Case 7 of 16

Note-Taking

Writing ideas in YOUR own words — short, organized, and connected — not copying word for word.

Copying is your hand doing the work while your brain naps. Good notes squeeze an idea into your OWN words. If you can shrink it, you understood it.

Your words, not their words. If your notes could be read by a robot, they’re copies. Make them sound like YOU.

Why did the note-taker always bring a highlighter to breakfast?
Because they liked to start the day by highlighting the main points!

Students who put notes in their own words remember far more than students who copy the text exactly — the shrinking IS the learning.

✅ Quick check: Which is the better note: (A) the sentence copied exactly from the book, or (B) the same idea in 5 of your own words?

Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.

Read one paragraph, cover it, and write the main idea in ONE sentence of your own words. Peek to check.

🤸 Brain break: Air-write your name HUGE with one finger — big loopy letters. Now your hand’s warmed up for real notes.