This is week 2 on our Stayin' Alive Unit! We are digging deep into inferring the main idea from non-fiction text!
We started by charting main idea. Then we became inferencing detectives with our main idea bag stations! I have 6 group tables, so I made 7 main idea bags--1 for each table and one for us to model together with.
We did a bag together first. I took each detail out of the bag and said, "This detail is ______," trying to reinforce the language of "main idea" and "detail." Then, we did a think-pair-share with carpet partners to figure out the main idea. After each main idea inference, we went through each detail on the back and said, "Would skeleton be a good detail for a human body main idea?" I modeled how to write the main idea and illustrate the details on their recording sheet.
Then, they went back as inferencing detectives to their group's table. I told them how important it was that they worked quietly so they didn't give away the main idea to other groups. They spent 5 minutes at each station.
The main ideas I used were: human body {for modeling together}, animals, vehicles, Halloween, toys, school supplies, and shapes.
Once they figured out the main idea as a group, they wrote it on the corresponding number line on their recording sheet and then illustrated and labeled the details from the bag. {We worked super duper hard on labeling last week! Read about that HERE.} Then, they rotated through all 6 stations after our 5 minute timer. After we finished rotating through all 6 stations, they had a few extra minutes at their desk to color their detail illustrations and finish any labeling or illustrating they didn't finish at stations.
After that, we came together as a whole group and discussed the correct main idea for each bag! They had so much fun with this!!
Here's the {{FREEBIE}} main idea handout we used. Click to print your copy! I hope your kiddos enjoy it as much as mine did!!
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