Main Idea in Common Core

One of the most common misconceptions I have encountered in working with teachers as we implement Common Core Standards has to do with main idea.  It used to be that we taught main idea with fictional texts or literature, as it is referred to now.  Under common core, main idea belongs to non-fiction or informational texts.  So what about literature?  Lesson learned, moral, and eventually theme is what goes with these types of texts.

Confused?!

I like the following graphic which comes from http://ontheweb.rozlinder.com/whats-the-message-making-sense-of-common-core-terminology-in-standard-2/.  This graphic not only shows what falls under each category, but how the two relate.

As you can see, it's all about the message that the author wants us to get from what they have written.  

If the message comes from literature, then starting in first grade you have to think about what lesson or moral the author wants us to get from what they have written.  As you move up grades on the standard, the students have to start identifying the theme or central idea of the text and use it to summarize.

If the message comes from informational text, the message begins as the main topic in kindergarten then evolves into main idea and by sixth grade to central idea with multiple main ideas from one text coming into play in 5th grade.   Starting in 4th grade the main idea and supporting details are used to summarize.  

Main idea... central idea... what is the difference you say?  I get asked this question often.  The best and simplest explanation is that central idea is to informational text what theme is to literary text - a deeper understanding of what the author wants us to understand about the subject.  If we go back to the fact that in 5th grade they have to find multiple main ideas, then you can see how the central idea would be that one bigger understanding about the next that ties those multiple main ideas together.  

The chart below shows a comparison between theme and central idea and the steps of how each is found. It can help students distinguish between the two and remember the thinking that is needed to get to arrive at theme or central idea.  You can use the chart as it is or you can create separate anchor charts for each concept.  

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Theme-vs-Central-Idea-Chart-2470002

This chart can be found on my Teachers Pay Teachers page.  Coming up with a theme can be so very difficult for students so also on my page is the following list of themes in literature to help them - think of it as a cheat-cheat for students to use!

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Themes-in-Literature-2470004

There are many other great anchor charts and resources to be found with a good search on the internet.  The only caution I give is to be careful since many of the things listed on the main idea side go with literary text and not informational!

Happy teaching!