Scan for the Number
Set one precise question and ask learners to locate a number, date or named term without reading every line.
Worked classroom example
Science
Find the temperature at which a material changes state and cite the table row.
Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.
Teaching sequence
- Write one answerable search question before handing out the source.
- Learners move their eyes over headings, bold type, digits and repeated key terms.
- Ask them to mark the answer and the line or label where it appears.
Materials and purpose
a text containing dates, quantities or named terms
Scanning works best when readers know exactly what information they need.
Try it in your next lesson
Prepare
Use a text containing dates, quantities or named terms. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.
Classroom task
Set one precise question and ask learners to locate a number, date or named term without reading every line.
Check independent transfer
Ask them to mark the answer and the line or label where it appears.
Collect a response on fresh content. Note what was achieved without the model, partner or teacher prompt, then choose one next teaching step.
Teacher language
Teacher language
What exact item were you looking for? Where did you find it?
“What does the source actually say, and what are you inferring?”
“What cannot be concluded from this evidence alone?”
Respond to the learner
Identify one successful meaning or language choice. Ask about one gap, allow thinking time, then invite a revision. Check the revised move again on a fresh example.
Adjust support and challenge
Offer a brief model, useful vocabulary and partner rehearsal where needed. Keep the subject goal; reduce one prompt on fresh content and record what was independent.
Teaching this skill → · Age and language support →
More support
Chunk the source, gloss essential terms and model one evidence selection. Keep the question’s reasoning demand. Allow familiar-language notes or another response mode when checking subject understanding.
Greater independence
Change the content, evidence or audience. Remove the completed model and ask learners to explain a choice. Increase subject complexity only when it fits the curriculum and prior knowledge.
Choose the next step
If subject meaning is insecure, reteach the concept. If the concept is understood but the English is unclear, model one useful language relationship and invite a fresh response.