Buzz Around this Main Idea Graphic Organiser

Use this cute graphic organiser featuring a hive and bees to help students identify the main idea of a text and the bits of supporting detail found in any piece of writing. The hive is the main idea, and the bees are the key bits of detail that make up the main idea. Cute!

How to Find the Main Idea

Our Finding the Main Idea classroom poster is the perfect partner for this graphic organiser. The following explanation is included on this poster and explained in child-friendly language.

The main idea of a text is the most important point that the author makes about the topic.
The details are the key points that support the main idea.

To find the main idea when you are reading, you can:

• read the title and look at the cover for clues
• think about and identify the important information
• look for repeated words, pictures, information, themes or ideas
• ask yourself, “What is the text mostly about?”

Identifying the Main Idea in a Text

Identifying the main idea helps children understand the overall meaning and purpose of a text. It allows them to extract the most important information and grasp the central message that the author is trying to convey.

Download Today!

Use the drop-down menu to choose between the PDF or editable Google slide version of this resource. The editable resource allows you to change the language of the graphic organiser to suit what you are teaching your class.

More Finding the Main Idea resources:

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Main Idea and Details in Nonfiction Text - Teaching PowerPoint

Build skills in identifying the main idea and details in nonfiction texts with this teaching PowerPoint

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Comprehension Task Cards - Finding The Main Idea

A set of comprehension task cards to help students find the main idea when reading.

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Finding the Main Idea - Comprehension Task (Thunderstorms)

A task to use when teaching your students reading comprehension strategies.