Defines and provides examples of the main idea of a paragraph and also explores the meaning of key details.

A lesson plan in which students read a text and complete a graphic organizer to identify the topic and supporting details or facts. Materials are included.

A lesson plan in which students read a text and write main ideas and supporting details in boxes on a graphic organizer. Materials are included. [PDF]

A lesson plan in which students read a text and complete a graphic organizer to identify the main idea and supporting details. Materials are included.

When reading a story learn how to recall specific examples from the text to answer comprehension questions. In addition, you can also use story details to make inferences.

A short explanation of using reasons and evidence as supporting details. Click the link to see a model of how to identify reasons and evidence in an informational text. Click on the Model button on the bottom right to see a model.

A short explanation of how to use explicit details in an informational text to make inferences. Click on Model at the bottom right to see a model with examples.

Students will focus on Main Idea, Author's Purpose, Identifying supporting details and Organizing details. Students will read a variety of Informational Text (non-fiction) to understand how stated and implied main idea effect the...

This lesson focuses on finding evidence to support your thesis, how to incorporate your findings into your own work, and how to effectively quote, paraphrase, and summarize your information. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.W.9, W.11-12.1b...

This lesson uses the book Explorers of North America - A True Book by Brendan January to teach students how to identify the main topic of a multi-paragraph informational text and specific paragraphs within the text. Students are guided...

[Free Registration/Login Required] Pretending to be someone else is so much fun! In this hilarious instructional activity, students will get to take on the persona of a book character as they practice their question and answer skills. At...

Students will synthesize information from multiple historical fiction books to find common themes and support them with evidence from the text. Working with a partner who has read a different book, they will share their theme from their...

[Free Registration/Login Required] Students read a fiction text about a girl and her pet cat and answer questions about comprehension, conflict, supporting details, main idea, and more. Links to a paired text and paired text questions...

An excellent, detailed report, written by author, speaker, and educator Dr. Kathie F. Nunley, focusing on depression seen in adolescents. Research based, this article provides an in-depth look at the relationship of self-esteem and...

This resource contains a detailed biography on Herbert Hoover. From the left-hand toolbar, select information on his life before the presidency, campaigns and elections, domestic affairs, foreign affairs, and life after the presidency....

A definition and supporting details explaining what sociocultural theory is and its role in the world. Russion scientist Lev Vygotsky initiatedthe study of the sociocultural theory.

Expository text can be challenging to young readers because of the unfamiliar concepts and vocabulary it presents. Discover ways to help your students analyze expository text structures and pull apart the text to uncover the main idea...

Teachers will learn how to use story writing frames with their students. Teachers will learn how to implement story frames; measure progress with story frames; and find research to support using story frames. A reproducible story frame...

Describes a reading strategy where students must respond to text by supporting their ideas with text-based evidence. Lists different categories of questions the teacher can prepare based on the text chosen, with examples for each.

Learn about the main idea and get tips on how to find it. After practicing with several short texts, learn how to answer different types of questions about main idea and practice each type.

This site from the University of Ottawa provides a wonderfully designed website that not only gives you exhaustive information on paragraph writing. Students will engage in starting with outlines, writing topic sentences, dividing their...

Information and specific tips on what scientific writing is and how to make it more precise, clear, and objective.

This instructional activity is a final step towards supporting students to practice writing an informative/explanatory paragraph conveying complex ideas and presenting information clearly and accurately. Second-grade students can usually...

A detailed vivid description of the Battle of Bunker Hill with supporting original documents and great teacher resources.