1. Hamburger Helper

2. Do You Know? Paragraph Main idea Detail what the story or paragraph is mostly about sentences that support the main idea a group of sentences that includes a main idea and details

3. Building a Paragraph Think of building a paragraph like building a hamburger. You have to have a bottom bun (introduction). Then you have to have the meat (main idea). Next, you have to have the cheese, lettuce, and tomato (details). Finally you have to have the top bun (closing sentence).

4. Introduction Sentence Main Idea Details Closing Sentence

5. Where is the Main Idea? The main idea can be located in any part of the paragraph. It can be at the beginning, middle, or end of the paragraph. Ask yourselves “What does the paragraph tell me?” to help you determine the main idea. In the following paragraphs, try to find the main idea.

6. Every year, over one hundred people meet at Stone Mountain Park. They all bring different food and drinks to share with everybody. Many of the people bring games like horseshoes and Frisbees. The children play on the swings and the merry- go-round. This very special event is the Smith family reunion. Find the Main Idea… Click the hamburger to return to the lesson

7. Story Continues… The relatives that come to the reunion travel from all over the state. They drive for hours to get there. Some people drive from Savannah near the beach. Others travel from the North Georgia Mountains. Many even travel from South Georgia, next to the Florida border. They make it a point to be there. Click the hamburger to return to the lesson

8. Story Continues… Many people set up tents. Other relatives bring campers. Everyone camps out for the whole weekend. They bring their sleeping bags and bug spray too. They also bring marshmallows to toast. They all enjoy sitting around the campfire visiting with each other. Click the hamburger to return to the lesson

9. Main Idea Location First paragraph Second paragraph Third paragraph

10. Remember… The main idea can be located in different places in the paragraph (beginning, middle, or the end). A paragraph should contain 3 - 5 sentences. Include as many detail sentences as need to get a point across.

11. Assignment Pick a topic you are interested in. Write a paragraph about your topic. Remember all of the components that should be in your paragraph. Introduction Sentence Main Idea Details Closing Sentence

12. Main Idea 4 th – 5 th Grade Lesson