Main Ideas and Details 3 rd Grade

Main Ideas It is important to find main ideas when reading. Main ideas help readers remember important information. The main idea of a paragraph tells the topic of the paragraph. The topic tells what all or most of the sentences are about.

Details The other sentences in the paragraph are called details. Details describe or explain the main idea.

What’s the main idea of the paragraph? The rainforest is home to many creatures. Monkeys, toucans and macaws live in the rainforest. Blue Morpho butterflies and anteaters also live in the rain forest.

Answer The rain forest is home to many creatures.

Let’s Practice Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer. Soccer players learn how to dribble and pass the ball. They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score. Most importantly, soccer players learn how to work together with their teammates. A) They also learn how to control the ball so they can eventually score. B) Soccer players learn how to dribble. C) Soccer players learn many skills when playing soccer.

What’s the main idea of the paragraph? There are many fun things to do at the beach. Swimming is one thing that can be done at the beach. Snorkeling is another thing that can be enjoyed. Playing beach volleyball can be a lot of fun. It is also fun to look for shells. Some people simply like to sunbathe.

Which answer best tells the main idea of the paragraph? (A) There are many fun things to do at the beach. (A) There are many fun things to do at the beach. (B) It is also fun to look for shells. (C) Some people simply like to sunbathe.

Practice finding the Main Idea Get a book of your choice. It may be one you’ve already read or would like to read. Read the book. Choose a paragraph and then find the main idea of that paragraph. Next, copy the paragraph in your Reading Response Journal. Identify the main idea by underlining it. Make an illustration of the main idea to share. Be creative and have fun!