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  • 2nd Grade
  • Reading & Phonics
  • About 10 minutes
  • See it all: a chart to keep

Main Idea and Sequence Chart

Main idea: what it is mostly about. Sequence: the order things happen.

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Main Idea and Sequence ChartName:Date:Main idea: what it is mostly about. Sequence: the order things happen.Main idea and detailsThe main idea is like a tabletop. The details are the legs that hold it up.Main ideadetaildetaildetailExampleDogs make great pets. Theylove to play fetch. They stayby your side when you are sad.Many dogs learn tricks.Mostly about:why dogs make great petsAsk: What is this mostly about? Do all the details tell about it?Sequence wordsThese words tell the order things happen.First→Dig a hole.Next→Drop in a seed.Then→Cover it up.LastWater it.More order words: second, after that, later, finally, at the end.k5printables.com · Sheet #50224601 · Aligned with Common Core RI.2.2

How to do it

  1. Look at the table. The top is the main idea; the legs are details.
  2. Read the example paragraph.
  3. Read the order words.

Teaching tip

Draw a quick table on paper when your child is stuck on a main idea. This sheet is aligned with Common Core RI.2.2.

Main Idea and Sequence Chart for 2nd grade, free printable
Printable preview

About this chart

The main idea table with an example, and the order words first, next, then and last.

What kids practice

The main idea is what a paragraph or story is mostly about. Details are the smaller facts that tell more about it. Sequence is the order things happen, often shown with words like first, next, then and last. Both skills show that a reader understands, not just reads the words.

Watch for

  • Picking one interesting detail as the main idea.
  • Choosing a main idea that is too big, like "animals" instead of "how penguins swim."
  • Mixing up the order when retelling, or skipping the middle.

It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full main idea and sequence guide for 2nd grade.

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