What really struck me with this book is that Wemberly still DOES worry, sometimes. but maybe it will take facing the fears, with a new friend, to really make a difference. In this story, Wemberly (who is a GIRL mouse, I might add-from the cover and name, I expected a boy for some reason!) worries about big things (like something happening to her parents) and small things (like spilling juice), she worries about her bunny doll (and when she worries she rubs her dolls' ears and then she worries the ears will fall off eventually!) But her biggest worry is starting school!!! Her parents and super-cool grandma tell her not to worry so much. I want to share 8 great picture books for teaching about the main idea in the library or classroom.Okay, I love Kevin Henkes! He is a genius! I want to read all of his books!!! I can't wait to share them with my kids! I love how he looks at children's joys and hopes and fears with absolute RESPECT. Do the title and illustration give any clues as to what the main idea will be? Is the book fiction or non-fiction?Īs you read, ask your students to be mindful of text features that may help identify the main idea, as well as words or information repeated throughout the book.Īfter reading, reflect on the important parts of the book and identify evidence from the book to support their main idea conclusion. When performing a read aloud with your students, modeling your thinking process out loud is key!īefore reading, focus on the front cover. Some Tips for Teaching the Main IdeaĪ read aloud can be one of the most overlooked strategies that can be used to teach main idea and supporting details. This means that they should be able to retell the story to show their comprehension of it, stating the main idea and at least three details that can support the main idea of the story.

It’s important for students to start understanding the main idea (and supporting details) of a story after reading it. The main idea is what the book is about and can usually be stated as a short summary. The theme or central idea of a book is the lesson, moral or message the reader takes away after reading. Are you constantly looking for picture books to teach about the main idea of a story? Some people confuse the theme with the main idea.

Wemberly worried