Main Idea
The amusement park was busy with kids and their families having a good time. There was laughter and screams of delight. Kids were smiling and waiting in the long lines for the rides. They raised their hands in joy as the rides went up and down.
What is the main idea?
Kids and families have fun at the amusement parks.
What is a theme?
The message or lesson in a story
What text feature describes topics by listing characteristics, features, or examples? It may repeat word often.
Signal words (man, some, most, one, for example, including)
Description
After Jenny broke her mother's favorite vase, her mother turned and walked away without saying anything.
What can we infer about how her mother is feeling?
Upset, mad
Marcus does not want anyone to help him with his chores, even thought there are a lot of dishes to wash and dry, he wants to do them himself. He always wants to clean his room alone and never asks for help when doing laundry.
What kind of person is Marcus?
Independent
Jackson loves basketball. He watches it on TV and even plays on his school basketball team. The first thing Jackson does when he gets home from school is change into his basketball jersey and grab his basketball. He is always asking dad to take him to the park to play!
What is the main idea?
Jackson loves basketball!
What does a fable teach us?
A lesson
What text feature describes in a sequence of events or measuring time?
Will use dates
Chronological
Every morning Simon would get out of bed just before sunrise. It was his responsibility to make sure everybody could have milk poured over cereal and into coffee before school or work. After he had finished getting ready for work, he had to load 20 heavy crates of milk bottles onto his van.
What is Simon's job?
Milkman
Everyone always feels comfortable talking to Tina. Tina is easy to talk to and a good listener. Most people tell Tina their secrets because they know that she won't tell anyone. They know that their secrets are safe with Tina.
What kind of person is Tina?
Trustworthy
My mother is a veterinarian. She loves taking care of animals. When she was younger, she had lots of pets. She even teaches classes about how people can help protect animals.
What is the main idea?
Her mother has always cared about animals and that's why she became a veterinarian.
Two friends set out to look for firewood. As they were walking up a path in the woods, a bear suddenly ran in front of them. One of them climbed quickly up a tree. He yelled down to his friend, "Sorry, no room up here." The friend looked up the tree and saw many empty branches to hide on. He had to act fast, so he fell to the ground and did not move. It is said that a bear will not attack a dead body. The bear slowly approached the man and looked him over. Then, he did something strange. He walked over to the man's head and whispered something in his ear before he quickly ran away. When the bear was gone, the friend descended from the tree and asked what the bear had said. "He gave me good advice,: said the friend. "Be careful of who you travel with. A friend will not desert you at the approach of danger."
What is the theme?
A true friend will not desert you in danger
What text feature examines similarities and differences
Compare/Contrast or Comparison
Becky hears screaming all around her. She sees everyone's hands go up and then her stomach starts to feel funny. Her hair starts blowing in the wind. She is feeling excited and wants to do it again!
What is Becky doing?
When we go to recess, Sam always chooses what we play. If we don't play what Sam wants, he gets mad and yells at everyone. He also tells me where to sit at lunch and makes me share my cookies with him. I like Sam as my friend but he is always telling me how to do things.
What word describes Sam?
Bossy
Ants are very busy insect. They work hard every day to find food and build nests. When ants find food, they take it back to their nest. Sometimes the piece of food is bigger than they are, so they have a hard time carrying it. The ants do not have an easy job.
What is the main idea?
Ants are very hard workers.
In the drama, Divided Loyalties, what is one theme?
Family, war, divided, doing what you think is right
What text feature is the relationship between two things?
Will use words since, because, if, then, result, causes
Cause/Effect
Ryan stepped outside barefoot but he quickly rushed back inside. The concrete was burning hot! The sun had been shining on it all morning.
What season is it?
Summer
Jack wanted to hit a homerun more than anything. He would not give up until he could do it. He practiced hitting baseballs for hours every week. Even though he knew it would be difficult, Jack kept trying and never gave up.
What word describes Jack?
Every morning after waking up, Lucy goes to the kitchen to eat breakfast. After breakfast, Lucy brushes her teeth, gets dressed and makes her bed. Then, it is her job to feed the dog in the morning. When she is done, she can play until it is time for the bus to take her to school.
What is the main idea?
Lucy has a busy morning. Lucy has responsibilities before school.
What is one theme in, Sign of the Beaver?
Friendship, survival, trust
What text feature solves something that needs to be fixed?
key words: problem, issue, result, leads to
Problem/Solution
When Maria got home, her mom asked her how her math test went. Maria's eyes widened and her face turned bright. A small smile formed as she started to talk to her mom.
How did Maria do on her math test?
Great
Jackie wanted her mom to take her to the park to play. Her mother agreed to take her after she finished cleaning. Jackie crossed her arms and looked annoyed. She followed her mom around the house, begging her to hurry so they could leave for the park.
What word describes Jackie?
Impatient