Identifying Key Details in Informational Texts
Identifying Key Details in Informational Texts Objective: Students will learn to identify and explain the key details in an informational text to better understand its main idea.
Learning Objectives
- Understand what key details are and why they matter in informational texts.
- Practice finding key details in a short text.
- Explain how key details support the main idea of the text.
Materials Needed
- A short informational text appropriate for an 8-year-old (e.g., a simple article about an animal or a historical figure)
- Notebook or paper
- Pencil
- Highlighter or colored pencils
Key Vocabulary
- Informational Text
- A type of writing that gives facts and information about a topic.
- Key Details
- Important pieces of information that help explain or support the main idea.
- Main Idea
- The most important point or message the author wants to share.
Detailed Activities
Reading and Highlighting Key Details
- Read the chosen informational text aloud with your child or have them read it independently.
- Explain what key details are and how they help us understand the main idea.
- Have your child highlight or underline 3–5 important details in the text.
- Discuss each highlighted detail and why it might be important.
Writing Key Details
- Ask your child to write down the key details they found in their notebook.
- Guide them to explain in 1–2 sentences how these details help explain the main idea.
- Review their writing together and provide gentle feedback.
Parent & Instructor Notes
- This lesson focuses on helping your child identify important information in nonfiction texts, which builds strong reading comprehension skills.
- You don’t need to be an expert; just encourage your child to think about what facts seem important and how they connect to the main topic.
- Take your time with the reading and discussion to ensure your child understands each step.
Assessment Questions
- What is the main idea of the text you read?
- Can you name two or three key details that help explain the main idea?
- Why do you think these details are important?
Extension Ideas
- Choose another short informational text on a different topic and repeat the activity to practice skills.
- Create a simple graphic organizer with two columns: ‘Key Details’ and ‘Why Important’ to help organize thoughts.
- Have your child explain key details out loud to a family member to build verbal skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with very short readings and help by asking guided questions like ‘What fact did you notice?’ or ‘What does this part tell us?’ Patience and practice will help.
Yes, but choose texts that match your child’s reading level and interests to keep them engaged.
Teacher’s Guide
Common Misconceptions:
- Children may confuse key details with minor or irrelevant information.
- Students might think the main idea is just the first sentence instead of the overall message.
Scaffolding Ideas:
For Struggling Students:
- Read the text together and highlight key details as a shared activity.
- Use pictures or drawings to represent key details and ideas.
For Advanced Students:
- Ask your child to find supporting details that explain cause and effect.
- Have your child compare key details from two different texts on the same topic.
Pacing Recommendations:
- Spend extra time reading the text carefully if your child is new to informational reading.
- Allow breaks if your child becomes tired and revisit key details in short sessions.
Standards
- 8.RI.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone.
Printable Worksheet
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