Note-Taking:

Some ideas to help you get started

• Make sure your notes are legible
• Put the DATE you took the notes on each page; if you have more than one page for a day, number the pages, too
• Write down the questions the teachers asks - most likely, they'll re-appear on quizzes and tests!
• Listen to what’s said or see what’s written, then RE-WORD and SUMMARIZE (don't write everything that's said; just get the important parts)
• Rank ideas (order of importance)
• Color-coordinate – use a highlighter to identify which notes are on the same topic
• Organize your notes – put similar topics together, or put notes in chronological order
• Create your own SHORTHAND – abbreviate words (because = b/c; with = w/; and = + or &; important = imp – make up your own codes)
• Use bullet points, stars, or dashes to mark important parts
• Fold the paper!  In half = notes on one side, illustrations or pictures on the other; in quarters = 4 topics, one section for each area
• Write only between the margins and leave the margins for later additions/explanations/notations/reviews
• Lists
• Outline, web

• When reading a book:
• Have several sets of notes going at once – one set of chapter summaries, one set of character traits, one set of general background/book notes.
• Divide notes by chapters
• Include page numbers when possible
• Click HERE to see more ideas about taking notes on a story

• Review your notes 1 hour/1 day/1 week/1 month after taking them; add/clarify as necessary
• Review your notes with a classmate & COMPARE; add/clarify as necessary