Lesson Idea | Using Chapter Titles to Determine the Main Idea (Fiction)

Pinky and Rex and the Perfect Pumpkin | 500L

Learning Goal

Identify and describe the main idea of a chapter in a fiction text using chapter titles and textual details.

Duration

Approximately 50 minutes

Necessary Materials

Provided: Independent Practice Worksheet
Not Provided: Pinky and Rex and the Perfect Pumpkin by James Howe

Teacher Modeling

The teacher will review how headings help determine the main idea of a section in nonfiction books. You will discuss how the title of a chapter in a fiction story can also help determine the main idea. You will introduce Pinky and Rex and the Perfect Pumpkin by James Howe and read the title of Chapter 1, “Abby”. You will think aloud about what the chapter will be about. You will read this chapter. You will model identifying the main details of the text that support the title of the chapter. You will discuss the main idea and how the title helps me determine the main idea.

Think Check

Ask: How did you find the main idea of the chapter? Students should respond that you read the title of the chapter and thought about what the chapter may be about. You then read the chapter and paid close attention to important details. Finally, you used the details and title of the chapter to determine what the chapter was mostly about.

Guided Practice

You will talk about what we think the main idea of Chapter 2, “The Perfect Day” is. You will read this chapter, determine the main details of the text, identify the main idea and discuss how the title helps to determine the main idea of the chapter.

Independent Practice

Student will listen as you read the chapter entitled “Pumpkin Picking.” Student will determine the main idea of this chapter and identify the main details that support the title and how the title helps students determine the main idea. (Student Independent Practice is provided below in Teacher and Student Materials.)

For further information about the lesson idea, please visit ReadWorks website.