Teach your students to identify the main idea, central idea, and supporting details with this winter set of nonfiction reading passages. This resource includes PRINT and DIGITAL worksheets with graphic organizers to help students break down texts and master these essential skills step by step.

Designed for grades 3-5, the resource features 20 winter-themed high-interest nonfiction reading passages that can be used during the winter season! Your students will build confidence by analyzing central ideas, locating supporting details, and summarizing engaging informational texts.

Why This Resource Works:

✅ Updated to reflect curriculum changes—”Central Idea” is now emphasized in many state standards!

✅ Engaging winter-themed nonfiction topics—Students explore fascinating subjects while practicing important reading skills.

✅ Flexible for all classrooms—Works with any reading program and supports both “Main Idea” and “Central Idea” terminology so all teachers can use it with ease.

Included in this download:

• 20 Winter-themed PRINTABLE and DIGITAL Nonfiction Reading Passages
• Graphic Organizers (helps students visually map out the central idea and supporting details)
• Google Slides Digital Version
• TpT Easel Activity Digital Version
• All answer keys for easy grading

Engaging and Interesting Topics That Make Learning Fun!

• Polar Bears
• Snowflakes
• Candy Canes
• Daylight Saving Time
• Emperor Penguins
• Woolly Worm Predictors
• Flying South
• Coldest Place on Earth
• Nap Time
• Frostbite
• Warm Tummy
• Stuck to a Flagpole
• Static Electricity
• Salty Roads
• Reindeer
• Snow Days
• Goose Bumps
• Good Germs
• Shivering Bees
• Chapped Lips

These activities are perfect for:

• whole group instruction
• morning work
• small groups
• independent desk work
• assessments
• early finishers
• homework
• sub plans, and so much more!

A scaffolded approach!

Teaching students to identify the main idea (or central idea) and supporting details is a critical reading skill that requires practice and guidance. Scaffolded instruction provides a structured and supportive approach, helping students build confidence and mastery step by step.

By using a scaffolded approach, you’ll provide your students with the tools they need to not only identify the main/central idea but also become confident and independent readers.

• This resource is part of a series of practice packs. The main idea may be found in the first sentence, second sentence, third sentence, or last sentence of the paragraph.
• If you’re looking for an easier version with the main idea found in the first sentence, you may want to check out Main Idea & Supporting Details Worksheets and Graphic Organizers Print & Digital. It is the perfect resource for beginners just starting to learn how to find the main idea and supporting details of a non-fiction reading passage.
• The bundle is designed to take students through progressively challenging texts.

Ideas for Implementation:
These nonfiction reading passages are flexible and can be used for:

• Whole group instruction to introduce or review main idea / central idea and supporting details
• Morning work or bell-ringer activities
• Small group assignments during guided reading
• Homework to reinforce classroom learning
• Assessments to gauge student progress

You can use these practice activities as:

• individual printable worksheets
• a printable practice packet
• digital Google Slides assignments
• a TpT Digital Activity

⭐ The digital version of this resource was created in Google Slides. Each reading passage comes with its own Google link, so you can digitally assign these activities to your students.

Suggestions for Use:

✅ Third Grade:
Begin by modeling the activity with your students. Use think-aloud strategies to demonstrate how to identify the main idea (or central idea) and supporting details. Provide guided practice before assigning independent work.

✅ Fourth Grade:
Students should be able to find the main idea and supporting details with a brief introduction or review. Use these passages as a way to reinforce their understanding and encourage independent application.

✅ Fifth Grade:
These passages are an excellent way to review foundational skills taught in earlier grades. Students can focus on refining their ability to analyze and summarize nonfiction texts.

Extension Activity:
4th grade standards typically ask students to go beyond identifying the main idea / central idea and supporting details to also summarize the text. Once students complete the graphic organizer, encourage them to use their notes to write a summary of the passage. This activity strengthens comprehension and writing skills simultaneously.

Teachers like you said…

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This provided LOTS of practice for this skill, in fact, more than I could use during the unit! But that means I can use others for periodic review. I liked that the main idea was not always the first sentence. Highly recommend! – Kathie G.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ This was an incredibly thorough and valuable resource. I have 7 full-time distance learners and 13 in-person students. Their reading levels range from mid 2nd grade to 5th grade. I was able to use paper copies and the digital version to differentiate for all of my learners. I used some slides for hybrid instruction and some as assignments. THANK YOU. I loved how engaging the passages were, and I appreciated your organized table of contents. – Jan G.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Main idea can be such a challenging skill for some students. This is such a great resource for main idea practice, and I like how we can work on practicing main idea all year with the seasonal passages. My students really enjoy them. I love that this product is digital- just assign on Google classroom, and my students are set! – Brandy V.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Great activity for my students to use for practice finding the main idea and supporting details! The passages are short which keeps them from overwhelming my struggling students. I love the fact that I can use the passages in a print or digital format. Thanks! – Karen G.

Supports Common Core Standards (CCSS):

RI.3.2

RI.4.2

RI.5.2