Learn retrieval reading skills by skimming, scanning and using the index to fetch facts in an underwater library, then record them as notes and present them.
Chapter 4: Record facts as notes with key words
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Years 5–6 english · 1 Years 5–6 english · 2
Years 5–6 english · 1 Years 5–6 english · 2
Years 5–6 english · 2
Years 5–6 english · 2
Years 5–6 english · 2
See every English chapter in the chapter library
What the chapters cover in the national curriculum in England:
Retrieval Reading Skills is an interactive game that teaches children aged 9–11 how to find, record and present information from non-fiction, as set out in the Year 5 and 6 English national curriculum.
Guided by Inka, an octopus librarian, players open an ocean handbook and use its contents page, index and glossary to jump straight to what they need. They skim headings to get the gist of a page, sweep a searchlight to scan for one number or name, and spot red herrings: details that sit near the answer but answer a different question.
Players then turn sentences into short key-word notes, copy words exactly for find-and-copy questions, and record the page they used as their source. Finally, they choose whether a table, timeline, labelled diagram or flow chart shows their facts most clearly. A 10-question challenge checks every skill.
Retrieval means finding information that is written in a text and recording it accurately. In KS2 reading it covers locating key details, using the question's key words to find the exact answer, and copying words precisely when a question asks you to find and copy.
Skimming is reading quickly to get the gist, using the title, headings, pictures and first sentences. Scanning is hunting for one specific detail, such as a date, number or name, by keeping that key word in mind and sweeping your eyes over the page.
A contents page sits at the front of a book and lists the main chapters in page order. An index sits at the back, lists exact words and names in alphabetical order, and gives every page where each one appears.
The game is pitched at children aged 9 to 11, matching Years 5 and 6 of the English national curriculum. Younger confident readers can enjoy it too, especially with an adult nearby to talk through the trickier red-herring questions.
It includes five guided rooms, a short optional refresher and a 10-question final challenge, taking about 35 minutes to play through. Narration reads every instruction aloud, and children can start any room from the library hall.
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