Main Idea and Supporting Details

Let’s test your memory… Read the passage below. Water is an important resource. Not only is it important to people, it is also important to all living creatures. Fish need water to swim. Animals need water to drink. Plants need water to grow. Every living thing needs water. It is too important to waste.

Which is the main idea of the passage? A.You should not let the water run while brushing your teeth. B.There are lots of ways to save water. C.Water is important to all living things. D.People need water.

And the ANSWER is… Which is the main idea of the passage? A.You should not let the water run while brushing your teeth. B.There are lots of ways to save water. C.Water is important to all living things. D.People need water.

Questions to ask yourself… What words or phrases are used repeatedly (over and over again)? If someone asked me to tell what the passage was about in a sentence or less, what would I say? How can I categorize all of the sentences? What do they all have in common?

Water is an important resource. Not only is it important to people, it is also important to all living creatures. Fish need water to swim. Animals need water to drink. Plants need water to grow. Every living thing needs water. It is too important to waste.

Which is NOT a supporting detail from the passage? A.Fish need water to swim. B.Animals need water to drink. C.Fish need fins to swim in the water. D.Plants need water to grow.

And the ANSWER is… Which is NOT a supporting detail from the passage? A.Fish need water to swim. B.Animals need water to drink. C.Fish need fins to swim in the water. D.Plants need water to grow.

Water is an important resource. Not only is it important to people, it is also important to all living creatures. Fish need water to swim. Animals need water to drink. Plants need water to grow. Every living thing needs water. It is too important to waste.

Categories Step 1: Listen to the category/topic the teacher presents. Step 2: Brainstorm different things/items related to the category/topic. Example: Category/ Topic: Cereal Possible responses: Cherrios, Lucky Charms, Wheaties, etc. Step 3: When you are called upon: –You must have a response related to the category/topic –You CANNOT repeat a previous response –If you repeat another’s response or DO NOT have a response, you are out.

Think-Pair-Share How is the game “Categories” related to/similar to Main Idea and Supporting Detail?

Let’s Review… The main idea is what the passage is mostly about. Supporting details are the sentences that explain or support, the main idea.

Fill in the missing pieces… __________ __________ are the sentences that __________ or __________, the main idea. The __________ __________ is what the passage is __________ about.

Fill in the missing pieces… Supporting details are the sentences that explain or support, the main idea. The main idea is what the passage is mostly about.

Gallery Walk I Do: Popcorn is very nutritious. Plain popcorn has not fat which is good for the heart, and it contains vitamins and lots fiber which are good for the body. Americans eat more than 15 billion quarts of popcorn a year! That’s about 60 quarts for each person in do you eat in a year?

Gallery Walk We Do: Good study habits contribute to better grades. Students study more effectively in a quietly room than in a noisy one. When my brother stopped leaving his radio on while he studied, his grades improved from Approaches to Meets. If you want to make better grades, turn off that radio!

Gallery Walk Step 1: You will be divided into groups. Step 2: You and your group members will chorally read the passage aloud. Step 3: As a group, discuss what the main idea and supporting details of the passage are. Step 4: Record your thoughts on your record sheet; using the graphic organizer presented at each station. Step 5: You will have 5-7 minutes at each station and will travel to all six stations.