CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.2
The Standard
Identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Reading Standards for Informational Text
What This Standard Means
First graders need to name what an informational text is mostly about, not just one fun fact. They also need to retell several details that support that topic, using words, pictures, or simple oral sentences.
Mastery looks like a student saying, “This book is about frogs,” then adding details like where frogs live, what they eat, and how they grow. Students often get stuck by naming a tiny detail as the topic, retelling details out of order, or mixing in facts they already knew instead of facts from the text.
Ways to Teach It
- Hands-on: Give pairs picture cards from a short nonfiction book and have them sort them under “main topic” and “key details.”
- Prompt: After reading, ask students to finish, “This text is mostly about ___, and I know because ___.”
- Quick check: Show three possible topics after a read-aloud and have students circle the best one, then draw one detail.
- Real-world: Read a lunch menu or weather chart and ask what it is mostly about, then name two details.
Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.1.2
Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.
Related Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3.2
Determine the main idea of a text; recount the key details and explain how they support the main idea.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.K.2
With prompting and support, identify the main topic and retell key details of a text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.4.2
Determine the main idea of a text and explain how it is supported by key details; summarize the text.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.2
Determine two or more main ideas of a text and explain how they are supported by key details; summarize the text.