Get a Grip on Main Idea

This is an easy to use resource for parents and teachers of children in grades two through four. It explicitly teaches children how to get the main idea from many details in an informational text. Because the main idea is an abstract concept, it is difficult for young readers to grasp. This skill is often not taught explicitly in school; children grapple to learn it on their own. This workbook teaches the main idea using concrete and abstract models so the child progressively gains a firm grasp of this critical element of reading comprehension. The new national academic standards, used in most state tests, expect the child to get the main idea in an informational text and know the relationship between the main idea and details that support or do not support it. Tasks in this workbook prepare the child to be a successful reader and a confident test taker. This workbook can be used to tutor older students and is useful for English Language Learners. Books 2 and 3 expand the concept in more difficult texts.