How to Take Notes From a Social Studies Textbook

Highlight the facts.

Note taking for social studies can seem overwhelming. Oftentimes the text appears to be packed with a lot of information. Simply copying definitions word for word is ineffective. Being able to rephrase definitions into their own words will enable students to learn them easier. Also learning to pick out just the facts and not get weighted down with minute information will enhance learning. There is a better way to take notes for social studies from the textbook.

Things You'll Need

• Textbook
• Yellow/ or color of choice highlight pen/marker
• Note book
• Pen

Instructions

1. 

   Read Text.

   Open textbook to current chapter student is studying. Notice if text has words in bold or highlighted with colored print. Those words and or phrases are the key points to the chapter. Read the chapter or section paying attention to words followed by definition or explanations. As you read use colored highlighter to mark the word and definition or explanation. Try to begin sequencing events that led to a historical moment. It is important not just to note that a treaty ended a war. Identify the steps that led to the treaty.

2. 

   Write words and definitions

   Fold notebook paper in half. The paper should be folded from left to right and not top to bottom. Students who prefer not to fold the paper in half may draw a line down the middle of the page. Depending upon the material covered in the chapter multiple pieces of notebook paper may be needed. Additional pages should follow the same format. Use the left side of the paper to write down the historical event being discussed. Used the right side of the paper to identify the sequence of events that led to the historical moment. Be careful not to copy directly from the text rather put the event into your own words.

3. 

   Rephrase information in your own words.

   Pay attention to definitions. Rephrase the definition or explanation. Read the definition or explanation in the text but think about how to say it in your own words. Using the pen write the highlighted word or phrase on the left side of the line. On the right side of the line write the definition or explanation in your own words. When you have completed either skip a line. Continue the process throughout chapter. Social studies texts follow the order in which history happened. Therefore it is important for the definitions of key words to be incorporated into the sequencing of events. Do not let dates bog you down. Knowing the order of events is key in mastering social studies. Dates should serve as markers in helping to set up the order of events.

4. 

   Review your notes. Check for clarity.

   Review your notes after you are finished. Look at the key event that has been written on the left side of the page and read your definition or explanation that is on the right side of the page. Your words on the right side of the paper should be written so you clearly understand the definition or concept. The notes you have written should flow in the same order as the textbook. Reflecting that each step is built upon by the one that precedes it. Effective note taking for social studies needs to demonstrate clear understanding of how small events impacted greater events.

Tips & Warnings

• Students who struggle with social studies may need help extracting key information. The key to successful note taking is being able to sift through details that may be interesting but not critical to the explanation. Breaking down sentences and looking for bottom line information makes learning the material easier.

• If rephrasing is difficult or you are tempted to write down the words from the text word for word then you should seek out someone who understands the concepts better than you. If a fellow student is unable to explain it then always seek out the instructors input.

References

• Just Read Now
• Reading Quest
• Reading Strategies

Resources

• Landmark Outreach: Classroom Uses for Two Column Notes
• Slideshare: Two column Notes Made Easy