3rd GradeWorksheetReading20–25 minutes

Main Idea Mission

Skill taught: Identifying the main idea and supporting details in a nonfiction text

A third-grade reading mission that builds confidence finding the main idea and supporting details in a text.

Subject

Reading

Type

Worksheet

Free printable
Time

20–25 minutes

Estimated

Materials Needed

  • β€’Printed worksheet
  • β€’Pencil
  • β€’A grade-level nonfiction passage (included or from your curriculum)

Directions

  1. 1.Read the passage together or have your child read independently.
  2. 2.Ask: "What is this mostly about?" β€” this is the main idea.
  3. 3.Reread the passage and identify 2–3 sentences that support the main idea.
  4. 4.Record the main idea and details on the graphic organizer.
  5. 5.Write a one-sentence summary using the main idea in your own words.

Parent Teaching Tip

The most common main idea error is confusing a detail for the main idea. Teach your child to ask: "Does every paragraph connect to this idea?" If not, it is a detail, not the main idea.

Skill Progression

Prerequisite skill

Identifying the topic of a passage

This resource

Main Idea Mission

Next skill

Comparing main ideas across two texts; summarizing

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