Cornell Notes - How to teach this note-taking strategy to Middle Schoolers

Do you use Cornell notes with your middle school students or do you use another note-taking style? To be honest, I didn't use Cornell notes with my 6th grade U.S. History students for most of the school year because I didn't think they were ready. Instead, I used guided notes, doodle notes, and graphic organizers most of the year. About three-quarters of the way through the year, I decided it was time to incorporate Cornell notes into my classroom. Just like any new skill, it is important to use scaffolding, especially with middle schoolers.

How did I do it? Actually, it was pretty simple. I often use PowerPoints or Google slides in my classroom when presenting new material. All I did was incorporate step-by-step illustrations describing what Cornell notes are, what they look like, and how to do them into my PowerPoint. I added these slides to my next few PowerPoints as well. It didn't take my students long before they were proficient with this new note-taking strategy! In addition, I modeled the strategy on the whiteboard and shared examples of what my Cornell notes on a given topic would look like, In addition, I provided mini-reviews and periodic note-checks for the rest of the year. I also offered extra support to a handful of students who continued to struggle. (The most challenging part for some of my students was the "keywords, comments, and questions" section of the notes; for students who struggled with this component of the notes, the main issue was lack of confidence. They struggled with what was "appropriate" or "right;" I had to remind them that this section was going to look different for most students; not everyone will have the same questions about the material and not everyone will make the same connections, have the same insights, etc.

Here are a few examples of the slides I incorporated into my Civil Rights PowerPoint:

I would love to hear from others, especially middle school teachers. How do you teach note-taking skills? Do use Cornell notes with your middle school students? How do you teach this note-taking strategy?

Comments

10 Creative One-Pager Ideas for Social Studies

10 Creative One-Pager Ideas for Social Studies As a social studies teacher, you understand that the subject is one of the most important aspects of education, and it is vital to keep your students engaged and motivated in their learning. One way to achieve this is through the use of one-pagers, a creative and visually appealing way to summarize information and showcase understanding. One-pagers offer a chance to showcase a student’s creativity, critical thinking skills, and grasp of the subject. In this blog post, we will explore ten creative one-pager ideas for social studies that will not only maximize your students’ learning but also spark their creativity and critical thinking skills. Why Use One-Pagers in Social Studies? One-pagers are an excellent way to get students engaged in the learning process. They are a creative and visually appealing way to summarize information and showcase understanding. By utilizing one-pagers, you can help your students to: Process information more ef...

Examples of Map Legends and Map Symbols (Plus Creative Tips and Project Ideas!)

Creative tips and projects for teaching students about legends (keys) on a map: 1. Create a scavenger hunt: Give students a map with a key and have them find different landmarks or features on the map. For example, you might ask them to find a park, a school, and a river. This is a fun way to get students engaged with maps and help them learn how to read legends. 2. Make your own map: Have students create their own maps of their school or neighborhood. They can include symbols for different features like buildings, parks, and roads. This is a great way to get students thinking about the different elements that go into making a map. 3. Use technology: There are many online tools that allow you to create custom maps with your own symbols and legends. Have students use these tools to create their own maps of their community or a fictional place. 4. Create a legend matching game: Create cards with different symbols from a map legend and have students match them to the correct definition. T...

Ripped Paper World Map Project - Middle or High School Geography

Earlier this week I presented my students with a challenge. Create a world map using construction paper, glue, and a sharpie. No scissors. Students were not allowed to use any tools to cut out their continents. They had to tear their continents from construction paper. After their continents were ready, students were asked to label them and then glue them in place. Each student's map needed a title, compass rose, key, symbols, Equator, and Prime Meridian, and all the continents and oceans had to be labeled. Most of my students had a blast creating their maps. Of course, a couple students were anxious; worried their continents wouldn't look nice. With some reassuring, they proceeded and did just fine. This activity is a perfect back-to-school or sub-day activity. It required very little prep and materials. I let my students use any color construction paper they wanted as long as they selected two different colors. The results were fantastic! Grab your copy of the ...

Social Studies Toolbox

Search This Blog