How to Find the Main Idea and Details

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How to Find the Main Idea and Details

• By Stephanie Bonny

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Have you ever read a non-fiction book and thought
you knew what it was about, until the teacher
asks you the million dollar question
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What was the MAIN IDEA of the story???
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Dont panic! This show is for you!

• You will learn what the main idea is, and why it
  is important in non-fiction reading.
• You will find the clues or details that support
  the main idea.
• You will try to find the main idea in some
  passages.

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MAIN IDEAWhat is it???

• It is what a NON-FICTION story is all about!
• Many times, the title gives give you a clue about
  the main idea. Ex- Plants
• Lets take a look at some examples!!!

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Mommy and Daddy brought our new baby home today.
It is not quiet around here anymore. My baby
sister cries all the time. Mommy gives her a
bottle of milk. Daddy gives her a bottle of milk,
too. Grandma says the milk might be too hot.
Grandpa says the milk might be too cold. I say,
"Ask the baby." But she isn't talking. She just
cries!                  What's the matter,
Baby? Do you want a binky?

Think about who this passage is mostly
about Think about what the person is doing What
is the main idea of this passage?
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Answer to Practice Passage

• This passage is mostly about the baby. The baby
  seems to cry a lot for different reasons.
• The main idea of this passage is that the baby
  cries a lot.

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Lets practice looking for details

• Mommy and Daddy brought our new baby home today.
  It is not quiet around here anymore. My baby
  sister cries all the time. Mommy gives her a
  bottle of milk. Daddy gives her a bottle of milk,
  too. Grandma says the milk might be too hot.
  Grandpa says the milk might be too cold. I say,
  "Ask the baby." But she isn't talking. She just
  cries!
• What's the matter, Baby? Do you want a binky?
• What details can you find that prove why the baby
  cries a lot?

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Lets find the DETAILS!

• The reason in the passage that prove why the baby
  cries a lot is
• Grandma says that the milk might be too hot.
• Grandpa says that the milk might be too cold.
• The baby might want a binky.

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Now that we have practiced, its your turn to put
what you learned into action!
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What is the Main Idea of this passage?

• A butterfly goes through many stages in its short
  life. First, an egg develops. Once the egg
  hatches, a tiny caterpillar comes out. The more
  it eats, the more it grows. When the caterpillar
  is fully grown, it hangs and forms what is called
  a chrysalis. About seven days later, a butterfly
  appears!

A. Butterflies have a short life. B.
Butterflies go through many stages.
C. Butterflies come out in seven days.
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B- Butterflies go through many stages.

• The reason why the answer is B is because the
  passage mostly talks about the four stages of
  life the egg, caterpillar, chrysalis, and
  butterfly.
• These underlined parts are called the details.
  They help to prove the main idea.

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Its your turn!

• You will now take a main idea quiz to show what
  you have learned. Go to this website
• http//www.manatee.k12.fl.us/sites/elementary/palm
  asola/Gr1MINewneigh4.htm
• Good luck and if you need help, click the back
  button to come back to the presentation!

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Main Idea Assignment

• To show your understanding, you will read a
  passage and record the main idea and supporting
  details on a main idea electronic worksheet.
• Click Here to start the assignment
• F\Main Idea electronic worksheet.doc