Note: Before beginning to show children how to select supporting details in an article, make sure the 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 decided to write a letter to his congressman about a political issue that interested him (unusual but effective). As a “practical learner”, not many school studies interested this boy, but he sure did get involved in this activity. because he chose to write about his passion. Because my teaching adjusted to 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, he doesn’t say enough. Discuss the possible ramifications of saying no more than this sentence. Go on to explain that this sentence does not give us all the facts and details to support your claim. Details are the bits of information that support the topic sentence. 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 (adjusted to the child’s ability level):
Now help the child write down some details that can support his topic sentence. (see example schematic below). Once they have completed their outline (or toddler list) ask them to write their article. (Note: for younger children, I do not correct spelling or grammar mistakes while teaching this lesson because it discourages them and defeats my purpose.)
After 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 their favorite articles or stories.
It is always important to give immediate feedback to the child. Don’t wait until the next day after mistakes are repeated and reinforced in various activities. (This is not normally 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 the child’s mistakes, but put most of your emphasis on his successes. I like to put a star or a positive comment for the correct answers and write “redo this” for the incorrect ones. Children crave attention, and you want to make sure they crave success rather than failure.
Example for parents / educators:
(Main idea of this passage) How to teach 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 single sentence (main idea of the passage) does not give us all the facts and details to support your claim.
(Facts)
A. Details are the bits of information that support the main idea.
B. Help others understand the main idea or topic sentence.
(Main idea of the third paragraph)
III. Activity (adjusted to the child’s ability level)
A. help the child write down some details that could support their topic sentence
B. ask them to write your article.
(Main idea of the fourth paragraph)
IV. Once they have completed their article, ask them:
(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. Children crave attention and you want to make sure they crave success rather than 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.
Notes:
1. I did not add numbers under any of the letters in the outline because we only seek 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 grade students. But it is generally neither necessary nor advisable to teach these things so early in the homeschool 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 would make a list or diagram instead of an outline.