Each time I train principal concept I at all times begin with this little demonstration. I get out an index card, a clump of clay, and 4 toothpicks. I then inform my college students, the index card represents the primary concept whereas the toothpicks signify the supporting particulars. I then utilizing the clay, I connect the supporting particulars to the primary concept. The whole piece represents a paragraph. The paragraph can not stand alone with simply supporting particulars, nor can it stand alone with only a principal concept. I additionally level out that the extra supporting particulars you have got, the higher as a result of it actually holds up or helps the primary concept. This concrete illustration helps college students perceive the idea a bit extra.
Nonetheless, you aren’t restricted to solely utilizing this concept for principal idea- you possibly can select to make use of it for writing- demonstrating how necessary it’s to have a subject sentence (the index card) and supporting particulars (the toothpicks) to carry them collectively. Use the clumps of clay as transition phrases between the primary concept and the supporting particulars. I’ve even positioned a sticker on high of the “desk” to signify a middle piece on a desk and advised my college students that is the ultimate contact of the paragraph – a properly wrapped up conclusion.
NOTE: To start with, while you first create this desk, you’ll wish to observe standing it up on the toothpicks earlier than doing it in entrance of scholars. I say this as a result of it takes some observe to “tweak the desk legs” a bit to cease from toppling over; nevertheless, when you observe just a few occasions, you’ll be a licensed professional. Additionally, it’s positively higher to make use of clay quite than playdough, because it’s extra agency and thus extra prone to maintain the sticks in place.
