1. Teaching Point: I can determine the central idea of a text.
Focus Question:
How do we recognize or determine the central idea in a short story?

2. Teaching Point: I can determine the central idea of a text.
The central idea is the unifying idea that ties the whole story together. It is the main point of the story.
The central idea is supported by KEY details.

3. Teaching Point: I can determine the central idea of a text.
A central idea...
is the big idea.
must contain the main character or topic.
is one sentence.
A central idea is NOT…
a moral.
a theme.
a detail.
more than one sentence.

4. Teaching Point: I can determine the central idea of a text.
Quick Check
Which statement can be a central idea? Why?
Think before you act.
Dennis makes many mistakes and realizes he must think before he acts.
When Dennis jumps over the fence, his pants get caught on the fence. His pants rip in front of everyone and he learns his lesson.

5. Teaching Point: I can determine the central idea of a text.
How do I figure out the central idea?
Identify the main character or topic.
Think about what all of the details have in common.
Using your answers for one and two construct one sentence.

6. Teaching Point: I can determine the central idea of a text.
Model
This was Kathy’s first babysitting job. She was so excited, but she was really nervous. Kathy’s parents made her attend a babysitting workshop before she could babysit her neighbor’s five- year- old son, Matthew. Kathy Knew this was a lot of responsibility, but she thought she was ready. Kathy marched confidently to Matthew’s house and waved goodbye to Matthew’s parents. It seemed as soon as his parents left, Matthew fell and hit his chin on the coffee table. Without panicking, she remembered what she learned in her babysitting class and applied first aid.

7. Teaching Point: I can determine the central idea of a text.
You Try It!
For thousands of years, animals around the world have helped humans. Horses transport people and cargo. Oxen pull heavy loads. Cows give us milk to drink and food.
Turn and Talk- What is the central idea? What key details support the central idea?

8. Teaching Point: I can determine the central idea of a text.
Model
Together, we will look at a “Bad Road for Cats” to determine the central idea.

9. Teaching Point: I can determine the central idea of a text.
Group Work
Find the central idea of your assigned group text.

10. What is the central idea?
Exit Slip
What is the central idea?
Lisa knew all of the seven dwarfs except one. She remembered Grumpy, Sleepy and Bashful. And of course, she couldn’t forget Doc and Dopey. Dopey was her favorite. There was one she just couldn’t remember. Let’s see. There’s also Sneezy - that’s six, but she could not remember the last one. OR
B. What is the central idea of your assigned independent text?