1. Making Generalizations Using what you read & What you already know

2. When you read, you may see ideas about groups of people, animals, or things.

3. general statement What you read & what you already know helps you to make a general statement about a group. This is called a: Generalization.

4. Think about the group you are reading about. How are they alike OR mostly alike? OR What do they have in common? Making generalizations

5. Why make generalizations? Generalizations are important because they help us to understand more about what we read.

6. Let’s Practice…. Read the following passage. Think about the things that are being talked about. Ask yourself: How are they alike or mostly alike? OR What do they have in common?

7. You’ve heard of the Tennessee River and the Mississippi River. You may have heard of the Nile and the Amazon rivers too. But there are many others you may have never heard of. Although rivers have many things in common, they have many differences as well. A river is a natural waterway that is usually made of freshwater. Most rivers flow to a lake, ocean, or sea. But some simply flow into the ground. Others dry up completely before they reach another body of water. Rivers have many similarities and differences.

8. What generalization can you make about rivers based on what you’ve just read and what you already know? All rivers are made of freshwater. All rivers flow into the ocean. All rivers are naturally occurring.

9. About 75% of the earth’s surface is covered with water. Lakes, oceans, rivers, and ponds are filled with it. Most of the time, the water levels stay pretty much the same. But sometimes, things happen to cause the water level to rise higher than normal. When this happens a flood can occur. Floods can have good and bad consequences. Floods can leave behind rich soil that helps crops to grow. But floods can also destroy homes and businesses. Floods can sometimes even result in loss of human life.

10. What generalization can you make about floods based on what you’ve just read and what you already know? Floods can have good and bad consequences. All floods are bad. All floods result in destruction.

11. Rivers are an important resource. Long ago, rivers were the best and fastest form of travel. Fish from rivers were a source of food for many people. Land near rivers was also a great place for growing crops. Finally, rivers were a source of drinking water for many. Today, rivers serve many other purposes too. Dams are built across rivers to control floods. Dams on rivers generate electricity too. Rivers are also a place of fun for many people. Rivers are found all over the earth and they are an important resource for our planet.

12. What generalization can you make about animals based on what you’ve just read and what you already know? Rivers are no longer important. Rivers can be dangerous and safe places. Rivers have many important uses.