Main Idea
Although many people think a koala is a bear, it is not. The koala is a type of mammal called a marsupial. A kangaroo is also a marsupial. These mammals carry their babies in a pouch. The kangaroo’s pouch is on her stomach, but the koala’s pouch is on her back. Both feed their babies milk and keep them secure in their pouch until they are strong enough to survive on their own.
The main idea of the paragraph is:
a. The koala is not a bear.
b. The kangaroo is nothing like the koala.
c. The kangaroo and koala are mostly alike but have some differences.
d. The kangaroo and koala are exactly alike.
The main idea of the paragraph is:
c. The kangaroo and koala are mostly alike but have some differences.
Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers who were inventors, even from a young age when they built kites and bicycles. Many people credit the Wright Brothers with designing and building the first successful airplane. In 1903, their first flight only lasted 12 seconds, but it continues to inspire people all over the world to learn about science and math, to work hard to realize their dreams, and to use imagination to achieve success.
The main idea of this passage is:
A. The Wright Brothers worked hard.
B. The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.
C. Inventors build kites and bicycles.
D. The first flight was in 1903.
B. The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.
While no one was looking, Dana took a piece of candy out of her brother's lunchbox and put it in her pocket.
What might this sneaky character do next?
a. Find a place to eat the candy
b. Take out her sandwich and sit down
c. Ask her mom to have lunch with her.
a. Find a place to eat the candy
cats
dogs
horses
humans
mammals
Baseball, football, soccer, volleyball, water polo
Types of sports
What is the difference between main idea and theme?
Main Idea tells what the story is mostly about, whereas theme is the big message or lesson that is to be learned from the characters.
In the classic fable The Tortoise and the Hare, what was the theme?
The best race is run by those who work hard and persevere.
I looked down at my cleats. I gave them a tap to knock off the dirt. I glance out in the crowd and then up to the sky. I feel a lump in my throat as I stepped up to the plate. I look around and hear the roar of the crowd. I take a deep breath and suddenly it's just me and my dad playing in the yard like we did when I was kid. When I heard the crack, then I snapped back to reality and took off running to first. I finally got a hit. I think my dad would have been proud of me.
What can you infer about this character?
He is a baseball player who lost his dad. He was up at bat and he began missing his dad.
tackle
huddle
field goal
football
Sophia has just learned how to play a few of her favorite songs on the guitar and the piano. She also just received the leading role in the spring play.
What word best describes the character?
a. caring
b. adventurous
c. talented
d. studious
c. talented
Wilbur and Orville Wright were brothers who were inventors, even from a young age when they built kites and bicycles. Many people credit the Wright Brothers with designing and building the first successful airplane. In 1903, their first flight only lasted 12 seconds, but it continues to inspire people all over the world to learn about science and math, to work hard to realize their dreams, and to use imagination to achieve success.
The main idea of this passage is:
A. The Wright Brothers worked hard.
B. The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.
C. Inventors build kites and bicycles.
D. The first flight was in 1903.
B. The Wright Brothers were inventors who have inspired many people.
What is the definition of theme?
The moral, lesson, or big message in a story.
THE-MEssage
As my alarm clock rang, I felt butterflies in my stomach. I can't believe it's the first day! What will they think about me? Will I have any friends? I grabbed my coffee and headed out the door. It wasn't long until I was greeted by 20 smiling faces, ready to learn. I think I'm going to like this new job.
What can you infer about the character
The character is a new teacher and it is the first day of school. He/she was also nervous.
strike out
foul ball
left fielder
short stop
catcher
baseball/softball
Lucy would never get her room clean. It looked like a tornado had hit it. She couldn’t believe how much damage her friends had done. They pull everything out and didn’t put anything back. Glue was spilled all over her rug, and fingernail polish was spilled on her new bedspread. They had even wiped their chocolate covered fingers on her curtains. Wow! What a mess.
The main idea of the paragraph is:
a. There is glue on the rug.
b. Lucy’s friends are messy.
c. A tornado hit the house.
d. Lucy’s friends ate chocolate.
b. Lucy's friends are messy
Hurricanes are large, intense storms that begin over the ocean, where they gather heat and energy from the water. Hurricanes move slowly toward land, usually moving 10-20 miles per hour for more than one week. The most dangerous part of the hurricane is the storm surge, when it reaches land and causes flooding. Wind and waves also contribute to the damage caused by these surges.
Hurricanes are dangerous storms.
My long, lost dear friend,
Why did I let you go?
You stayed with me through thick and thin,
If I could take back all the things I said
And nurtured me to learn and grow.
For more time with you, I would.
If I would remove all the hate and dread
From within me, I would.
Don't take the people you love for granted.
When finding character traits, we have to think FAST. What does the acronym FAST stand for?
F-Feelings
A-Actions
S-Saying
T-Thinking/Thoughts
Patriots
Giants
Seahawks
Bears
Dolphins
Jets
NFL Teams
The character says, “I want to play that game! If you don’t play with me, I won’t be your friend. And you can’t play with anyone else!”
What is the best word to describe this character?
Bossy/ a bully
Did you know that giraffes are the tallest animals in the world? They are unique in other ways, too. For one thing, they sleep only about 20 minutes each day, and usually not more than five minutes at a time. (They have to remain alert for predators.) Also, every giraffe’s coat is unique, and varies in color from white to nearly black, depending on what they eat and where they live.
Giraffes are unique animals.
It didn’t work the first time,
And I wanted to just quit.
But my father taught me better,
So I gave it another hit.
Failing two times is difficult,
And three times is even more.
But worth it on my fourth try,
When I finally got to score.
If at first you don't succeed, try again.
Describe how a character impacts the theme of a story
Theme is the lesson that the characters learn in the story. The characters feelings, actions, and words help to build the theme of the story. Their actions effect the outcome.
planets
sun
moon
galaxy
stars
meterors
Things found in the solar system
Eric gripped the bat in his hands. His palms were sweaty but he took a deep breath as he stepped up to the plate. He had to score a run or his team would lose the game. When the pitcher threw a fastball, Eric’s reflexes took over and he heard the “Crack!” of the bat hitting the ball. His heart raced with excitement as he ran to first base. He was safe!
What is the main idea of this passage?
Eric overcomes his nerves and makes it to first base.