Effective Note-Taking Strategies for Students: How to Teach Middle Schoolers to Take Better Notes
Helping students become better note-takers can make a big difference in how they learn and perform in class. But most middle schoolers don’t naturally know how to take notes. They either write down too much, not enough, or just copy what’s on the board.
This post will walk you through effective note-taking strategies for students, simple ways to teach them, and how to use note-taking templates to make your job easier.
Why Structured Note-Taking Helps
When students have no structure, note-taking becomes overwhelming. Some try to write down everything the teacher says. Others freeze and write nothing. That’s why teaching students to take better notes starts with giving them a clear format.
Structured note-taking helps students:
It also builds a skill they’ll need in high school and beyond. Handwritten notes—especially when done with purpose—are proven to support long-term learning.
Structured note-taking helps students:
- Focus on what’s important
- Stay organized
- Understand and remember key ideas
- Feel more confident in class
It also builds a skill they’ll need in high school and beyond. Handwritten notes—especially when done with purpose—are proven to support long-term learning.
Match the Format to the Lesson
Different lessons call for different note-taking formats. When you’re picking a method, think about the kind of information students need to record.
Here are a few examples:
When students learn more than one way to take notes, they have options to choose from as they grow.
Here are a few examples:
- Cornell Notes – Best for lectures, textbook readings, or independent study
- Box Notes – Good for breaking content into parts (like causes, effects, examples)
- Charting Notes – Great for comparing ideas or organizing facts
- Slide-Based Notes – Designed to go along with presentations
- Mapping Notes – Help visual learners connect big ideas and brainstorm
When students learn more than one way to take notes, they have options to choose from as they grow.
Model First, Then Let Them Try It
Don’t expect students to know how to take notes without help. First, show them what good notes look like. Use your document camera and think out loud while you write them. Explain why you're choosing certain words or organizing things in a specific way.
Next, work through a short example together. Finally, let students try it on their own. Over time, give less support so they can take notes independently.
This gradual release process works much better than just handing them a blank page and saying, “Take notes.”
Next, work through a short example together. Finally, let students try it on their own. Over time, give less support so they can take notes independently.
This gradual release process works much better than just handing them a blank page and saying, “Take notes.”
Use Templates to Provide Structure
If you want to make note-taking easier to teach, structured note-taking templates are a game-changer. Students don’t have to worry about how to set up their page or what to include. Instead, they focus on the actual content.
Our Note-Taking Templates for Grades 6–9 include 15 different formats you can use across subjects. They’re great for:
The templates are clean, printer-friendly, and distraction-free. With examples and teacher instructions included, it’s easy to get started.
Our Note-Taking Templates for Grades 6–9 include 15 different formats you can use across subjects. They’re great for:
- Science labs
- Social studies texts
- ELA readings
- Math problem breakdowns
- Class discussions or group work
The templates are clean, printer-friendly, and distraction-free. With examples and teacher instructions included, it’s easy to get started.
Make Note Review a Routine
Taking notes is just the first step. Students also need to look back at their notes and make them work for them.
At the end of a lesson or week, take a few minutes to:
This builds strong study habits and helps students take ownership of their learning.
At the end of a lesson or week, take a few minutes to:
- Highlight key points
- Add quick summaries
- Ask questions based on the notes
- Review notes with a partner
This builds strong study habits and helps students take ownership of their learning.
Ready-To-Use Templates to Save You Time
If you're ready to teach note-taking in a simple, effective way, grab my Printable Note-Taking Templates. These 15 templates are perfect for middle schoolers and work with any subject. You’ll also get teacher tips, student examples, and guidance for helping students move from guided notes to independence.
👉 Click here to get your Note-Taking Templates now!
👉 Click here to get your Note-Taking Templates now!
You May Also Like...
|
|
|
Let's Connect...
Welcome! I'm Hillary Midgley, a veteran 6th grade teacher.
I create educational materials and develop curriculum for other teachers. I specialize in teaching students how to learn through my Study Skills Curriculum. I have established fundamental classroom systems and structures for teachers to help them streamline their classroom. And my passion is teaching ancient history through engaging activities with foundations in academic skills. Here you will find resources on all of these topics and more. Learn more about me here.
|
|
|
|
