Main Idea Kit for 3rd - 5th Grades

This Main Idea Kit targets reading comprehension and includes a huge set of differentiated activities for scaffolding. There are 5 passages (each in 3 different reading levels), 3 sets of task cards, 3 games, 3 sorts, and 3 matching activities. Everything you need is here in this time saving kit for busy teachers!

Here’s what it includes:

5 Passages: Each in 3 Different Reading Levels with Questions (Snow Leopards, The London Eye, Asteroids, The History of Mr. Potato Head, and Castles)

3 Sets of Task Cards (Main Idea Categories, Find the Main Idea, and Which Supporting Detail Does Not Match the Main Idea?) and a record sheet

3 Games (Each game has 42 game cards), 3 Colorful Game Boards and 3 Black and White Game Boards

3 Sorts (Tasmanian Devils, Japan, Pyramids)

3 Matching Pages (Giraffes, Ice Cream, The Moon)

Keys for Everything

Detailed Teacher Notes


One of my favorite things about this unit is that the materials vary from more basic main idea work to more complex. I especially love that the passages come in three different reading ability levels. They look similar at a glance and have the same format and pictures, but the difficulty is very clear to you as a teacher.
These activities are a great addition to your reading materials! They may be used for reading time, for centers, for homework or morning work, for whole class activities, for one on one tutoring and more!

If you’re looking for more main idea resources, you might want to take a look here:

Main Idea, Supporting Details, and Summary for 3rd Grade

Main Idea, Supporting Details, and Summary for 4th/5th Grades


Here are some other resources which might be helpful:

3rd Grade Morning Work

4th Grade Morning Work

5th Grade Morning Work


Finally, if you like my work, I would love for you to follow me by clicking on the green star at the top of the page.

Thanks so much!
Jenn