Facts
Whats the Main Idea?
Supporting Details
Title Detectives
Best Detail
100

What should you do before reading to find the main idea?

Read the title

100

A story describes a dog that learns new tricks, helps children find lost toys, and protects its owner from danger. What is the main idea?

Dogs can be helpful and loyal.

100

“Frogs hop in ponds to escape predators."

"Frogs eat insects for energy."

"Frogs lay eggs in water to keep them safe.”

Frogs depend on ponds to survive and reproduce.

100

Title: “Saving the Rainforest”
Details:

  1. Trees are cut down for wood.
  2. People plant more trees and protect wildlife.
  3. Birds fly south in winter.

2. People plant more trees and protect wildlife.

100

Main idea: “Frogs depend on ponds to survive.”
Details:

  1. Frogs hop in the pond to escape predators.
  2. Frogs come in many colors.
  3. Some frogs live in trees.

1. Frogs hop in the pond to escape predators.

200

One thing to look for during reading to find the main idea?

Repeated words, pictures, bolded words, etc.

200

A text explains that oceans cover most of Earth, provide food for people, and are home to many animals. What is the main idea?

Oceans are important for life on Earth.

200

"Many people like to feed birds apple seeds."

"Apples cores are great to put in compost."

"People use apples in cooking, snacks, and drinks.”

Apples have many uses

200

Title: “The Amazing Life of Butterflies”
Details:

  1. Butterflies drink nectar from flowers.
  2. Caterpillars turn into butterflies through metamorphosis.
  3. Butterflies can fly long distances.

2. Caterpillars turn into butterflies through metamorphosis.

200

Main idea: “Rain is important for nature.”
Details:

  1. People like listening to rain.
  2. Rain sometimes causes traffic delays.
  3. Rain fills rivers and lakes

3. Rain fills rivers and lakes

300

When you think you have your main idea what should you check before?

If your main idea supports the whole text

300

A passage describes how recycling reduces trash in landfills, saves energy, and protects animals’ habitats. What is the main idea?

Recycling helps protect the environment.

300

“Rain provides water for plants and crops.'

"Rain fills rivers and lakes for animals." 

"Rain helps prevent droughts.”

Rain supports many resources on earth

300

Title: “How Bees Make Honey”
Details:

  1. Bees fly around flowers to gather nectar.
  2. Bees sleep at night.
  3. Bees live in hives with the queen.

3. Bees fly around flowers to gather nectar.

300

Main idea: “Bees are essential for plants.”
Details:

  1. Bees make honey for food.
  2. Bees pollinate flowers to help them grow.
  3. Bees live in hives.

2. Bees pollinate flowers to help them grow

400

How many details do you need to support a main idea?

Three

400

A story explains that plants need sunlight, water, and nutrients from soil to grow, and they provide oxygen and food for people. What is the main idea?

Plants are essential for life on Earth.

400

"Bees work together to build hives." 

"Bees pollinate flowers, helping plants produce fruit."

"Bees make honey for food.”

Bees are important for nature because they pollinate plants and produce honey.

400

Title: “The Journey of a Salmon”
Details:

  1. Salmon can jump over rocks.
  2. Salmon eat insects in rivers.
  3. Salmon swim upstream to lay eggs.

3. Salmon swim upstream to lay eggs.

400

Main idea: “Apples are versatile fruits.”
Details:

  1. Apples are used in pies, juice, and snacks
  2. Apples are red, green, and yellow.
  3. Some people prefer oranges.

1. Apples are used in pies, juice, and snacks

500

Where is the best place in a text to look for the main idea?

Beginning and End 

500

A text describes how clouds form, how they bring rain, and how weather patterns affect farmers’ crops. What is the main idea?

Clouds and weather are important for growing crops.

500

"Planets orbit the sun in paths called orbits." 

"Some planets have rings or moons." 

"Earth is the only planet known to support life.”

The planets in our solar system have unique characteristics.

500

Title: “Planets in Our Solar System”
Details:

  1. Some planets have rings and moons.
  2. Earth has water and supports life.
  3. Stars shine brightly in the night sky.

1. Some planets have rings and moons.

500

Main idea: “Planets have unique features and Earth supports life.”
Details:

  1. Some planets have rings or moons.
  2. People study space for fun.
  3. Earth has water, air, and life

3. Earth has water, air, and life

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