Note Taking Strategies http://www.songsforteaching.com/marlalewis/clips/takenotes.mp3

Note Taking Video

Brainstorm in block A... Why take good notes?

Why take good notes? You can’t remember everything you hear or read Writing helps you remember things that are important Improves concentration in class Helps you study better and more quickly

What Should I be Writing Down? What is NEW to you There is no point to writing down facts you already know What is RELEVANT What will be helpful later, on a test, essay or to complete a project? Pay Attention To: Dates of events Names of people Theories Definitions Images and Exercises What the teacher writes down Your own questions

What are some methods you could use to take notes? Brainstorm in block B... What are some methods you could use to take notes? (How will you write down what you are listening to or reading?)

Outline Method Organize important information into several main topics, or main subject areas. Each main topic contains subtopics – groups of info. about the main topic Each subtopic contains details or extra information that explains the subtopic. History class example: Name of important leader Key events he/she was involved in Short Description

Practice the outline method... How to Paint a House Have you ever helped someone paint a house? House painting takes place in two main steps. The first step in house painting is called preparation. The painter makes sure that all of the supplies and equipment are at the house to be painted. The painter must scrape off all the loose and peeling paint from the house. After the scraping is done, the painter must wash the house to remove as much of the dirt as possible. The second step is the actual painting. Sometimes a primer, or first coat, of paint is applied before the finishing coat. The painter usually paints from the top of the house down to the bottom. Big areas are painted first. The trim is usually painted last. Neatness counts on the job. Now, find the important information using the outline method of note taking. Draw one line under the main topic. Draw two lines under each subtopic. Draw a circle around each detail.

Short Sentence Method Simply write several short sentences that contain the important information. Practice the short sentence method by filling in the missing information about house painting.

Graphic Organizer Method (aka. Mind-Map) A visual map that shows how important information goes together. Practice the graphic organizer method working in groups of 3 by creating an organizer on the chart paper provided for how to paint a house.

Note Taking Tips Note Taking Tips Video Clip While watching the short video take some notes (using the method of your choice) in the space provided... Don’t write full sentences Use shorthand / abbreviations Write in own words Write down main ideas (often repeated)

~ Time for a Break ~ Is your hand cramping from all of your fantastic note taking? Time for a hand massage to ease the pain! Hand Massage Video

Activity – The Shrinking Note Choose an article that interests you As you read, take notes onto the sticky paper that was provided Condense your notes onto the next sticky paper provided (notes on your notes) Finally, condense again onto the next sticky paper provided Present your final note to the class.