What is the difference?
Main idea: All stories, paragraphs, poems, and articles have a main idea. The main idea tells us what the passage is about. The main idea, if stated, is also known as the topic sentence and is usually stated in the first or last sentence of the paragraph, but not always. Sometimes it’s in the middle of the paragraph, and sometimes it’s not even stated (it’s implied). The other sentences tell more about the main clause. To find the main idea, one must ask, “What is this passage primarily about?”
Author’s Purpose: Every author has a purpose in writing their passage. It can be to give information, explain something, solve a problem, sell something, persuade or simply entertain. Authors support their purpose of writing with their point of view… their thoughts, feelings, and beliefs.
When reading fiction, one needs to know who is telling the story. Is he a main character? Or is it someone else, a narrator? It’s also important to understand the tone or mood of a story (the feeling the author creates). Is it funny, sad or scary?
Children often have difficulty telling the difference between these two elements of reading. I find it helpful to teach the main idea first, making sure they understand before moving on to the author’s purpose. After they understand both concepts, we discuss the differences. it is also important to ask and listen to the child to make sure she understands.
How to teach these concepts: To begin, explain the concept you are teaching. In fact, you can read the descriptions I give above or use your own words if you wish.
The next step can be a lot of fun if it is tailored to the child’s interests. Do they like to fish, hunt, play games, help you, tell stories or read about certain topics? I have had students write a letter or article and then ask them to tell me their main idea and/or author’s purpose along with other questions listed above. Sometimes I’ll pick passages I know they’d be interested in reading and ask the same questions. While watching a TV ad (or an ad on a cereal box), it can be fun to ask them what they think the author’s purpose is and if they agree with it. There are numerous daily activities that can support your teaching goals.
Using the resume is also great. There is a very good curriculum that can save you, the educator, time, and there is nothing wrong with it if it works for you and your student. I personally use both the curriculum and the creative methods.
Don’t be intimidated. With a little information and the right tools, teaching children to read is easy and fun.
