Introduction: How to Take Well-Written Notes

Note taking can sometimes be a hassle during class, especially if it feels like you are just writing lots of words. Today I am going to show you 2 easy ways to take well-written notes that will help you better understand what you are learning.

Supplies

  • pencil or pen
  • paper
  • highlighter
  • any other coloring tools you want

Step 1: Traditional Notes

The first method of note taking that I will be teaching you is the most common way, taking traditional notes. Even though taking traditional notes may sound boring, it is a quick and efficient way to write down good quality information.

Step 2: Create a Key

This step is optional, but I recommend creating a key to organize your notes.

Step 3: Create a Title

Create a title. You may also add subtitles to break down subjects even further.

Step 4: Take Notes

After making a title, you are ready to take notes! Summarize and abbreviate to save time. Make sure what you are writing MAKES SENSE TO YOU!

Things to include in notes are:

  • important dates
  • important locations
  • formulas
  • causes and effects
  • definitions
  • diagrams
  • anything else that will help you learn better (ex. analogies, acronyms, silly songs)

Step 5: You Are Done!

Congratulations! You have finished learning how to take traditional notes! Here is an example of what your notes should look like.

Step 6: Note Map

Now that you have learned how to take traditional notes, I wanted to show you a more fun and creative method called a note map.

Step 7: Create a Title

Create a title. You can make this as simple or fancy as you want.

Step 8: Create Branches

After creating a title, you may now organize your notes into different branches (subtitles).

Step 9: Create

Once your branches have been made, you are ready to start taking notes!

P.S. The branches just signify a different subject. You can have more than one branch and you can expand a branch. Think about a tree!

Step 10: Customization

This step is optional, but feel free to personalize your note map with whatever you like!

Suggestions are:

  • adding color
  • doodles
  • outlining things
  • trying new fonts

Step 11: You Are Done!

Congratulations! You have finished learning how to create a note map! Here is an example of how your notes should look.