Lessons & Units

Main Idea 4th Grade Unit

Lessons

Lesson 1 Topic Sentence Identify the main idea of a paragraph using the topic sentence of the paragraph.
Lesson 2 Distinguishing Main and Secondary Details Distinguish main details from secondary details in a paragraph.

Unit Extension Ideas

  • Have students identify the main idea of fiction and nonfiction paragraphs and passages from the website, and discuss which strategies they used (e.g. topic sentence).
  • Have students create a new title for a chapter based on the main idea of the paragraphs.
  • Copy paragraphs or sections from a book and have students identify the main idea  using the topic sentence.
  • Have students identify secondary details that support the main idea in fiction passages and paragraphs.
  • Have students read a passage and then work with a partner to explain the main idea in their own words.
  • Have students complete a Main Idea Tree. In the middle, have students write the main idea on the “trunk of the tree”. Have students write the details that support the main idea on the “branches.” This graphic organizer will allow students to see the details that support the main idea of a paragraph, section or chapter. (See Additional Activity A Worksheet in Teacher and Student Materials below.)
  • Have students share their writing with a partner and have the partner identify the main idea of each paragraph, the overall main idea, and the title of the story.
  • In nonfiction writing, have students create headings for sections that reflect the main idea of that section. Have students explain how they created the title for the entire piece of writing based on the headings. Students can also work with a partner to create headings for sections of a story their partner wrote or guess the headings based on the main idea of the paragraph.
  • Have students discuss the main ideas of their paragraphs and help them revise by adding details that support the main idea and deleting details that do not.   
  • Challenge students to vary the placement of their topic sentences within each paragraph. Also, examine paragraphs in which  the topic sentence is not the first or last sentence.
  • Provide students with a main idea and several details. Have them use this information to write a paragraph.
  • Have students read a Concepts of Comprehension© Reading Passage (provided on website) and identify the topic sentence and secondary details.
  • Have students write the main idea of a paragraph or section of their science or social studies textbooks.

Teacher and Student Materials

More Books for Teaching Main Idea

American Revolution: A Companion to the Revolutionary War on Wednesday (Magic Tree House Research Guides)

American Revolution: A Companion to the Revolutionary War on Wednesday (Magic Tree House Research Guides)

Lexile
660L

Copy sections of the book and have students identify the main idea. Then have students create a title for the section based on the main idea.

If You Lived in Colonial Times

If You Lived in Colonial Times

Fountas and Pinnell
Q
Lexile
840L

Copy a section of the book for students to read. Then have them record the main idea of each paragraph and the details that support it.

George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen Both Sides

George vs. George: The American Revolution as Seen Both Sides

Lexile
1120L

After reading the book, have students write a paragraph explaining whether they think the title is appropriate. They should provide evidence to support their opinion.

Great Planet Earth Search

Great Planet Earth Search

Lexile
720L

Copy sections of the book and have students identify the main idea. Then have students create a title for the section based on the main idea.

Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?

Will You Sign Here, John Hancock?

Fountas and Pinnell
T
Lexile
970L

Copy a section of the book for students to read. Then have them record the main idea of each paragraph and the details that support it.

Five Smooth Stones: Hope's Revolutionary War Diary

Five Smooth Stones: Hope's Revolutionary War Diary

Lexile
640L

Have students identify the main idea of paragraphs and then discuss which strategy they used to identify the main idea.

The Digestive System: A True Book

The Digestive System: A True Book

Lexile
700L

Have students read a chapter. Then have them write a passage explaining whether they think the chapter title is appropriate. Students should provide evidence to support their idea.

Abraham Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln

Lexile
700L

Have students create section headings based on the main idea of the section. Then have students explain how they created the title for the section.

How Would You Survive in the Middle Ages?

How Would You Survive in the Middle Ages?

Lexile
910L

Copy a section of the book for students to read. Then have them underline details that support the main idea of the section.

User Comments

Thanks, wonderful sight.

Submitted by touchofclasschelle81_2309753 on 10/6/16

Fantastic lesson plans and resources. Thank you.

Submitted by rstarr_1543670 on 9/29/15

Great stories and graphic organizers!

Submitted by cindyhettinger8_1072181 on 9/7/15

I reviewed Grade 3 comprehension and it is great! I would like to see the 4the grade unit

Submitted by elouise matthews on 12/7/14

My students absolutely LOVE these stories and are really learning the concept of main idea through them. Thank you!

Submitted by Tara on 11/29/12

Great lesson plans, texts, and resources. Thank you! :-)

Submitted by Tamara on 10/18/12