1. Main
Idea

2. You have just finished reading a short story to your teacher.
“Good reading!” she says. “What is the main idea?” You reply, “The main idea?” The teacher says, “Yes, what is the main idea of the story you read?”

3. If you were stumped then about the main idea, or if you have EVER been stumped by that question, here is an idea that can really help you.

4. The main idea is the main reason that the story was written
The main idea is the main reason that the story was written. I’m sure you can tell me the main reason for lots of things...without even reading! Try it!

5. The main reason for going to school is…
You have a lot of new pencils
The school lunches are great
You learn to read, write, and do math

6. reason you come to school!
Nope, that's not the main
reason you come to school!
TRY AGAIN!
Go back to
the question

7. Way to go!
See? You know the main reason for going to school is to learn! It may be true that you have new pencils, and the school lunches are good. Even if these things are true, the main idea for coming to school is to learn.
Next question,
please!

8. Man's Best Friend
There are many pets that a child can have, but a dog is the best one of all! There are several reasons why dogs make better pets than other animals. They are always willing to play with you when you need a friend. Snakes are interesting, but they don't play with you. They just sit there coiled around your arm. Dogs can be trained to do many tricks, unlike cats who just stare at you when you try to get them to do anything that you want them to do. They are also very loyal animals that will try to protect you and your household from danger! Have you ever seen a hamster try to protect its master? If you are thinking of getting a pet remember that a dog makes the best one of all!

9. The main reason for brushing your teeth is…
Brushing is important for healthy teeth
You have a brand new Pokemon toothbrush
You are going to the dentist next week

10. You may be a lucky kid with a new Pokeman toothbrush, but that is not the main reason to brush your teeth.
TRY AGAIN!
Go back to
the question

11. You may have to go to the dentist next week, but that is not the most important reason for brushing your teeth.
TRY AGAIN!
Go back to
the question

12. Way to go!
The most important reason for brushing your teeth is to keep them healthy. The most important reason is called the main idea in reading!
Next question,
please!

13. That’s all there is to main idea
That’s all there is to main idea! After reading the next few paragraphs, stop and think, “What is the main reason the author wrote this?” Many good writers will tell you the main idea right in the topic sentence of the paragraph. Here is more practice!

14. Alligators are dangerous animals
Alligators are dangerous animals! They are cute when they are small, and some people have tried to make them pets. As they grow older, the alligators grow very sharp teeth and gain lots of strength. They are not friendly animals and do not enjoy human company. It is uncommon, but alligators will attack humans. If you see an alligator, by all means, stay away from this dangerous animal!

15. The main idea of the paragraph about alligators is…
Alligators have sharp teeth.
Alligators are dangerous animals.
Alligators are cute when they’re small.
Go back and look in
the passage

16. Go back and look in the passage if you need to!
TRY AGAIN!
Go back to
the question

17. Way to go!
The writer wants you to know that alligators are dangerous! He tells you that in two places! The answer to this question was right there!
Next question,
please!

18. Sometimes the writer will make it a little harder
Sometimes the writer will make it a little harder. He will want you to make a decision about a hidden message. Try to find the main idea of the following alligator paragraph:

19. Alligators are dangerous animals
Alligators are dangerous animals! They are cute when they are small, and some people have tried to make them pets. As they grow older, the alligators grow very sharp teeth and gain lots of strength. They are not friendly animals and do not enjoy human company. It is uncommon, but alligators will attack humans. If you see an alligator, by all means, stay away from this dangerous animal!

20. The main idea of the paragraph about alligators is…
Alligators have sharp teeth.
Alligators will attack humans.
Alligators do not make good pets.
Go back and look in
the passage

21. Go back and look in the passage if you need to!
TRY AGAIN!
Go back to
the question

22. Way to go!
If these are your choices, then the main reason the writer wrote this paragraph is to tell you that alligators do not make good pets! In fact, he tells you to stay away from alligators, because they have sharp teeth and will attack humans.

23. From now on, each time you are reading, I hope
you ask yourself, "What is
the main idea
of this passage?"
Play a game to practice
main idea!