Main Idea

This week, our Reading learning is about Main Idea and Details. It is one of the most important skills we do as reading. Summarizing and several other skills are based on our ability to find the main idea of the text.

Our lessons continue to start with the learning targets.

Yesterday, we read the text, "Trace Fossils". Together, we determined the main idea and details. Then we were able to check (on the bottom) to see what other learners determined for the main idea and details. Our thinking matched!

Today, we started out by making a "tool". In our Reading Journals, students took notes. We defined the main idea and details. We drew a diagram (a table) to show how our table top won't balace on one leg.

Ms. Leom's Homeroom's Notes

Mr. Greninger's Homeroom's Notes

We can use these strategies to help us determine the main idea of the text:
- titles and headings
- pictures and captions
- repeating words or phrases (and their synonyms)
- first and last sentences
- Ask ourselves, "What is the text mostly about?"

We will continue to practice determining the main idea and details, using our tools, in class. This is a skill we will work on in flex reading groups, and throughout the school year.

Parents can help. When you are watching a movie or television show, ask your fourth grader to determine the main idea. Use our tools for help.