Family and Homeschool Activities: Main Idea

These family and homeschool activities are designed to complement the Main Idea topic on BrainPOP Jr.

Main Idea Movie

Watch a movie or television show with your child. Explain that the main idea of a piece of writing can also apply to movies and television shows. Together, come up with the main idea of the show. Encourage your child to think of details or scenes in the movie that support the main idea.

Fairy Tale

Take turns reading a fairy tale together, such as “The Boy Who Cried Wolf” or “Billy Goats Gruff.” Encourage your child to use expression and intonation as he or she reads. Explain that the main idea of a fairy tale is most often the moral or theme of the story. What is the lesson taught in the fairy tale? What details help support the main idea?

Give the Gift of a Main Idea

Children’s comprehension can be aided when they write about things they know. Have your child choose one person in their family and help them come up with a main idea about that person. For example, “Grandma is the best cook!” Then help them think details that support their main idea. For example, “Grandma always makes me a special breakfast when I sleep over” and “Grandma puts chocolate chips in her oatmeal cookies.” Help your child put their main idea on the front of a card and the details on the inside.