing, roller blading, and tennis, make me healthy and happy. (2) Skiing provides a great way to get through the winter. (3) I love the feel of gliding through the snow. (2) During the summer, however, you will find me on my roller blades. (3) Roller blading builds balance and strong muscles. (3) I really enjoy skating around town. (2) Finally, I love playing tennis. (3) It is so much fund to run around the court and hit the ball. (3) I always feel so good when I hit a clean shot over the net. (1) My three favorite sports keep my body fit and my mind sharp.

Social Studies example: Social Studies example: 1. The North had several important advantages. 2. The North had a larger population 3. The North had more men for their armies. 2. The North had a better banking system. 3. They had more money available. 2. The North had better transportation systems. 3. Railroads helped move products for the war efforts. 3. The North had more ships.

◦The North had several important advantages during the Civil War. First, the North had a larger population, which gave them more men for their armies. In addition, the North had a better banking system. Wars are extremely expensive, and having a more efficient banking system provided needed funds for the war effort. Finally, the North had a better developed transportation system. The North had a more efficient railway system for greater ease in moving troops and supplies. The North also possessed more ships, necessary for transporting products and troops.

What have we done? √ Introduction (using animals) √ Modeling (using sports) √ Guided Practice Time to practice. Independent Application