Helping students determine the main idea in nonfiction texts can feel like a daunting task, but with the right tools and strategies, it doesn’t have to be so difficult. Today, we’ll walk through how to teach main idea using an anchor chart. Whether you’re designing your own or looking for a ready-to-use resource, the goal of this post is to make your life easier.
Before we go any further, I will be using the digital version of my main idea anchor chart for visual examples in this post. If you are interested in purchasing this there will be a link to shop at the end of this post.
Why Main Idea Matters
The ability to identify the main idea is a foundational reading comprehension skill. However, many students (me included) struggle to determine the main idea of a text. Being able to determine the main idea, helps students summarize what they’ve read, distinguish between essential and non-essential information, and make sense of nonfiction texts. By explicitly teaching this skill and providing visual supports such as anchor charts, you’ll set your students up for success in reading and most other subject areas.
Creating an Anchor Chart for Main Idea
Start your lesson by introducing the concept of the main idea. Here’s a sample script you can follow:
Teacher: Today I want to teach you about an important skill you need when reading nonfiction: the ability to find the main idea. Main idea explains what a text is mostly about, and the author provides more information about the main idea by including supporting details. Supporting details tell us more about the main idea.
1. Add Definitions to Your Chart
Begin your anchor chart by writing or attaching pre-made pieces for the definitions of Main Idea and Supporting Details.
2. Share a Personal Connection
Help students relate to the concept by sharing a personal anecdote. For example, I would share my struggle to identify main idea as a student. Everything seemed equally important until I learned to focus on the most crucial information. You can share your own story or borrow mine.
3. Introduce a Strategy Table
- Include a table labeled To Determine the Main Idea, with columns for Steps and Examples. This provides a clear, step-by-step process for students to follow. For example:
- Step 1: Find the Topic
Example: Hurricanes - Step 2: Decide What the Author Wants You to Learn About the Topic
Example: Hurricanes are natural disasters that affect people living on or near coasts.
- Step 1: Find the Topic
4. Tips for Finding the Main Idea
Add these actionable tips to your anchor chart:
- Look at the title and headings.
- Use pictures and nonfiction text features.
- Look for keywords.
- Ask yourself, “What was the text mostly about?”
5. Highlight Supporting Details
Explain how to prove the main idea by checking if the details support it. Include a section on your anchor chart titled Details May Include, with examples like:
- Facts
- Examples
- Steps
- Definitions
- Reasons
- Descriptions
- Comparisons
Use a Memorable Visual
Wrap up your anchor chart with a fun and relatable visual. For instance, compare the main idea and supporting details to an ice cream sundae:
- Main Idea: The bowl holds everything together.
- Supporting Details: The scoops of ice cream add substance and flavor.
This analogy provides a tangible way for students to conceptualize the relationship between the main idea and its supporting details.
Ready-to-Use Resources
If creating an anchor chart from scratch feels overwhelming or time-consuming, don’t worry! My Main Idea Anchor Charts & Interactive Student Notebook Resource includes everything you need to teach this skill effectively. This resource features:
- 5 pre-designed anchor charts in color and black-and-white options.
- No-prep and low-prep formats to fit your schedule.
- Digital versions for Google Slides, perfect for blending technology into learning.
- Interactive student notebook pages to reinforce the lesson.
Teaching Main Idea Has Never Been Easier
By using a step-by-step approach and visual aids, you’ll make the process of teaching main idea manageable and engaging for your students. Whether you choose to create your own anchor chart or use our ready-to-go resource, your students will walk away with a better understanding of how to identify the main idea of a text!
What strategies do you have for helping students determine the main idea? Let me know in the comments!
