Finding the Main Idea… Discover simple steps to find the main idea using the free resources included at the end of this blog post.

I have always LOVED teaching main idea, and I’m not really sure why because I find that it is one of the MOST DIFFICULT reading comprehension skills to teach.

The Perfect Teaching Formula

Over the years, I have played around with various strategies… attempting to find that perfect teaching formula.

To help my students connect better with the concept of main idea, I explain to them that finding the main idea is like walking upstairs.

You have to take it one step at a time.

How to find main idea poster freebie. #mainidea #readingcomprehension #readingfreebie #teacherkarma

Steps For Finding Main Idea

Here are my very simple steps for how to find the main idea of a text:

Before you read:

  • Read the title.
  • What is the text about?
  • What is the topic?

During the reading:

  • Look for and carefully read the text features.
  • Is the text fiction… nonfiction… ??
  • Look for information, words, and pictures that are repeated throughout the text.

After you read:

  • Think about the most important point of the topic.
  • What details or examples back up and support the main idea?

To help students struggling with understanding how to find the main idea, I use “visual strategies” to help them better comprehend.  For my students, I call this a “pic set.”

Main Idea Visual Strategy

How to use a visual strategy to teach students how to find the main idea:

  • Students will look at a set of graphics that all have something in common.  Below is an example of what I mean: 
activity for how to teach main idea #mainidea
  • They will then ask themselves, “What does each picture have in common?”
  • What is the “main component” of each picture?
  • Next, students will write one or two words in the box representing the “main idea” of the set.  I laminate these pic sets and have students write on the lamination with dry-erase markers.  You can easily make these picture sheets yourself, but here is the download link for the paid Main Idea Kit #1 resource if you are short on time.  
Main idea kit for teaching students how to find main idea and topic. #mainidea #comprehension #teacherkarma
  • Last, I challenge students to write a complete sentence that explains the main idea of the set.  It really helps to provide students with a simple sentence starter to get them going:  The main idea is _____ because _____.  Using a sentence starter in this activity is a great way to differentiate for students who need extra support.

Please click here to get your free main idea resources.

How to teach main idea with these free strategies. #mainidea #teacherkarma

If you try this main idea activity with your kiddos, I would love to year about it.

All the best!

Jen

4 Comments on Simple STEPS for How to Find MAIN IDEA

    • Hi Martin! To make this super short, the topic is typically a short statement (one or two words) about the whole text. The main idea tells the most important thought about the topic.

      Thanks for stopping by!
      Jen 🙂

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