1. Annotating text
Draw a picture in the margin of each paragraph that represents its main idea.
Highlight interesting details in one color.
Highlight important details in another color.
In the margin, write why the important detail is important.
Use your picture annotations to write a 1-2 sentence summary of the page.

2. Annotation Model
She remembers a clear moonlit night before the future began. They are sitting in the cool darkness under the anacahuita tree in the front yard, in the rockers, telling stories, drinking guanabana juice. Good for the nerves, Mamá always says.  
It seems like something bad happens in the future—foreshadowing?
Interesting=blue
Important=red

3. Annotation with a partner
   They're all there, Mamá, Papá, Patria-Minerva-Dedé. Bang-bang-bang, their father likes to joke, aiming a finger pistol at each one, as if he were shooting them, not boasting about having sired them. Three girls, each born within a year of the other! And then, nine years later, María Teresa, his final desperate attempt at a boy misfiring.  
Main idea picture
Highlight interesting detail
Highlight important detail
Why detail is important

4. Annotate on your own
    Their father has his slippers on, one foot hooked behind the other. Every once in a while Dedé hears the clink of the rum bottle against the rim of his glass.  
Main idea picture
Highlight interesting detail
Highlight important detail
Why detail is important

5. Summarize in 1-2 sentences with a partner