Working with English Language Learners

Let's Scan

For first and second graders who need practice with comprehension.

Boy with book First and second graders are beginning to read more and to read a wider variety of types of text. To support their understanding of more difficult content, you can teach children to scan the material before reading.

Model for children what you want them to do. Talking aloud as you go through the process lets children understand the thinking behind what you are doing. "Let's see. The title of this book is Tortilla Factory. I have eaten tortillas, haven't you? They are the wrap for tacos and burritos. I like them both crunchy and soft. A factory is a place where you make things. I guess the book is about making tortillas. I think there are flour tortillas and corn tortillas. I wonder which the book is about? The author is Gary Paulsen and the illustrator is Ruth Paulsen. Maybe they are related—are they a husband and wife or maybe a brother and sister? The cover shows people working. They are probably making tortillas. I think I will flip through the pages before I begin reading. I will look quickly for words I might not know."

Teaching children to scan texts before reading helps them identify the structure of the material (Is it a story—fiction or nonfiction—a poem, or informational text?) and gives them an idea of what is coming. Scanning before reading also helps children identify any vocabulary that may be a challenge and any charts or graphs that can help them understand the material.

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