Main+Idea+Activities

1. **Get the Gist - link**: oregonreadingfirst.uoregon.edu/.../ells/**main**_**idea**_summarizing.doc I would use this strategy when teaching students about the Underground Railroad. The book that correlates with this activity is // The Underground Railroad // by Ann Heinrichs.I would go over how to "get the gist" before reading the book. The gist that I want students to get is simply that "the Underground Railroad was a dangerous way that slaves escaped."

**__Getting the Main Idea and Summarizing__**

//Get the Gist// is a strategy that assists students in finding the main idea by helping them to limit the number of words and focusing on important ideas rather than on details.

When using //Get the Gist,// place students in small heterogeneous groups or pairs. Students benefit from the discussions that arise when working with others. When introducing //Get the Gist// to students, it is recommended that teachers model each step using think-alouds.

Students can use the //Get the Gist// card to assist them in remembering the steps in the strategy.
 * //__Get the Gist__//


 * Who or what is the paragraph mostly about?


 * What is the most important thing about the “//who”// or “//what”//?


 * Put together the answers and tell the main idea in 10 words or less . ||


 * __Using //Get the Gist// to Summarize a Chapter or Story__**

Once students have had several opportunities to practice //Get the Gist//, teach them how they can use the strategy to create a summary for a chapter in their content area texts or for a story.


 * = Gist for first paragraph/section ||
 * = Gist for second paragraph/section ||
 * = Gist for third paragraph/section ||
 * = Gist for fourth paragraph/section ||
 * = Summary  ||

2. Main Idea Activity 2- link : [] This activity is a very fun and creative way to get students to think about the main idea. I would use this activity with //The Legend of Old Abe A Civil War Eagle// by Kathy-jo Wargin. Though this activity was made for younger students, I do think that if altered to fit the content, it is appropriate for 5th graders. So, I would cover up the front and back of the book before reading it to the students. Then, I will tell the children they will hear a story but not know the title. It is the their job to come up with a title for the book and a picture for the cover. Once I have finished reading, the children will develop a title and and picture for the cover and use construction paper to draw them out. The picture must be an illustration of the main idea of the story.

3. Main Idea Mobile - link : [] This website has amazing main idea activities, but one of my favorites is the main idea mobile. The students will complete this activity at the end of the Civil War unit. The students have a choice of using a large piece of construction paper, a foam block, or a cardboard canister to write the main idea of the Civil War on. Then they will write supporting details on smaller pieces of paper to dangle from the main idea. Once these are finished, each student will present their mobile to the class. I will then display the mobiles by hanging them throughout the room.