First, we made an anchor chart together where we brainstormed themes and then some fictitious main ideas that could go along with the themes (remember, the students already had background knowledge about what theme and main idea are independent of one another).
The next day, they did a quick sort of main ideas and themes. This is when they really started to get it.
You can download the main idea and theme sort that I used for FREE at this link HERE.
They sorted the definitions as well as a few examples of both main idea and theme. |
After they had answered these questions in pairs, we had a really great discussion about main idea vs. theme as an entire class.
Later, we started working on theme task cards using brief passages. We all started with multiple choice task cards, which gave students three options, one of which was the theme, and the other was the main idea (the third is just a detail from the story). For some of them who got it RIGHT AWAY, I had them select the correct answers, but then also rewrite the statements in their own words.
Then, the students who had a solid understanding moved on to paragraphs with no options. I did give them a card to help guide them, but they were generating their own main ideas and themes.
You can purchase these Main Idea Vs. Theme Task Cards at my TpT Store at THIS link. You can also use the paragraphs for main idea or theme alone.
In addition to having students complete the cards independently, I have also used them in small groups. I printed several copies for students to read and led the small groups through it orally. The stories were great for discussion and it allowed me to really see students who understood it quickly. It was also beneficial because after I had the students tell me what they thought the theme was, they could see that stories had multiple themes sometimes!
I really believe this helped my students better understand the difference between main idea and theme. I hope some of these ideas (and the freebie) can help yours, too!
Happy Teaching!
Woo! I love the idea of integrating the two- I've always done them in isolation as well, but will definitely be using this! Happy anniversary!!
ReplyDeleteXO, Kelly Anne
AppleSlices
What a great lesson! I, too, have always taught them in isolation and my students continued to struggle with both. I will certainly be using this lesson in the future! Great job!
ReplyDeleteThis is great! A lot of people confuse the two. This is a perfect fit to teaching both accurately.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for the free sort! We have been working on these two throughout the year at various points, and I think that this will be a great refresher exercise for them. It will also let me know if they have it or if they need a small group reteach.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great review. Thanks for sharing! Main Idea and Theme are always tough!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
Michele
Coffee Cups and Lesson Plans
Thanks, Mary! This is great. I'm adding your task cards to my wishlist right now. <3 ya!
ReplyDeleteA Teaspoon of Teaching
Mary,
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing your FREEBIE Main Idea vs. Theme activity. This is a wonderful resource. I can't wait to check out your task cards too.
Best wishes!
jen
Apple Tree Learning Blog
I just tried to download the sort and it said the link had been disabled. :-(
ReplyDeleteHi Rachel!
DeleteThanks so much for letting me know. I just fixed it. Not sure what happened there.
:) Mary
The main idea vs. theme sort is exactly what I've been looking for to make sure my students can differentiate the two! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI used this activity this year as part of my initial instruction on theme. It is a terrific resource. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI Have 2 Questions
Wow! Thank you so much for this excellent lesson idea and all of your wonderful resources! I am teaching this now, and your lesson has really helped me drive the point home to my 3rd graders! I just got your main idea/theme task cards yesterday, and I'm going to use them today. You are awesome!
ReplyDeleteJamie
Thrills in Third Grade
you topic is very great and useful for us…thank you friv4school
ReplyDeleteomg this helps A LOT, thank you so much
ReplyDeleteThank you for what you have shared, it is useful
ReplyDeletejogos friv l baixar whatsapp
Draw in your understudies in comprehension the distinction between the principle thought of a story and the topic of a story with these 16 interesting, DIFFERENTIATED errand cards! The cards incorporate 16 unique stories. Set #1 incorporates a brief card urging understudies to see the distinction between fundamental thought and subject and additionally 16 half page cards. Set #2 incorporates the same 16 stories with 3 alternatives, one is the topic, one is the principle thought, and one is essentially an occasion from the story. The understudies utilize the numerous decision alternatives to focus the primary thought and topic from thesis writing service of the section.
ReplyDeletePosts shared useful information and meaningful life, I'm glad to be reading this article and hope to soon learn the next article. thank you
ReplyDeletehttp://cekkesehatan.blog.fc2.com
http://bacakesehatan.drupalgardens.com
the north face clearance
ReplyDeletemarc jacobs outlet
juicy couture outlet
new york giants jerseys
giuseppe zanotti outlet
chelsea jersey
adidas wings
michael kors outlet online, http://www.michaelkors-outlets.us.com
air jordan shoes
prada handbags
ray ban
kansas city chiefs jerseys
links of london uk
michael kors factory outlet, http://www.michaelkorsfactoryoutletonline.com
toms shoes
kate spade handbags
minnesota vikings jerseys
air jordan shoes
kobe 9
oakley sunglasses, http://www.oakleysunglasseswholesale.in.net
ugg outlet, http://www.uggsoutlet.us.org
michael kors outlet online
beats by dre
nfl jerseys
oakley sunglasses, http://www.oakleysunglasses-outlet.us.com
coach outlet online
kobe 9 elite
cleveland cavaliers jersey
nba jerseys
true religion jeans
chicago bears jerseys
nike running shoes
miami heat jersey
michael kors outlet
kate spade outlet
ralph lauren outlet
tory burch shoes
cheap mlb jerseys
0811maoqiuyun
Thanks for this helpful post! We are teaching theme vs. main idea this week, and I'd love to use your sort, but for some reason, I keep getting a message saying "This webpage is not available." Any way you could e-mail it to me? I would REALLY appreciate it! Thanks for sharing your great ideas. :-) brittm.white2012@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYour ideas are fabulous! Thank you so much for sharing...can't wait to see what comes next.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! One thing I tell students is that the "theme" is hardly ever in the reading, while the main idea can be found in the reading.
ReplyDelete