Place in the news: California.

• Position: Wildfires at the Yosemite National Park

Millions of people visit Yosemite National Park each year. It is one of California's 26 national parks. California has the most national parks of any state.

One of the largest wildfires ever to strike California recently burned through parts of Yosemite National Park. It threatened the park's famous giant sequoias. These trees are some of the largest and oldest living things on Earth.

More than 4,000 firefighters battled the blaze. It was just one of the many wildfires that have burned in the state this year.

Experts say more could be on the way. In Southern California, wildfire season heats up this month. The windy October weather makes the fires spread easily.

Common Core lesson: Main Idea (RI.3.2)

Review the concept of main idea with students. Explain that the main idea is what a text is mostly about and that it can usually be found near the beginning of the text. It sets up what the rest of the passage will be about. Key details give more information about the main idea.

Tell students to read through the article and underline the main idea and key details.

Distribute p. T4 skills sheet.

Have students use the main idea and key details they underlined in the article to fill in the graphic organizer.

Core Question

* What happens in...