Duly Noted

Hi Maureen!
Our third grader is starting to do longer projects that require reading several books and taking notes. The teacher explained the difference between jotting down notes and copying text (plagiarism). This seems hard for him to grasp. any tips on how to help him take notes? It seems like a fundamental skill he's going to need throughout school.
Thanks,
Notable Mom

Dear Notable Mom,

You are absolutely correct. Note-taking is a complex concept to grasp. It is asking kids to do several tasks simultaneously. They need to:

• Read (or listen) to information
• Process that information
• Plan how they want to use the information
• Decide what is important to record
• Rewrite the important information
• Do so in their own words—in legible penmanship
• Keep track of all of their sources to create a bibliography

What adults often see as "fundamental" skills, in reality took each of us years to master. We do this little-by-little, building on previously mastered skills.

There are many different ways to take notes. The “best” way is the method that works for your child. Many middle schools, high schools, and universities use the Cornell Note Taking System. How can you help your child build note-taking skills so that he will be ready? Here are three ideas you can use from a very early age:

Web Master
Word webs are one type of graphic organizer that provide powerful help for students. Webs help the student visually pre-organize his thoughts and ideas around a central topic before writing. There are many types of graphic organizers including sequence charts, time lines, story maps, webs, and Venn diagrams. (Many printable graphic organizers and note taking sheets are provided on the Optimistic Outcomes® CD-ROM)

Column Notes
If your child needs to take notes in class, teach him to make three columns on a piece of paper labeled “Main Points” “Supporting Points” “Questions and Thoughts.” By writing his notes in the appropriate columns, they are already organized into three categories for studying. (Printable note taking sheets are provided on the Optimistic Outcomes® CD-ROM)

TV Time
It is fun to practice taking notes together as you watch a favorite television show. Try several different methods, and ask him which he thought worked best. This will help your child realize that it is his responsibility to determine what works for him.