Taking Reading Notes How to Record and Remember Textbook Information
Taking Reading Notes Preview the Assignment Read Title - Introduction Section Heading - Subtitles Summaries Look at any Pictures - Charts - Maps
Taking Reading Notes Preview the Assignment Helps you to: Know what you will be reading Remember prior knowledge Start making connections Anything else?
Taking Reading Notes Analyze the text Select proper reading strategy Determine proper note taking format and/or the use of any graphic organizers What can you use from the text to help you format your notes?
Taking Reading Notes Analyze the text Set purpose for reading before taking any notes Read any coordinating textbook questions Make your own questions Read slowly, carefully & thoroughly as you take notes
Taking Reading Notes Write down only important information and ideas What are some examples of critical information? What clues will the text book give you?
Taking Reading Notes Write notes in your own words Don’t copy – plagiarism is illegal! Will help you remember more info? Why? Keep your notes in short phrases – not whole sentences What will happen if you write notes in complete sentences?
Taking Reading Notes Note Taking Flow Chart Read Think Write Analyze Text: Picking Out the Important Information Synthesize the Information: Construct Your Own Understanding
Taking Reading Notes Let the textbook guide your formatting Use the headings & sub-headings Record information of bold-faced or italicized words Take notes from pictures, charts, and/or maps
Taking Reading Notes Use Graphic Organizers Make a list of new words Record page number of each new word Look up each word in a glossary/dictionary Choose the meaning closest to how the word is used in the textbook Record the definition in your notes Develop your working vocabulary!
Taking Reading Notes Paraphrasing vs. Summarizing Paraphrasing Putting difficult and specific content into your own words Rephrasing ideas using your own voice Be sure to include all details
Taking Reading Notes Paraphrasing vs. Summarizing Summarizing Clearly stating the main idea in your own words Focus on using only crucial (important) details – Be Selective! Seeing out the forest – not the trees
Reviewing Your Notes Record questions in the margin of your notes Talk over your questions with your classmates or teacher As you review in class, record any new information
Reviewing Your Notes Rewrite your notes if they are messy Reorganize notes in a different format if needed (i.e. graphic organizer) If you are missing any notes – talk to the teacher or a classmate ASAP!
Reviewing Your Notes Highlight only important parts of your notes A highlighter is not a paintbrush! Be selective - pay attention to teacher emphasis Consider possible test questions Highlight single words or short phrase
Reviewing Your Notes Read over your notes before the next class Focus on highlighted material Be aware of where you left off in class the previous day – mark it Be sure to record any questions to ask the teacher the next day!