Main Idea or Theme Task Cards For 3rd, 4th and 5th grades

I don't know about you, but I've noticed that it's really hard for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students to tell the difference between main idea and theme! In fact, ask an adult, and they often get confused too! End the confusion with this set of task cards, complete with two posters to help students understand the difference with ease.

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This task card set is perfect for the BUSY teacher!

• Task cards are motivating to students, they're more like a game
• Makes planning a breeze...just print and go
• Simple to use for teachers and students
• Perfect for centers/stations, early finishers, morning work (Blackline set is perfect for this!) and more
• Easy to read selections
• Students can work independently, or in a group
• Easy for a sub to use
• Conquers the "boredom" factor with cartoons and interesting text
• Addresses Common Core standards RL.3.2, RL.4.2 and RL.5.2 in a fun and engaging way

Special features about this resource:

• Three sets of 36 task cards are included. One is in color (laminate and they are good for years of use), backline (when you want students to use for homework, or to keep for review), and extra large. Why include an extra large version? This allows you to differentiate for students with vision problems, or who are overwhelmed with small print.
• Two posters to use for teaching or review ((What is a main idea, What is a Theme,)
• Appealing answer sheets for either 18 questions at a time, or all 36 questions are included plus a grading key
• Color and black and white set are in strips rather than typical cards. This small change helps to change-up the task card experience to keep interest high
• FREE digital Easel version is included
• Reading selections have been written by a professional children's curriculum writer. Experience includes writing on-line curriculum for CNN and Coca Cola, 7 books for The Child's World Press and writing weekly social studies newspapers for American Legacy Publishers.

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This resource includes:

• Table of Contents
• Standards Correlation
• Teacher Notes
• 36 main idea or theme Task Card Strips in color
• 36 main idea or theme Task Card Strips in black and white
• 36 main idea or theme Task cards in 1/2 page large size
• Students answer sheets (one for all 36 questions, one divided into 1-18, and the second 19-36)
• Grading Key

Check out the Preview to learn more!

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All buyers have access to the TPT Easel version of this resource, which has been annotated for you. It's ready to go! Teachers are able to edit the directions to customize the resource if needed. This Easel activity is now SELF CHECKING!

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Task cards can be used in many different ways:

1. Centers and/or stations…since task cards can be done in any

order, they are easy to share.

2. In pairs or small groups

3. Whole class

a. Quick review before going home, or to specials

b. Teacher reads question, students write answers on white

board

c. Use as an assessment. Task cards don’t feel like a test, so

test phobic students are more relaxed.

4. Independent work at seats

5. Send home for homework as reinforcement for students

needing remediation

6. Test Prep

7. Games..Use game boards and dice. Place task cards upside down above game board. As students move around board they must answer task card questions. Partners use the grading key to tell if the answer is correct. Student may only move if the answer is correct.

8. Scoot...Give one answer sheet and one task card per student. Give students 30 seconds to answer their main idea or theme task card question on the answer sheet. Set timer for 30 seconds again and say, "Scoot". Student leaves his/her card on their desk and move to the next seat to answer that question. When the timer dings say, "Scoot" again and students move to next seat until all cards are answered on the answer sheet.

9. Scavenger Hunt...Hide cards around the classroom. Give each student one answer sheet. Students search for main idea or theme cards and answer them as they are found.

10. Jenga...Number Jenga blocks to 36 (or less if you wish). Students play in groups of three-four and take turns pulling them out. Students all answer the task card number on each block on their answer sheet until the Jenga blocks tumble.

11. Exit ticket...Pass one task card to each student plus one sticky note. Students answer on the sticky note and place on board on the way out the door.

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Comments about this resource include:

I bought this to go with the powerpoint. It is a great review and my kids loved it.

Thank you for these awesome cards! They were perfect for helping students understand the difference between main idea and theme!

I love these. They are a great way to differentiate between main idea and topic. Awesome!!!!!

This is definitely a skill my kids need extra practice with, and this product was excellent for that purpose!

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If you are interested in the PowerPoint or Boom Card version of this resource see:

Main Idea or Theme PowerPoint

Main Idea or Theme Digital Boom Cards

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About this Teacher Author

Jan Bernard

National Board Certified Teacher (2001-2011), Masters in Curriculum, Gifted Certified, Cobb County Elementary Teacher of the Year, Addison Elementary Teacher of the Year, Bullard Elementary Teacher of the Year, Atlanta Journal and Constitution Honor Teacher finalist ($5000 award), District 3 Georgia Science Teacher of the Year, Author of seven books published by The Child's World Press, Wrote online k-12 social studies and language arts curriculum for Coca Cola, curriculum writer for CNN, curriculum writer for American Legacy Publishers 2009-2014, 25 years teaching experience in grades 1st-4th.

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