Main Idea Activity: Main Idea Word Search (non-fiction, reading)
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What educators are saying
Description
Main Idea: Are you looking for a fun main idea reading activity? How about using this main idea informational "fact find". Your students will enjoy this fun 'fact find' style word search! If your students are like mine, they love these puzzles.
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Scroll down for a list of more fact finds.
FREE Fact Find Extension Activity List
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Keep the challenge level in mind if choosing this for 3rd graders (marked it for 3-5). In this main idea fact find word search, words are found forward, backward, up, down, and diagonal. I would consider it on the challenging side since students are looking for words in all directions. Some third grade students may need help with a few of the words in the sentences, but with help they should be okay.
This main idea activity is perfect any time of year. It can be used to introduce main idea or to review.
This is not just any 'ole puzzle. It doesn't just include words to find. It includes information about what main idea is and how to determine it in a text. The format uses bullet marks, which can help your students remember the information. Within each fact, a word (or words) is underlined. Those are the words the students will find in the puzzle. For example, one sentence says, "Look for clue words that are repeated throughout the text." The words underlined in the sentence are "clue words", and those are the words they will find.
I use word searches to introduce vocabulary, or even just give it as morning work to introduce the topic of the day. Perfect for a sub, too.
There are many options for using this word search 'fact find'.
One option is to have students partner up and practice fluency. They can take turns reading the sentences. This can be used for a writing activity. Have them take the facts from the puzzle and turn them into a paragraph, changing out some of the words to make it their own. Use it as a reading homework assignment,too. Parents can work with their child to find the words.They can even fold it in half and glue it into an interactive notebook for future reference. Feel free to be creative and use it in your classroom however you would like.
The main idea themed words included in the word search are:
topic
general (topics are general)
specific (main idea is more specific)
important (main idea is most important point)
understand
details
title
first sentence
last
questions (sample questions to ask yourself)
author
mainly
clue words
pictures
infer
one-sentence
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FACT FINDS you will like:
Candy Canes and Christmas Cards
Pie in America (incorporate into Pi Day)
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***** Please, if you see a typo, send me a message before you rate the product. I do my best to not make mistakes, but I am human and can overlook one from time to time. I can get things corrected quickly and have it ready for you to redownload. Thank you ahead of time. I really appreciate it. *****
For more creative lesson ideas, click on 'elementary lesson plans' by my picture above.
