Cornell Notes

Note taking with 5th graders can be a cumbersome task. The use of Google Docs has literally transformed the writing in my classroom in so many ways, one of my favorites being the ability to take notes directly in Google Docs while using the research tool. 

Cornell Note Taking is an excellent method of collecting information. It is streamlined, allows for students to remain organized and provides prompts of specific details for the students to take notes on. This is a two column note taking system. The summary portion at the bottom is great for having students summarize the main ideas from their notes. 

We're currently working on a Civil War Biography project. I'll share the steps throughout the next few days so you can follow our progress. Today we began with researching various Civil War people using the following website from PBS. Each student followed the link on our website and needed to read the short blurbs regarding each character. This afternoon after reading all the information students will choose one person who they will investigate further. 

I've already shared the Note Taking guide with the class using Google Docs. We reviewed the topic areas for specific note taking and tomorrow we will use Chrome Books to research our selected character. 

Civil War Short Biographies


Civil War Biography Note Taking Guide