Understanding the main idea of a topic or book is a fundamental step in overall reading comprehension. Main idea can be a challenge for teachers to explain and for students to get the hang of. From pizza to animals, ice cream to lightbulbs, there are many ways to explain this concept. Help your student master this skill by incorporating one or more of these main idea anchor charts into your lesson plan.
1. Explain the vocabulary through pizza
Help students understand main idea and details with this fun pizza anchor chart template.
Source: Firstieland
2. Use character, problem, and solution
Determine the main idea by determining who does what and why!
Source: Teaching with a Mountain View
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3. Minecraft theme
Grab your students’ attention with this awesome Minecraft-themed lesson!
Source: Schooled in Love
4. Interactive ice cream scoops
Work through this chart with your class to determine the main idea and its supporting details.
Source: Elementary Nest
5. Main idea summary
Summarize all of the main idea concepts with this anchor chart.
Source: Buzzing with Mrs. B
6. Flower pot details
Add in supporting details with this cute flower pot anchor chart.
Source: Lucky Little Learners
7. Before, during, and after reading
Give students these tips to think about as they read.
Source: Teacher Thrive
8. Class activity
Decide what the supporting details are as a class and stick them to the chart with sticky notes.
Source: Teacher Thrive
9. Follow these steps
Outline steps for students to follow.
Source: Eclectic Educating
10. Example paragraph
Give an example paragraph to display how to pick out important details and identify the main idea.
Source: Jennifer Findley
11. Detail tree
Fill in details to identify the main idea.
Source: Happy Days in First Grade
12. Graphic organizers and tips
This chart gives graphic organizer options along with tips for finding the main idea.
Source: Mrs. Petersen
13. Follow the rainbow
This colorful rainbow setup is fun and easy to follow.
Source: Elementary Nest
14. Animal details
Choose an animal and discover the supporting details in the surrounding text.
Source: C.C. Wright Elementary
15. Keep an eye on keywords
Pick out keywords like person, place, and idea to help students identify the main idea.
Source: The Primary Gal
Plus, learn more about how to use main idea anchor charts with our Anchor Charts 101.
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