8 ways for teaching Main Idea

Main idea can be a challenge to teach. At first it doesn't seem so hard to teach. All students have to do if figure out what the passage is mostly about. But when faced with the learning objective to do so, there is a lot more that goes into that question: "What's the main idea?" Students are figuring out how to comprehend what they are being taught as well as what the most important part is without getting sidetracked by the details.

I have found that it is good to use a variety of tools and even better when you revisit the concept throughout the year.

1.) Start with an chart

 

2.) Use examples and non-examples

3.) Look at Titles

4.) Look for key words

5.) Look for the details (little ideas)

6.) Read the first line and last line

7.) Add in the missing title

8.) Use activities to reinforce and keep practicing

Purchase HERE

Practice main idea and supporting details with these short informational text cards.

• 24 practice cards, scoot page, and answer key
• 3 passages with answer keys included

Covers RI.3.2 for common core is covered. If you are not teaching Common Core, then the pack is still valuable to use when teaching 3rd grade students to find the main idea and support key details in a text.