How to Read and Do Chapter Annotation

How to Read and Do Chapter Annotation Do you want to be able to recall a book that you read weeks or months later? The best way to do that is to be an active reader by annotating (or making notes in) a text! By annotating effectively, you can review an entire text in 30 minutes and be prepared for any assessment! Follow the instructions below… Materials Needed: • • • Pencil: You need this to write on a sticky note as you read to keep track of details. Using a pencil is a better choice since even geniuses need to correct mistakes! A Dictionary: It is a good idea to keep a dictionary (on your phone or an actual paper copy of one) nearby in order to look up words you may not know so that you can better understand the text. Your Text: If possible, it is best to have your own copy of the text so that you can highlight and write in it. However, if you don’t, you need to get some sticky notes that you can use to put in the book and then take out when you return the book. Before Reading: 1. 2. 3. Read the front and rear jackets of the book, including information about the author. This can give you a more rounded picture of the book while reading. Always read the title page, introductions, table of contents, prefaces and any notes from the author. These will help familiarize yourself with the content of the book and its origins. Check to see if there is a glossary or any other information at the back of the book that you can use while you are reading. During Reading: 1. 2. 3. At the end of each chapter, summarize the main ideas/events in the chapter in one or two sentences, or bullet point the main events in the chapter on a sticky note (If you purchased the book, then you can write your summary at the end of each chapter if you would like). If you have the sticky note for the chapter next to you as you read, you can write down main events as you read. Place the sticky note so that it sticks slightly out of the book to the right so that it is easy to find when reviewing. Do not stick it too far out, as that will make it harder to continue reading if you have many sticky notes sticking out too far. Place them neatly! See the picture below for a reference. Also, we HIGHLY encourage you to use the companion guide for your novel to record main characters, setting, conflicts, theme, and advanced vocabulary that you encounter when reading. English teachers will be using all of this information when teaching the novel, and you can receive extra credit for bringing this sheet completed on the first day of school. This will also help you retain what you read if you write it down! You can download the form from the MTHS website. Example book with chapter annotations on sticky notes. Notice that the sticky notes are all sticking out of the right side of the book and are all neatly and evenly placed.