Central Idea Lesson Plan

Date: October 29 2021 Teacher’s Name: Cornelia Eboh

Subject: English Grade level: 9

Learning Segment Title: What is a Central Idea?
Length of each lesson: 45 minutes

Central Focus: Teaching students the concept of a central Idea

Essential Question(s): How does a central idea help to develop a piece of text?

Learning Standards:
9-10R2: Determine one or more themes or central ideas in a text and analyze its development,
including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; objectively and
accurately summarize a text. (RI&RL)

Learning Objectives: Students will: Assessments:

Day 1 Day 1
Students will write down the definition of a Do now: What is the first thing you look for
central idea in their notebooks when you read something?

Day 2 Day 2
Students will read an article in class and Homework: Bring in an article from home and
highlight the central idea of the article identify the central idea

Day 3 Day 3
Students will identify the central idea of an Exit ticket: Why is it important to use details?
article and find evidence in the article that
supports that it
Day 1- Lesson Topic:
Anticipatory Set Sponge Activity, Anticipatory Set ,Activating Prior Knowledge

Do now: What is the first thing you look for when you read something?

Initial Phase Direct Instruction

1. Begin the lesson by writing the phrase central idea on the board. Have students brainstorm
what a central idea is.
2. Showcase a powerpoint stating what a central idea is and how it is utilized in text. As well as
what constitutes a central idea. Have the students take notes as they follow along
3. Brainpop video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZopPW9nc9A

Middle Phase
1. Guided Practice
Pass around a piece of paper to each group. Each paper has a short paragraph/excerpt. Have
the students discuss with their groups to deduce what the central idea of the paragraph is. Encourage
them to ask questions if they are unsure. At the end, each group will share out the central idea of their
paragraphs and how they got to that conclusion

2. Independent Practice
Showcase another short paragraph on the board. Have each student write in their notebooks
what they think the central idea of the paragraph is. They must also explain why they think that.

Concluding Phase
3. Closure/Summary
Students will write down two things they learned today and one thing they are curious about.
They will share this with the class

Follow up: What comes next to reinforce the lesson (HW or supplemental instruction)
HW: Bermuda Central Idea Worksheet

Materials: (items, technology, etc.)

● Pen/Pencil
● a notebook

Day 2 – Lesson Topic

Anticipatory Set - Anticipatory Set, Activating Prior Knowledge

Do Now: What is the importance of the central idea?

Initial Phase Direct Instruction

1. Begin the lesson by asking students to share their two takeaways from yesterday’s homework
2. Showcase a powerpoint on what role the central idea plays in longer pieces of text such as short
stories, articles, and argumentative essays.. Student will learn that the central idea shapes the entire
text
Middle Phase
1. Guided Practice
Pass around the short story: Girl by Jamaica Kincaid
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/1978/06/26/girl
Students must work with their groups to write one sentence highlighting the central idea of the story.
They will then share out in order to compare with what they wrote with other groups

2. Independent Practice
Pass around the article: What Do Sea Turtles Eat? Unfortunately, Plastic Bags?
https://www.worldwildlife.org/stories/what-do-sea-turtles-eat-unfortunately-plastic-bags
Students will work independently to write one sentence highlighting the central idea of the article. They
will then share out and compare with their classmates.

Concluding Phase
3. Closure/Summary
Students will write one paragraph explaining what a central idea is to a classmate who was absent that
day.

Follow up: What comes next to reinforce the lesson (HW or supplemental instruction)
Homework: Bring in an article from home and identify the central idea

Materials: (items, technology, etc.)

● Notebook
● Pen/pencil

Day 3 – Lesson Topic

Anticipatory Set - Anticipatory Set, Activating Prior Knowledge

Do Now: How do we know if the central idea is correct?

Initial Phase - Direct Instruction

1. Begin the lesson by having students discuss their homework from yesterday with their partner. Then
have them share out with the class
2. Show a powerpoint discussing what details are and what role they play in deciding on a central idea

Middle Phase
1. Guided Practice
Pass around a short paragraph and have students work with their group to deduce the central idea. They
must also write down two details to support their decision. Students will then share out to their
classmates

2. Independent Practice
Pass around another short paragraph to each student. Have them deduce the central idea and write
down two details.

Concluding Phase
3. Closure/Summary
Exit Ticket: Why is it important to use details?

Follow up: What comes next to reinforce the lesson (HW or supplemental instruction)
Homework: Burger assignment based on the short story

Materials: (items, technology, etc.)

● Notebook
● Pen/Pencil

Resources: (reference any borrowed materials

Burger Template: