So, what’s the big idea?

Finding the central idea of a text...

What is a central idea? What is it NOT?

Central ideas are...

• Main point of the author
• Main idea
• Most important idea presented by the author
• The big message about the topic
• The main GIST
• The clincher! It is one sentence that captures the essence of the text.

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Central ideas are NOT…

• Supporting, specific details (these are used to help communicate a larger point)
• Minor ideas
• Small ideas of the text
• Less important points
• Examples used to make a point

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Why do we care as readers?

• Well, being able to find the central ideas of the author is at the heart of reading. If you don’t understand the “Big Picture,” then you are not as likely to comprehend material well. You simply will be ….in the dark!

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• Finding central ideas are very necessary in life. You need to be educated and skilled students, workers, parents, business owners, leaders… There will be many times when you need to read material in your future and pull out the big idea. Can you think of why this is necessary in the real world???

When should readers stop and think about central ideas?

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When should readers stop and think about central ideas?

• After you finish reading a chapter or whole text

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• After a large section within the text such as sections of an article

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• When the writing becomes confusing - break text into smaller parts and try to figure out the central idea of just that little part before moving on

How can you teach others to construct a central or main idea?

Group Task: Design a graphic organizer or create a specific strategy to help others construct the central idea of a text and the supporting details. This must be clearly represented on the given paper or you may use a Google app to construct your organizer. Then, be prepared to teach this lesson.

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Tips…

• Use the sample texts and central idea examples and non-examples given
• Refer to the notes on central ideas
• Use your brains to think critically and creatively
• Be open to the different ideas of your peers

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Will this activity be graded?

Yes, I will count this toward your participation grade for the quarter which is averaged into your ELA grade as a quiz. I look closely at certain activities you complete in class as well as your overall effort. You will also be evaluating your group members as this feedback will be helpful to me. You will be given an individual grade, but your participation in the group is highly considered. So, work hard and be helpful to each other!

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“Must Have” List

• Clear definition of central idea
• Models and examples of main or central ideas
• Clear strategy or visual guide that helps someone figure out the central idea of the text and the supporting details
• Visual appeal
• Catchy, fitting title

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Optional … Trick to remember concept and/or design a separate strategy for fiction vs. nonfiction texts (more challenging)

After we share your methods, let’s look at mine!

How do you figure out the central idea?

Method 1 - Question Strategy

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• After you read a section, ask yourself, “What does the author want me to mostly know or understand about this topic?” Answer this in one sentence. This sentence will most likely capture your central idea.

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Example: The author wants me to know that Bud Caldwell, an orphan, is being sent to a foster home and is trying to figure out the identify of his father.

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How do you figure out the central idea?

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Method 1 - Question Strategy

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• After you read a section, ask yourself, “What does the author want me to mostly know or understand about this topic?” Answer this in one sentence. This sentence will most likely capture your central idea.

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How do you figure out the central idea?

Method 2 - 3 Phrase Strategy

• Choose three phrases that seem important about the topic of the text. Then put it all together in one sentence that captures the big idea.

Vivian called names at school

excluded from soccer game

sent cruel text messages at night

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How do you figure out the central idea?

Method 2 - 3 Phrase Strategy

• Choose three phrases that seem important about the topic of the text. Then put it all together in one sentence that captures the big idea.

Vivian called names at school

excluded from soccer game

sent cruel text messages at night

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Vivian is being bullied by her peers.

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How do you figure out the central idea?

Method 2 - 3 Phrase Strategy

• Choose three phrases that seem important about the topic of the text. Then put it all together in one sentence that captures the big idea.

Bud’s mother died

going to foster home

father on flyer?

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Bud Caldwell, an orphan, is being sent to a foster home and is trying to figure out the identify of his father.

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How do you figure out the central idea?

Method 3 - Formula Strategy

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• Use the formula below and plug in the information from the text.

___________ + _______________________ = Central Idea

Topic What does the author want me to know or understand about this topic?

Formula Strategy Example

… is an orphan who is being sent to a foster home and is trying to figure out the identify of his father.

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What does the author want me to know or understand about this topic?

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Central Idea = Bud Caldwell, an orphan, is being sent to a foster home and is trying to figure out the identify of his father.

Bud Caldwell

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Topic

Central Idea Tips

• In a nonfiction text, the central ideas are sometimes stated directly. Look for them!

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• Titles and subtitles often capture the central idea.

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• In fiction, you most likely have to piece it together like a puzzle. Search for the major events in the chapter or notice the ideas the author spends the most time developing ...this might help you find the central idea!

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• You can find central ideas of sections or the central idea of the whole text.

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• Use general terms to capture the most important ideas - Let’s practice this!

Try it ! #1

Find the central idea of chapter three in the novel, Bud Not Buddy. Use the 3 Phrase Strategy presented. Try my strategy out! Later, you can pick your own way of finding a central idea.

Central Idea Organizer - 3 Phrase Strategy

***Choose three phrases that seem important about the topic of the text. Then put it all together in one sentence that captures the big idea.

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Supporting Details/Key Ideas

These are the most important ideas of this section. Make sure you take details from all parts of the text: beginning, middle, and end.

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Central Idea

Go from specific to general!

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Think about...

What details are included in the chapter to help you understand this big idea? These ideas are called supporting details.

Answer - Central Idea of Chp. 3

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Bud trapped in shed - hits “vampire bat”

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Bats are really hornets that attack Bud

Bud escapes crashing through window

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Bud battles the challenges of the shed and manages to escape.

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Supporting Details/Key Ideas

Central Idea

Do Now….

Which text detail below best supports the central idea of chapter 3?

Tip: Think about what the central idea is first. Then pick which text detail mostly closely relates or shows this main point.

• Bud felt as if there was nobody in the world that cared about what was happening to him in the shed. (pg. 29)

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• Bud remembers that his friend Bugs from the home had a cockroach stuck in his ear once. (pg. 23)

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• Bud escapes the shed crashing through a window. (pg. 29)

Answer...

Which text detail below best supports the central idea of chapter 3?

Tip: Think about what the central idea is first. Then pick which text detail mostly closely relates or shows this main point.

• Bud felt as if there was nobody in the world that cared about what was happening to him in the shed. (pg. 29)

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• Bud remembers that his friend Bugs from the home had a cockroach stuck in his ear once. (pg. 23)

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• Bud escapes the shed crashing through a window. (pg. 29) This detail directly relates to Bud’s being trapped and using his resources and wits to escape. The chapter is mostly about this.

What about this?

Can you think of a catchy title that captures the central idea of this chapter?

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(Chapter 3 of Bud, Not Buddy)

Central Idea of a Section Try-it # 2

Bud, Not Buddy

• Try this skills again. Use any given method (or your own). Find the central idea of the following section...top of page ___ to the bottom of page ___. Next, find a supporting detail the author included to help the reader understand the central idea. Write it on the index card with your name on it.

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B. Hand this into me, so I can check your understanding of this skill.

Name: Pg. ____

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Central Idea:

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Supporting Detail:

Central Idea Organizer - 3 Phrase Strategy

***Choose three phrases that seem important about the topic of the text. Then put it all together in one sentence that captures the big idea.

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Supporting Details/Key Ideas

These are the most important ideas of this section. Make sure you take details from all parts of the text: beginning, middle, and end.

Central Idea

Go from specific to general!

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Directions: Reread a section of chapter 7 in the novel, pages 55… “I opened my eyes to start looking for Miss Hill…” to the bottom of page 58… “...comes back to Flint for a visit.” Use the “3 Phrase Strategy” I presented in class to help you determine the central idea and supporting details of the section. Use this organizer to help you write your response on the review sheet!