Mini-Lesson

Main Idea and Details

Grades 4-6

Students will identify the main idea and supporting details in a non-fiction article.

1. Use the timeforkids.com news article Change For a Penny to help students differentiate main ideas and details. Begin with the main idea. What is it? (The penny is being redesigned; The penny is getting a new look.) Draw a cluster map on the board or chart paper. Write the main idea in the center of the cluster map.

2. Have students complete their own cluster maps. Use the following questions to help students identify supporting details in the text.

Why is the penny being changed?

Who is responsible for the penny's new look?

When will the new pennies be available?

What will the new pennies look like?

How will the new pennies be different from old pennies?

3.Extend the Learning Discuss the question posed at the end of the article: Is the change (of the penny) worth the cost? Challenge students to support their answers with details from the text and their own prior knowledge.