Main Idea (Measuring Up!)

Determine main idea and supporting details

Measuring Up! Lesson 26
4.RI.KID.2

Main Idea

Key Detail

Riley really enjoys science about animals. When she can, Riley likes to help sick animals feel better. She has just finished reading a book about guinea pigs. Riley's mother asks her what the book is about. Riley tells her mother all about the book. She describes all of the details about feeding guinea pigs. She lists all the steps in taking care of them. She also tells how long guinea pigs live. Her mother may not have time to listen to all of these details. How can Riley change what she says to her mother and tell her only the important points?

We will practice our skills in Guided Instruction and Independent Practice. Then we will revisit Riley and her mom at the end of the lesson.

What are we going to learn?

How to determine the main idea of a text

How to identify key details that support the main idea

1. Look for key words to figure out the TOPIC.

2. What do all of the details talk about?

​

What's this about?

How Do Steam Engines Move?

First, a fire is lit inside a boiler. The water inside the boiler starts to produce steam as the water boils. The steam that is generated builds and builds pressure, and this pressure pushes into a cylinder. Inside this cylinder is a piston attached to the train's wheels. The steam pressure inside the cylinder moves the piston and turns the wheels. With enough steam from the boiling water, the train engine can reach speeds of around 50 miles per hour.

How Do Steam Engines Move?

First, a fire is lit inside a boiler. The water inside the boiler starts to produce steam as the water boils. The steam that is generated builds and builds pressure, and this pressure pushes into a cylinder. Inside this cylinder is a piston attached to the train's wheels. The steam pressure inside the cylinder moves the piston and turns the wheels. With enough steam from the boiling water, the train engine can reach speeds of around 50 miles per hour.

​Part A: What is the main idea of this text?
A. Steam engines have boilers and cylinders.
B. Steam engines move with steam from boiling water.
C. Steam engines are very powerful machines.
D. Steam engines reach speeds of 50 miles per hour.


Part B: Underline 3 key details.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following do you think is the main idea of Germy Situation?

• It is important to know how to wash your hands correctly.

• It seems like a very simple thing, but most people do not wash their hands correctly.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following do you think is the supporting detail #1 of the main idea?

Hint: Which detail supports and helps describe the main idea?

• If you rub soap on your hands, and then rinse the soap off immediately, you will not wash germs away.

• Rub your hands front and back, and wash under your fingernails, too. Be sure to do this for 15 seconds.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following do you think is the supporting detail #2 of the main idea?

Hint: Which detail supports and helps describe the main idea?

• Rinse the soap off by rubbing your hands under running water.

• Slowly count to 15 or sing a short song to help you keep time.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following do you think is the supporting detail #3 of the main idea?

Hint: Which detail supports and helps describe the main idea?

• Dry your hands with a clean towel,

  and use the towel to turn off the faucet.

• Turn on the water faucet and wet your hands

Exit Ticket

Feeding Your Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs like to chew lots of grass hay. This hay helps their bodies digest their food. Guinea pigs also enjoy fresh vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, and brussels sprouts. They can have fruit once or twice a week. It's also a good idea to give a pet guinea pig pellets that have extra vitamins. Vitamins help keep your pet healthy. Guinea pigs should be given fresh water each day. Remember to change the water if it becomes dirty.

Exit Ticket

Feeding Your Guinea Pig

Guinea pigs like to chew lots of grass hay. This hay helps their bodies digest their food. Guinea pigs also enjoy fresh vegetables, such as carrots, cucumbers, and brussels sprouts. They can have fruit once or twice a week. It's also a good idea to give a pet guinea pig pellets that have extra vitamins. Vitamins help keep your pet healthy. Guinea pigs should be given fresh water each day. Remember to change the water if it becomes dirty.

Categorize

Options (4)

Guinea Pigs have a very special diet.

Guinea pigs like to chew lots of grass hay.

Guinea pigs also enjoy fresh vegetables.

Guinea pigs should be given fresh water each day.

Sort the following statements into the correct category.

Main Idea

Key Detail #1

Key Detail #2

Key Detail #3