Main Idea - Short Texts:

Main Idea - Short Texts:

Reading Comprehension Skills

3 ratings
12 reviews
Free
In-App Purchases

Details

  • Released
  • Updated
  • October 31, 2014
  • February 28, 2025

Features

Main Idea - Short Texts: screenshot #1 for iPhone
Main Idea - Short Texts: screenshot #2 for iPhone
Main Idea - Short Texts: screenshot #3 for iPhone
Main Idea - Short Texts: screenshot #4 for iPhone
Main Idea - Short Texts: screenshot #5 for iPhone
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About

This app helps children in grades 2-5 improve their reading comprehension by teaching them to identify the main idea of a text. It uses a step-by-step, errorless learning approach with a reward system to keep kids motivated. Content is designed by educators and researchers, with reporting features for parents and teachers.

Step-by-step skill building
Errorless learning approach
Engaging reward center
Parental review and reporting
Teacher and researcher-designed content
Timed levels for fluency
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What's New in Main Idea

2.4

February 28, 2025

Keeping everything running smoothly!

3

In-App Purchases

$2.99

Purchase All Levels

Purchase access to all levels and keep learning!

User reviews

Starts well but…..

I bought this app because the trial version (Levels 1-3) are graduated in difficulty and are so helpful for kids with language disorder. However, once I purchased the full version I discovered that Level 5 reverts to the same difficulty level as Level 1. This is such a shame as this app has so much potential. I am gutted that I paid for it as it does not do what it promised.
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Much too simple

For a two-sentence writing passage, several questions are asked, but all the questions have the same two choices for answers, and the same choice is the correct answer for every question. Minimal reading comprehension is required to choose the right answer.

Confusing

We are using during summer to strengthen writing skills. But I totally disagree with a lot of these answers. There will be one sentence shown. The answers that show as correct are not included in the sentence. They are included in the longer passage at the top. This happens often and I consider your answers incorrect. How can I use this as a learning tool when I disagree?
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Great app!

I’m a speech language pathologist, and I’ve often used this app to help reinforce and practice the concept of Main Idea with my students. They especially love to earn all 3 stars!

Tricky

So many gotcha moments in this. I have this for my students, and even I can't get through a level without mistakes. Did the text mention bacon? Well- sort of. It was about bacon and cooking bacon but it didn't say bacon in the excerpt. Several students have felt very disheartened by this game. Some of the other apps by this maker are more clear, but there are many glitches. Petty expensive for an app still in beta test mode. If an adult can't win, how is a struggling student going to feel with a whole row of xxxxxxx ? I'm a tad frustrated
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Developer apps

FAQ

What is the main focus of Main Idea?

Main Idea focuses on teaching children how to identify the main idea of a paragraph. This skill is crucial for overall reading comprehension and is built incrementally using visual guides and errorless learning.

What age group is Main Idea designed for?

The app is targeted towards children in Grades 2-5 who can read but struggle with understanding what they read. Beginning readers in earlier grades can also benefit.

How does Main Idea ensure learning is effective?

It employs a step-by-step, incremental learning approach where new levels are unlocked only when the child is ready. The errorless learning method ensures children are always guided to the correct answer, reducing frustration.

Can parents track their child's progress with Main Idea?

Yes, the app offers easy parental review through a Reward Center and provides extensive reporting for up to 10 students. This allows parents, teachers, and therapists to monitor progress effectively.

Does Main Idea have ads?

No, Main Idea does not contain advertisements. The app is free to download with optional in-app purchases for additional content.

What are the advanced features in Main Idea?

Advanced levels in Main Idea include timers to help ensure reading fluency. Research indicates that fluency in foundational reading skills is critical for strong reading comprehension.

Is Main Idea suitable for children with special needs?

Yes, the app is designed and tested by typical and special needs children, including those with Autism. It is designed to work effectively for them.

How can I access more content in Main Idea?

The free version of Main Idea includes 4 free levels. Additional levels and players can be accessed through in-app purchases. For an ad-free experience without in-app purchases, consider the School Edition.