1. Communication Arts 3rd grade
Main Idea
Communication Arts
3rd grade

2. Teacher’s page Communication Arts 3rd Grade Creator: Jami Polly
Objective- Student will be able to organize information to determine the main idea
4/5/2019
MAPTAP 2004

3. How do you find the main idea of a paragraph?
The main idea is what the paragraph is all about
Sometimes it is stated in the first sentence
Don’t forget to look at the picture
Look for clue words that are used frequently
4/5/2019
MAPTAP 2004

4. Directions You will need paper and pencil to do the activities.
Any time you see this picture
you need to have your pencil and paper ready.
4/5/2019
MAPTAP 2004

5. Read this paragraph
Fish sleep in different ways. Some sleep in the sand. Some sleep on their sides. Others sleep on their tails. One fish sleeps while standing on its head.
4/5/2019
MAPTAP 2004

6. What is the main idea of this paragraph?
Remember:
- What is this paragraph about?
- Did you look at the picture?
- What words did you see repeated?
fish
sleep
4/5/2019
MAPTAP 2004

7. Which sentence tells the main idea?
Fish are lazy.
Fish sleep differently.
Some fish sleep in the sand. #2
Way to go!!!
4/5/2019
MAPTAP 2004

8. Read this paragraph
I got up early. I jumped out of bed. Quickly I washed and dressed. Then I ran down the stairs. I gulped down my breakfast. I couldn’t wait to go on my first camping trip.
4/5/2019
MAPTAP 2004

9. What is the main idea of the paragraph?
I rushed to go camping.
I ate a big breakfast.
I ran down the stairs. #1
Great Job!!!
4/5/2019
MAPTAP 2004

10. Now, write your own paragraph.
Make your paragraph at least four sentences long.
Remember: Sentences belong in the paragraph only if they tell about the main idea.
Choose from one of these ideas…
4/5/2019
MAPTAP 2004

11. Which topic would you like to write about?
I love to go skiing.
One day, I got lost while shopping.
Now, write your paragraph.
When you are finished, write a sentence that tells the main idea of your paragraph.
4/5/2019
MAPTAP 2004

12. Aren’t main ideas FUN? On another sheet of paper write two paragraphs.
Write the other paragraph about something you imagine might happen.
Write “I imagine” above the make-believe paragraph.
Write one paragraph about something that really happened.
Write “This really happened” above the paragraph that is true.
4/5/2019
MAPTAP 2004

13. Here are some ideas to write about:
The last day of school
Your favorite sport
Building a tree house
Finding a million dollars
4/5/2019
MAPTAP 2004