It was the end of the 1700s. The United States had just gained its independence from England after fighting the Revolutionary War. Although rules were created to make the country strong, many citizens did not feel that there were strong enough laws to protect their rights or the nation. If a farmer did not earn enough money to pay his debts, he could lose everything he had including his livestock, farm, and any other property on the farm. The problem was that many farmers in Massachusetts could not pay their debts which caused them to lose everything. These farmers wanted to do something about these laws.
1. What is the central idea of the text?
a. Farmers did not earn enough money to pay their debts.
b. Many citizens believed the U.S.A. needed better rules.
c. Farms and livestock could be taken away.
Opening: Today I want to show you how readers determine the central idea of informational text. Informational texts are slightly different than literary texts.
Work Session: Read Chocolate from Children by Deb Dunn. Use Coding Skill Chart to Annotate the Text
◦Can you summarize the central idea using key supporting details?
◦Can you determine what was fact? What was opinion?
Independent Pratice:
◦Read: PRESIDENT OBAMA’S NATIONAL ADDRESS TO AMERICA’S SCHOOL CHILDREN. Use Coding Skill Chart to Annotate the Text
EXIT TICKET:
PART A: Which statement identifies the central idea of the text?
◦ A. Teachers should understand that some students come from difficult backgrounds, and teachers should support them more.
◦B. President Obama wants students to focus on education like he did so they will have the knowledge they need to run the country one day.
◦C. By getting a good education, students can avoid repeating the same mistakes their parents made that prevented them from meeting their potential.
◦ D. Focusing on education, despite any challenges one may face, is a personal responsibility and the key to the nation’s future success.