Reading Comprehension 9A: Lesson 1

Reading Comprehension: Lesson 4

The main idea of a reading or paragraph is what the reading or paragraph is mostly about. In other words, it is the gist of the reading. It is very important to be able to determine the main idea when reading. Understanding what a reading is about helps in better recalling important information.

First, let’s write the title of the passage on the first blank.

The main idea includes the topic of the entire paragraph or reading. The topic is the subject that all (or most) of the sentences discuss. The main idea tells what is being said

about the topic (the person, thing, or idea). The sentences in a reading selection that support the main idea are called supporting details. Details work together to better

explain the main idea. Identifying the main ideas and supporting details can help in

summarizing a passage.

We’ll fill out the form for the first paragraph first. Who or what is the first paragraph mainly about? In other words, what is this paragraph’s topic?

What is the most important information in this paragraph that the author wants us to know about Kytha? In other words, what is the main idea of this paragraph?

Do all (or most) of the details support this most important information?

A title can often help you identify the main idea of the reading. What are some texts that some of you have read lately? Allow time for student responses. Think about what each reading is mostly about and how its title relates to that.

Now let’s fill in the next row for the second paragraph. Who or what is the second paragraph mainly about? In other words, what is this paragraph’s topic?

What is the most important information in this paragraph that the author wants us to know about Mr. Garcia? In other words, what is the main idea of this paragraph?

Do all (or most) of the details support this most important information?

Now that we’ve found the main idea of each paragraph, we can find the main idea of the passage. We can do this by combining the main ideas of the paragraphs into a simple sentence

Today you will use a main idea form to help you find main ideas. Filling out the form helps you find the most important idea of a paragraph and a passage. It guides you in determining who or what a paragraph is about and in determining the most important information about the who or what.

Distribute “Main Idea” (Student Activity 4)

Now let’s read a short passage to determine its main idea.

Read the passage “Kytha’s Best” aloud with the students.

Now that we’ve read the passage, we can use the main idea form to help us find the main idea of the passage.

Write "Main Idea" on the board.

Reading Comprehension 9A: Lesson 1

Reading Comprehension Lesson 2

Reading Comprehension Lesson 3

Distribute "K-W-L Chart"

Pass out "When a Bark is More Than a Bark."

This is a K-W-L chart. It is used to activate your prior knowledge each of you has in regard to a particular topic. Each letter represents the information to be written in that particular column.

On you K-W-L chart, where should you write the information that you already know?

Now look at your copy of the K-W-L chart. The passage we will read is titled "When a Bark is More Than a Bark." I want you to brainstorm everything that you know or think that you know about prairie dogs.

• Begin the lesson by reviewing our K-W-L chart on the board
• Pass out "When a Bark is More Than a Bark" (student activity 2)

You will go back and check to see whether the reading answered any of your questions written in the W column. You will also check to see whether any information in the K column is incorrect.

K W L

Next, I want you to take a moment and think about what you want to know about prairie dogs. Where should you include the information that you want to know?

The things you want to know should be placed in the W column. Form your thoughts as questions, and write them in the W column.

Yes, this information should be placed in the K

column. Write what you know about prairie dogs in the first column.

The W stands for Want

to Know. In this

column, you will create

a list of questions for

what you want to know

about the topic.

L stands for

Learned. In the

last column, you

will write

everything you

have learned after

reading about the

topic

The K stands for know. In this column, you will list all of the things that you know about a topic before you read it.

Re read the passage "When a Bark is More Than a Bark." Pause after each paragraph to ask a question about the paragraph you just read. Once you've asked and then answered a question, continue reading.

Now we will prepare to read "When a Bark is More Than a Bark." Let's begin by skimming. Remember, skimming a text helps readers find answers to the questions they ask before they read. This is a trait of successful readers. Skim to find out the topic you are going to read about and whether the passage is narrative or expository.

Have students share what the know about prairie dogs. Then have them share what they want to know.

Write down the information on a board.

Is this a narrative or or expository passage?

Follow along with me as I read the first paragraph.

Once students have finished reading the passage, have them revisit the K-W-L chart to complete the last section and to check the information.

Distribute "Summary Graphic Organizer"

Use this graphic organizer to summarize the passage "When a Bark is More Than a Bark"

• After you finish reading the first paragraph, ask the students whether there are any words that they do not understand. Write the words that they do not understand on the board, and walk students through coming to a definition for the word. Write the definition on the board.
• Follow the same process for the remaining paragraphs

Check your K column to see whether any prior knowledge you listed about prairie dogs is incorrect. Then check your W column to see whether the reading answered any of your questions. Lastly, use the L column to list the things that you have learned as a result of reading "When a Bark is More than a Bark"

Expository

Narrative

Read and discuss the instructions with students. Once students understand what to do, have them complete the graphic organizer.

The topic of this passage is prairie dogs.

This is an expository passage.

This is an expository text because it is telling you facts about a certain subject, It does not have main characters or conflict.

What is the topic of this passage?

How do you know that this is an expository passage?