HOW TO TAKE NOTES IN CLASS

Let’s Start at the Beginning… Turn to page 3 in your notebook, this is where we will begin our notes Write the title of our notes Write the date Add these notes to our table of contents 6 9/19/17

6 9/19/17

What Do I Write? It is important to take quality notes that can be understood and used to study from long after class is over It is not possible to write everything said in a lesson or put on the SmartBoard, it is your job to determine what is most important Notes are not just key terms and definitions…they serve as a summary of the lesson being taught

No, not just for students.. Notes are used by people everywhere: Students People attending workshops/lectures A boss in an interview/ interviewer Journalists as they cover important stories/events Nurses when doctors visit patients Attendees at meetings

Tips & Tricks for Taking Class Notes

1. Start a new page for each new lesson Date and title your notes! Add the information for the new notes to your table of contents Notes within the same lesson (from different days) can be on the same page, but remember to keep them organized When a new lesson begins start fresh with a new page

2. Take down words/phrases, not sentences Develop or use a system of abbreviations or symbols to help you get the most information. - Use “&” for “and” - Use “w/” for “with…” -Don’t pay attention to spelling, do the best you can. If you have absolutely no clue, leave a blank until you can come back to it. Be sure that whatever abbreviations you use will make sense to you later when reading over your notes

3. Listen for word clues “The key point(s) I want to make is/are…” “If you look on page __ ….” “This is the cause/effect of…” Use of numbers: “There are 2 points of view…”; “The second reason is…” “This will be on the quiz/test…” Repetition: The speaker repeats things Review: The speaker reviews things that have been previously said.

4. Review the notes you take daily…daily Each day when you get home from school read over the notes from class that day Ideally you should review your notes and then complete your homework Fill in missing information If you are, go to Miss Maxwell’s website and check the class PowerPoint there for the details Do you have questions about the notes? If so email your teachers or come in early for help

5. Don’t forget to include information from videos, charts, or images during presentations Take the time to pay close attention. There is a reason why we are using this visual in class Feel free to add your own drawings – sometimes pictures allow you to memorize better Don’t focus on writing as much as listening! Usually PowerPoints contain the same information that will be said by the person who utilizes them. They change slides because the information will match what they are saying!

6. Be Organized Your interactive notebook is already set up to keep your notes organized, but it is your job to keep them that way Don't be lazy!! If you ever feel like you have lost track of your organization, come see Miss Maxwell and we will get you back on track Do not wait for the notebook check!!