© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. Chapter 3: Main Ideas/ Learning and Education PowerPoint by JoAnn Yaworski, 2001 Joining a Community of Readers: A Thematic Approach to Reading, 2/e Roberta Alexander & Jan Lombardi

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. Improving Reading Skills Identify Topics Identify Main Ideas Identify Thesis Statements

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. Recognizing the Topic Ask “What is this reading about?” Look for a key word or phrase that describes the focus of the article. Look for a key word or phrase that is repeated throughout the reading.

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. Distinguishing Between the Topic and the Main Idea Ask yourself “What did the reading say about the topic?” The main idea is a complete sentence. The main idea sentence is a broad, general statement of the main point of the reading.

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. Main Ideas at the Beginning Topic and main idea in first or second sentence of paragraph or passage Easier for reader to understand Following sentences explain main idea in more detail Main Idea

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. Main Idea in the Middle Sometimes the main idea is stated in the middle. Details are presented before and after the main idea. Main Idea Supporting Details

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. Main Idea at the End Main idea is at the end when a writer is arguing a point. The facts presented first. The conclusions or suggestions presented at the end. Fact Conclusion (Main Idea)

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. Identifying the Thesis Statement Short essays are organized around a single main idea. The main idea of an essay is called a thesis statement. The thesis statement is usually at the beginning, but could be at the end.

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. “Building a Better Brain” by Daniel Golden Read “Building a Better Brain” in Chapter 3 of your textbook. What does the statement “the brain works a lot like a muscle” mean? What do brain researchers suggest we do to make our brains grow? What types of activities strengthen our minds?

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. “In Praise of the F Word” by Mary Sherry Read “In Praise of the F Word” by Mary Sherry in Chapter 3. How does Sherry suggest teachers get the attention of students who can’t concentrate? What is the thesis of this reading? Do you think fear of failure is a good way to motivate students? What effect does passing students who aren’t qualified have on them?

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. “The Problems of Our Schools” by Jerome Skolnick and Elliott Currie Read “The Problems of Our Schools: Myths and Reality” in Chapter 3. What is the topic and thesis statement? What are some positive achievements of American pubic schools? According to Skolnick and Currie, what are the real problems that U.S. public schools face?

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. “Broaden Your Perspective” by Vincent Ryan Ruggiero Read “Broaden Your Perspective” by V.R. Ruggiero in Chapter 3. What does the author think was the reason for the students’ gains in the elementary school experience? Who are four people that refused to “define themselves by other people’s assessments”?

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. “Aztec Education on the Eve of the Spanish Conquest” by Enrique Davalos Read the above selection on Aztec education from Chapter 3. What were the two different kinds of schools that the Aztecs had? In what ways were the Telpochcalli similar to our universities? What was the consequence of the Spaniard’s dismantling of Aztec schools?

© 2002 Addison Wesley Educational Publishers, Inc. Web sites on Learning & Education Rethinking Schools ( Center for Public School Renewal ( Coalition of Essential Schools (CES) (

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