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Note: Before you start showing children how to choose supporting details in an article, make sure your child understands what the “Main Idea” (topic sentence) is about.
Begin by explaining to the child:
The topic sentence of a passage or paragraph tells us what it is about. Ask them to write a topic sentence about their favorite topic. (Note: One of my students chose to write a letter to his congressman on a political issue that interested him (unusual but effective). As a “hands-on learner,” not many school studies interested this kid, but he sure got into this activity. because he chose to write about his passion. Because my teaching fit his natural tendencies, he got the idea very quickly and it was a lot of fun for both of us).
Next, point out to the child that if that’s all we say, it’s not enough. Discuss the possible ramifications of saying nothing more than this sentence. He goes on to explain that this award does not give us all the facts and details to support his statement. Details are the bits of information that support the topic award. They give the reader a clear picture by describing how something looks, sounds, smells, tastes, or feels. They help others understand the main idea or topic sentence.
Activity (adjust to child’s ability level):
Now help your child write down some details that might support your topic sentence. (see example schematic below). Once they have completed their outline (or list for young children) ask them to write their article. (Note: For younger children, I do not correct spelling or grammatical errors while teaching this lesson because it discourages them and defeats my purpose.)
Once they have completed their article, ask them to circle the main idea and then underline the supporting details for each paragraph. As a follow-up, have the child circle the main ideas and underline supporting details with her favorite articles or stories.
It is always important to give immediate feedback to the child. Do not wait until the next day after mistakes are repeated and reinforced in various activities. (This is usually not possible for teachers with large classes, but parents can be of considerable help when they understand what to do. Try sharing this article with them.) Point out her mistakes, but put most of your emphasis on her successes. I like to put a star or positive comment next to the correct answers and write “redo this” next to the incorrect ones. kids crave attention, and you want to make sure they crave success instead of failure.
Example for parents/educators:
(Main idea of this passage) Teaching Supporting Details to Children
(main idea of the first paragraph)
I. Begin by explaining to the child:
(facts)
A. The main idea of a passage or paragraph tells us what it is about
B. Ask them to write a topic sentence about their favorite topic.
(Main idea of the second paragraph)
II. This sentence (Main Idea of the passage) does not give us all the facts and details to support his statement.
(facts)
A. Details are the pieces of information that support the main idea.
B. Help others understand the main idea or topic sentence
(Main idea of the third paragraph)
3rd Activity (adjust to child’s ability level)
A. help the child write some details that could support his topic sentence
B. have them write your article.
(Main idea of the fourth paragraph)
IV. Once they have completed their article, ask them to:
(facts)
A. circle the main idea
B. underline supporting details
C. have the child circle the main ideas and supporting details with their favorite stories or articles.
(Main idea of the fifth paragraph)
V. Kids crave attention, and you want to make sure they crave success instead of failure.
(facts)
A. It is always important to give immediate feedback to the child
B. Point out your mistakes, but put most of your emphasis on your successes.
Grades:
1. I have not added numbers below any of the letters in the outline because we are only seeking to teach supporting details of the main ideas within this lesson.
2. In the Public School System these things (reading elements) are taught to first graders. But it is not generally necessary or advisable to teach these things so early in the Home School setting unless circumstances require it. For young children, I prefer to use the method explained in a previous article titled How to Teach Reading Comprehension.
3. Younger children are not expected to put their ideas into an outline format. They made a list or a diagram instead of an outline.