MAP 2nd Grade Reading

MAP 2nd Grade Reading helps second graders develop essential reading skills, comprehension, and vocabulary to become confident readers.

Understanding StoriesFinding the Main IdeaExpanding VocabularyReading Nonfiction
Making PredictionsComparing and ContrastingDrawing ConclusionsUnderstanding Author's Purpose
Reading Signs and LabelsFollowing Written InstructionsUsing a Dictionary or Glossary
Using Pictures and IllustrationsRereading and Asking QuestionsBreaking Down Big Words
Understanding Storie...Finding the Main Ide...Expanding VocabularyReading NonfictionMaking PredictionsComparing and Contra...Drawing ConclusionsUnderstanding Author...Reading Signs and La...Following Written In...Using a Dictionary o...Using Pictures and I...Rereading and Asking...Breaking Down Big Wo...
Basic Concepts

Finding the Main Idea

The Main Idea is the Big Idea

Every story or passage has a main idea, which is what the text is mostly about. The main idea is like the heart of the story—it tells you the most important thing.

How to Find the Main Idea

  • Look for clues in the title or pictures.
  • Think about what you read the most about.
  • Ask yourself, "What is this story trying to tell me?"

Supporting Details

The details in the story are like puzzle pieces that help you see the big picture (the main idea).

Practice Makes Perfect

Try to find the main idea in everything you read, from short stories to nonfiction passages!

Examples

  • A story about working together has the main idea of teamwork.

  • A passage about how plants grow has the main idea of plant life cycles.

In a Nutshell

The main idea tells what a story or passage is mostly about.

Key Terms

Main Idea
The most important point or message of a text.
Supporting Details
Small facts or ideas that support the main idea.
Next
Expanding Vocabulary