Finding worksheets for main idea and supporting details that actually help students comprehend the concept are few and far between. During my first year of teaching, I was terrified at the fact that 5 and 6-year-olds had to be able to identify the main topic and retell key details of a text. When I began teaching these concepts, I had the hardest time finding resources that met my needs. Once I focused on activities that were engaging and interactive, I quickly realized that helping students to capture the big idea can be a ton of fun.
Why do we teach main idea in kindergarten and first grade?
The ultimate goal in teaching main idea and supporting details is for students to begin the process of comprehending what they are reading. When students can identify the main idea and details of a text or story, it is easier for them to summarize their reading. This ultimately leads to better comprehension.
Introducing main idea and supporting details
Categorizing pictures, objects and words have proven to be a great way of introducing main idea to young students. Next, we move on to identifying the big ideas across a range of texts and genres. Anchor charts and main idea graphic organizers are a fun way to help students visualize their findings. In addition, it can be extremely beneficial to read a text together and work through finding the important details and big ideas.
Beginning with simple text
When students are young, it is important to use short texts to find the main idea. Having the ability to extract the main idea and details from a simple text will help them summarize in the future. Teach students to investigate the title and beginning sentences for clues. Show them that sometimes the author can be very clear about the main topic and other times it can be hidden.
Eager to get started with main idea and details?
You and your students will love learning about finding the key idea and details with these fun worksheets! Tackle this concept with young learners by using an original song, cut and paste practice pages, main idea graphic organizers, and other unique activities. Your students will get the hang of finding the big idea in no time at all!
Click here to see this highly-rated resource: Main Idea and Details Activities
Fall in love with these FREE practice pages
Start having a blast with main idea today! Grab these free sample worksheets for main idea and supporting details to help you get started with this important reading concept.
Enjoy! And happy teaching.
Click here to visit this blog post for fun, free activities for teaching story elements.
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