Determine Importance

We've been working on Determining Importance this week-a tricky thing when your series doesn't tell you to tell the kids to figure out the main idea first. a little tricky for kids this early in the year.

So I started by talking about main idea and how to find it.

I figured it would be easier to explain if the information was important or interesting if they could relate it to the main idea.

We did a lot of practicing with nonfiction text! I thought it would be easier to start with nonfiction text before their literacy book goes into the 'stories'.

I deliberately chose very easy (as in, I broke into my K-3 stuff!) books to make it easier for them to figure out the main idea-and then determine the importance of random pieces of information.

We also talked about that when we use picture books that, for the most part, it because they are a little bit easier to read-so we can focus on practicing the strategy we supposed to be thinking about instead of struggling with the words.

I, of course, had to make a cute organizer to go with it!

I modeled the first one, and then we worked together on the last two (after I picked the information). We had a discussion why the information was either important or interesting-and why we thought so. There were some interesting explanations!

My kids now think that all the organizers that come with the series are 'boring' (and I agree! but we have to use them at least once so I can say that we did use them!) and have no fear telling other teachers that! :)

What are some of your strategies for determining importance?

Monday:

Sweater: JCP
Cords: Kohls
Shoes: Target







Tuesday:

Shirt: Old Navy

Vest: The Limited
Khakis: Kohls
Shoes: Burlington Coat Factory







Wednesday:

Top/Pants: JCP

Shoes: DSW









Thursday:

Top: Kohls

Tank: Old Navy
Pants: LOFT Outlet
Shoes: DSW


Happy Friday!

Smiles and Sunshine,
Kaitlyn