Retrieval Grid: Look, Cover, Say, Use
Retrieve a word, its meaning and a subject example from a grid without checking the source.
Worked classroom example
History
Recall the term, definition, event example and one sentence using the term.
Use this example to make the language move visible. Select subject content appropriate to the class’s age and prior knowledge.
Teaching sequence
- Set up four-part grid and vocabulary list; name the subject question and show a short model of the task.
- Learners retrieve a word, its meaning and a subject example from a grid without checking the source. Give quiet thinking time before pairs or groups compare what they noticed.
- Ask each learner to share or record one independent response. Use the example from History to check the idea, then fade one prompt on the next attempt.
Materials and purpose
four-part grid and vocabulary list
This brings a term back into use and connects it to examples and relationships. Retrieving and explaining a word helps learners move beyond recognition to accurate subject use.
Try it in your next lesson
Prepare
Use four-part grid and vocabulary list. Choose a second example that checks the same language move without repeating the original answer.
Classroom task
Retrieve a word, its meaning and a subject example from a grid without checking the source.
Check independent transfer
Ask each learner to share or record one independent response. Use the example from History to check the idea, then fade one prompt on the next attempt.
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
How would this change in a different subject example?
“Which feature makes this an example of the word?”
“How does the meaning or useful phrase change in another context?”
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
Use an image, object, bilingual gloss and contrasting example. Retrieve the word in a new sentence rather than repeat a definition only. 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.