“Reading with a pencil.” Annotation is a note of any form made while reading text. “Reading with a pencil.”

People have been annotating texts since there have been texts to annotate.

Annotation is not highlighting.

Why annotate? it slows down the reader it deepens understanding To be an effective annotator, you MUST pay close attention to your thoughts, feelings, reactions, etc…

Middle school student’s annotation of connotative meanings in Charlotte’s Web It’s not always about reading difficult texts, but also about reading seemingly simpler texts in more complex ways.

Annotation occurs with digital and print texts.

Annotation in Grades 6-8 BEFORE YOU ANNOTATE – Read the piece once through. On your second read: Start with a purpose – If not given something specific to look for as you read, use the title and headings to create a question at the top of your page. Number each paragraph. Underline: The major points. Any figurative language and note the type (e.g. simile). “Rule of 5” – Try not to underline more than 5 consecutive words. If too much is underlined, then nothing stands out.

Annotation in Grades 6-8 Circle keywords or phrases that are confusing or unknown to you. Write definitions in the margin. Use a question mark (?) for questions that you have during the reading. Be sure to write your question. Use an exclamation mark (!) for things that surprise you, and briefly note what it was that caught your attention. Draw an arrow (↵) when you make a connection to, have a thought about, or reaction to something text. Briefly note your connections, thoughts, or reactions in the margins. Write a brief summary when done.

Modeled annotation in Seventh Grade