Note taking is an important skill that involves listening carefully and writing down key ideas in your own words. When taking notes, pay attention to changes in a teacher's voice or visual aids, which indicate important information. Taking notes helps keep your mind focused on the lesson. Notes should be organized with headings, dates, and page numbers to be easy to read later. It is important to review notes after class while the material is still fresh and get copies of notes if absent.

1. NO
TE
TAKING
M
RS. HAW
S

2. BE AN ACTIVE LISTENER
Note taking is a very important writing tool. It is not just writing
down everything you hear- it’s listening carefully and writing
down the important ideas in your own words. That’s what being a
good note taker is all about. You will use note taking all of your
school years.

3. RECOGNIZE IMPORTANT INFORMATION
# Listen for change in the teacher’s voice either slower or louder.
#Teachers will give verbal cues like “The most significant, “ “The
main Point,” “ The most important reason.” or “The three causes,
“ etc.
#Anything your teacher writes on the board or is shown by the Elmo
or overhead projector, should be considered very important.
Double underline or put a star by this information.

4. TAKE NOTES TO HELP YOU PAY
ATTENTION
 You can think faster than anyone can talk this is one reason why
your mind wanders. When you take notes your mind has
something additional to do and you don’t have time to think of
anything else. It helps you to keep focused. It also shows your
teacher you are paying attention.

5. TAKE NOTES THAT ARE EASY TO READ
 Put the name of the class, the date, and the page
number at the top of each page of notes.
 Write on every other line and use one side of the
paper.
 Use symbols and abbreviations whenever possible.
Example texting abbreviations.
 Use pencil or erasable pen to keep your notes
neat.
 Leave a wide margin on the left side of each page.
As your taking notes, identify key words, and then
write these key words in the margins. Example:
topics, people, places, events, etc.

6. SAMPLE OF NOTES
Kathy Jones
Science
Pg. 1
Dinosaurs from 2 Greek words
Jan. 1.
2012 deinas= terrible&saurus=lizard
dominated life on land- 140,000,000 yrs.
2 orders *Saurischia & Ornithischia orders
over 800 species w/ posture
Saurischia incl. Tyrannosaurus

7. GO OVER NOTES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
 While the information is still fresh on your mind, go over notes and
clarify anything that’s confusing.
 Make sure key words are in the margin.
 Going over your notes helps to fix information in your memory.
 If you have time and want to get a good grade in your class
completely redo your notes. Eliminate unimportant information and
use your own words. In doing this you will also learn information
better.

8. GET COPIES OF NOTES IF YOU ARE
ABSENT
 When you are absent, it is your responsibility to find out what you
have missed.
 Ask your teacher for handouts and assignments. Do not assume
that your teacher will tell you if there is something that you need
to know or do.
 Get copies of any notes you missed , and put them in your
notebook as soon as possible.

9. TAKE GOOD NOTES
o Be an active listener.
o Take notes to help you pay attention.
o Recognize important information.
o Take notes that are easy to read.
o Go over your notes as soon as possible.
o Get copies of class notes if you’re absent.

10. TAKE GOOD NOTES
o Be an active listener.
o Take notes to help you pay attention.
o Recognize important information.
o Take notes that are easy to read.
o Go over your notes as soon as possible.
o Get copies of class notes if you’re absent.