Notes Make Listening More Productive

No matter how well your middle schooler listens in class, he/she can't
remember every important point. The solution is to take notes. Here are
some guidelines to follow:

Be brief. Don't write down everything the teacher says. Focus on the main
points and important details or examples.

Listen for cues. Teachers give lots of hints about what to write down. They
may:
—Repeat something several times.
—Speak loudly.
—Give a list of items.
—Define a word.
—Pause to give students time to write.
—Say things like, "The point is…."
—Summarize main ideas at the end of class.

Watch for cues. Teachers also give nonverbal signs, such as:
—Writing on the board.
—Using overheads.
—Pointing to things.
—Using other hand gestures.

Be organized. A popular way to take notes is to write major points on the
left side of the paper and details on the right. Using legal ruled paper
helps.

Paraphrase. Put things in your own words rather than quoting the teacher
exactly. This makes notes easier to understand later.

Write legibly. Notes don't have to be perfect, but they shouldn't need
recopying.

Review daily after class. Highlight key points, add missing details and
rewrite confusing or messy sections.