CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.2

ELA3rd GradeComprehension and Collaboration

The Standard

Determine the main ideas and supporting details of a text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts · Speaking and Listening Standards

What This Standard Means

Students need to listen to or view information, then tell the main idea and the details that support it. The source might be a read-aloud, video clip, chart, photo, graph, or short audio recording. They need to separate the big point from interesting extras.

Mastery looks like a student saying, “The main idea is...” and backing it with two or three accurate details from the source. Students often get stuck by naming a topic instead of a main idea, choosing tiny facts, or missing details from visuals like labels, numbers, or captions.

Ways to Teach It

  • Show a one-minute animal video, then have students sort prepared detail cards under “main idea” and “supporting detail.”
  • Ask students to write: “The speaker’s main idea was ___, and I know because ___ and ___.”
  • Play a short read-aloud paragraph, then have students hold up one finger for topic and two fingers for main idea choices.
  • Use a weather forecast screenshot and ask students to explain the main message using the map, numbers, and icons.

Plan a Lesson for CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.3.2

Generate a complete lesson plan aligned to this standard, with objectives, activities, and materials. Free, no account needed.

Related Standards

Standard text verified against corestandards.org on July 10, 2026.

Page updated July 10, 2026.

Send Feedback