Annotating & Underlining

Techniques for Reading Actively and with a Purpose

Todays Objectives:
Students will be able to

Take precise notes during a teacher-led discussion; Understand what it means to annotate a text meaningfully; Learn how to examine and analyze a text closely, critically, and carefully using annotation and underlining

What is annotation?
Noun: annotation Verb: annotate

Refers to the act of noting important ideas, examples, terms, concepts, etc. in the margins of a text Heres a note to remind me of

Is annotation and underling the same thing?

No. Annotation refers specifically to recording ideas in the margins

Underlining is a support to annotation and should be done after annotating a text

How will annotating a text help me?

The annotation strategy serves a dual function: 1. Helps isolate key ideas during initial reading>>deeper level of processing ideas; 2. Helps you study for key ideas for tests >> self-testing device

Steps for annotating a text

1. Read the text once to get a general idea of the reading passage. 2. Read the text a second time and record initial annotations in the margins of the text. 3. Go back and underline any important key terms, concepts, ideas--be selective. 4. Revise or add information to your margin annotations.

What exactly am I supposed to annotate when I read a text?

Margin annotations might: define unfamiliar words/terms paraphrase information summarize information list steps/reasons/literary devices --- make a connection to another text relate to a personal experience react to an idea identify an opposing view analyze/evaluate information

Annotation Assignment:
Re-read Raymonds Run and annotate for Squeakys character traits. Follow these steps: 1. Re-read the story. 2. As you read, pay particular attention to places in the text that reveal information about Squeakys character. 4. Identify and comment on any methods of characterization you come across. Note what the example shows. 5.Finally, review the annotations and underline key phrases/sentences.

Example from Raymonds Run

Speech: And a lot of smart smart mouths and got mouths got lots to lots are slang. Make her say about that too, sound tough - a city kid. especially when George was minding him. But now, if anybody has anything to say to Raymond, Thoughts: anything to say about She is protective of her his big head, they have brother. to come by me.

Example from Raymonds Run

And I dont play the dozens or believe in standing around with somebody in Thoughts: my face doing a lot of talking. I much rather just Shell fight people who knock you down and take give her or her brother a hard time. Aggressive! my chances even if I am a little girl with skinny arms Looks: and a squeaky voice Shes a small girl. Maybe
she feels like she needs to make up for her size?

Do now.
With

a partner, re-read Raymonds Run and annotate. Remember:

First, annotate (identify and comment in the margins.) Then go back and underline key phrases, sentences and passages.

This Weekends Homework

Finish

annotating, if necessary. I will be checking your annotations on Monday! Write a character analysis for Squeaky. (Hint: it might help to consider motivation.) Write your analysis in your writing journal. You will turn in your journals on Wednesday.