When it comes to determining the main idea, practice makes perfect! See the anchor chart photos above of some of the strategies we've taught students to help them to determine the main idea and support it with details. Below is the main idea objective and a list of question stems you can use to practice main idea anytime your child reads an informational text.
RI.3.2 Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.
What is the main idea of the selection?
Which statement summarizes the selection?
Which sentence from the selection supports the idea that…?
What is the main purpose of … section?
What is the writer’s main point about…?
What is the reason the author gives to support the idea that …?
What does the writer mainly suggest about …?
in the article, what is the author mostly trying to explain?
Which is a key detail?
Which key detail supports the main idea?
Additionally, encourage your child to use a tree map graphic organizer to organize their thinking about the main idea and supporting details.
RI.3.2 Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.
What is the main idea of the selection?
Which statement summarizes the selection?
Which sentence from the selection supports the idea that…?
What is the main purpose of … section?
What is the writer’s main point about…?
What is the reason the author gives to support the idea that …?
What does the writer mainly suggest about …?
in the article, what is the author mostly trying to explain?
Which is a key detail?
Which key detail supports the main idea?
Additionally, encourage your child to use a tree map graphic organizer to organize their thinking about the main idea and supporting details.