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3 Ways to Use A Main Idea and Details Graphic Organizer

main idea details graphic organizer

Are you looking for a main idea and details graphic organizer?

I got you!

Not only do I have a ton of various organizers for you, but I also have ideas on how to use with various texts to keep this concept fun and new for students.

I have the PERFECT set of digital graphic organizers for main idea that you can use again and again with any text!

Main idea is a super-challenging topic for kids.

Lots of practice and different ways to view the concept can make a huge difference in whether or not this topicclicks” with students.

Make sure to also scroll to the bottom to grab my FREE graphic organizers for Google Classroom!

Need a main idea and details graphic organizer?

I have a set of fantastic digital main idea and details graphic organizers in my Main Idea for Google Classroom resource!

Not only does it have a huge variety of graphic organizers (from ice cream cones to pizzas to umbrellas), but it also has activities to help students understand what the main idea is.

This is a great independent activity for students, and awesome for literacy centers or rotations.

Why digital?

  • No prep
  • No last-minute run to the copier!
  • Paperless
  • More engaging & colorful for students

This digital resource is also available in a larger money-saving bundleReading for Google Classroom (which contains other strategies too like sequencing, cause & effect, authors’ purpose, etc).

Ideas on how to use

Idea #1: A group read-aloud

This is my FAVORITE way to introduce main idea & supporting details.

Are you currently reading a chapter book to your students?

This works great to fill out a graphic organizer together!

Otherwise, grab a seasonal readaloud and get to it!

First, read a book aloud to the class, then fill out a graphic organizer as a whole group.

For example, you could use my digital puzzle organizer from the Main Idea for Google Classroom resource.

This is really great way to reinforce the concept, and help scaffold how to fill out the graphic organizers so students can complete them independently in the future.

Idea #2: Science and/or social studies passages

I LOVE going to ReadWorks to find passages

ReadWorks is free and has a huge amount of various passages on all types of content (you’ll definitely find one that fits anything that you’re currently learning in class!).

Either print off the passages or copy the link onto Google Classroom for your students.

Students can independently read the passages, then fill out the digital graphic organizer!

Idea #3: A video clip

Show your students a short video clip.

The video clip can be on ANYTHING!

Perhaps something that you’re studying in class (like soil, life cycles, etc.). Or it could simply be a current event topic!

Does your school subscribe to BrainPop? Learn 360?

No? Go to YouTube and check out Crash Course Kids!

Crash Course Kids has short videos that are free and kid-appropriate (plus no subscription needed).

First, show the video clip to the class.

Together, fill out a graphic organizer to show the main idea and supporting details of the clip that you watched.

main idea and details graphic organizer

Need more main idea resources?

First, have you read my blog post on main idea activities? Make sure to check it out HERE.

Also, I have lots of main idea and supporting details resources available at Glitter in Third on TPT!

Click the links below to check each out:

main idea and details graphic organizer

Want a FREE digital graphic organizer?

You will LOVE these digital graphic organizers for Google Classroom (including one for main idea!)!

Fill out the info below to get it sent immediately to your inbox!

Hey there, I’m Kelly! I I love helping teachers save time with technology and resources so they have more hours in the day to spend with family and friends. Take a look around to find new ideas that you can implement in your classroom today!

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