Alyssa Ulrich

Formal Observation Lesson

Date- 1/6/16
Reading Workshop-Main Idea using Close Reading
Essential Question How can we determine the main idea of a non-fiction text?
Objectives Students will be able to identify the main idea and supporting details of an informational
text at their independent reading level.
Students will be able to comprehend and read fluently an informational text at their
independent reading level.
Students will be able to summarize an informational text using the main idea and text
evidence.
Common Core State Standards:
RL.3.1-Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring
explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
RL.3.2- Determine the main idea of a text, recount the key details and explain how they
support the main idea.
RL.3.4- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text,
distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.
Teacher Modeling
Together we will review day one of our close reading. Students became familiar with the
text and identified vocabulary words they were unsure of. Students are entering day two
with a strong comprehension and familiarity of the text. (Vocabulary Tier Two word:
Elaborate, Marvel, Vary) Ancient Egypt: The Pyramids
I will explain that sometimes the first or last sentence of a paragraph will tell you what
the paragraph is mostly about, or its main idea (refer to the anchor chart).
I will model the strategy of using the first or last sentences of a paragraph to help identify
the main idea.
I will discuss how I determined the main idea of each paragraph and underline the
sentence that helped me do so.
Guided Practice
-Discussion question: What ideas keep occurring in the passage? Concentric Circle
Students will turn and talk and discuss how I identified the main idea of the text?
Together we will continue to read the article.
We will discuss how we identified the main idea of each paragraph and underline the
sentence that helped us.

After reading each paragraph of the article, together we will determine a title for the
passage.
Students will work with their table. They will read a non-fiction text passage and have a
discussion about the main idea. They will underline the main idea and circle text evidence
to support their answer.
Group 1: The Legend of the Pharoahs curse
Group 2: Cleopatra Queen of the Nile

**During this time I will take a small group. On the carpet we will read two-three more chapters
of the Ancient Egypt book. Together they will complete their graphic organizer with the main
idea in the center and four supporting details. We will take turns reading each page.
Independent Practice
Students on a post-it will briefly state the main idea and use evidence to support it, from
their bookmark.
Students will use the strategy of using the first or last sentence to identify the main idea
of each paragraph.
We will regroup back into our concentric circle and students will share with their partner
their article, the main idea and a supporting detail.
Informal Assessment
Students will take their post-it and place it on the Stoplight Check.
Green = very confident
Yellow = still need practice
Red = very confused, help me!