Reading Mini Lesson Template

Lesson Focus/Teaching Point: Main Idea strategy-----“What? And So What?”

Materials: Passage on the Smartboard, Shared passage per partners, Anchor chart

Connections
1-2 minutes / Yesterday we were working on……
Finding the main idea and details from an informational passage.
Today I am going to teach you ...
How to find the main idea not just the topic from a passage by using a strategy call “What? And So What?”
Remember: The Topic is just what the passage is about. The main idea is the overall message the author has developed about the topic.
Because ...
By using this strategy, you will find it helps you find the main idea as se build on writing clearer summaries of what we read.
Teaching
  • Demonstration
  • Guided practice
  • Explain & give an example
  • Inquiry
2-4 minutes / Let me show you how I ...
I use this strategy when I am reading a passage.
First just by reading the title of the passage I have an idea of the main idea of the passage but do I really have the main message the author is trying to convey to us?
So to find the author’s message, I need to read the whole passage keeping in mind the “so what?” question.
Read the passage out loud.
Hmmm ... l'm thinking ...
Think out loud about how the “So What?” question guides my reading.
Then summarize the main idea by answering the SoWhat?
Did you see how I ….
Combined all the information I gained from answering the So What? As I read to develop the main idea.
Active Engagement
  • “turn
and talk” to a neighbor,
  • try out work alone,
  • or plan their work.
What text will you use for the active engagement?
8 minutes / Now you are going to have a try. You are going to ...
To try this strategy with your reading partner.
First read the title of the passage.
That will answer the What?
Then read the article together and after each paragraph stop and discuss what you have learned about the topic.
When the article is finished, develop with your partner the answer to the question—So What?
I will be walking throughout the class listening to you read and to your discussions.
I am going to set our timer so work completely but quickly. I am going to ask two groups to share out.
Link
1-2 minutes / Today and everyday when you are reading, you can ...
Use this strategy to develop a clearer understanding the purpose of the article, of the message the author is conveying about the topic, and it will assist you in developing the summary of any informational passage you read.
Independent Work Time / Students will
Share
We tie the closing to the minilesson, and use it as a time to validate, troubleshoot, or further instruct.

Anchor Charts

(Insert pictures of charts or created charts)

Ways to Differentiate

Shared by S. ParentPage 1