8 answers
Kloie
Student
The Colony, Texas
8
Questions
Asked
1309 views
How do I take notes?
Ive never knew how to take notes and now that I’m going into high school I figured it would be beneficial to be able to take notes. So… yeah.
8 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Kloie!
First off — huge respect to you for wanting to level up your note-taking game before high school even starts! That's already half the battle won because honestly... nobody teaches us how to take notes — they just expect us to magically know how.
The advice you've already got from Srinidhi and Dina is super helpful — especially about figuring out what type of learner you are and organizing your notes around that. But let's crack the code even further on how to take notes that I believe would actually work for YOU. Many students have even recommended them back!
The Golden Rule: know that, Notes aren't just about writing stuff down — they're about thinking while you're writing.
1. Find Your Note-Taking Style
Everyone's brain works differently, so your mission is to figure out what makes your brain go "Ohhh, I get it now!"
Here are some styles you can try out:
Bullet Points + Headings: Simple, classic, straight to the point — perfect for subjects like history or science where you're dealing with facts.
Mind Maps: If you're a visual learner, try drawing little diagrams with bubbles and arrows connecting ideas — great for subjects like literature or biology.
Cornell Method: Divide your page into three sections — notes on one side, keywords on the other, and a summary at the bottom. This one's a secret weapon for when you're trying to actually understand stuff instead of just memorizing it.
Color Coding + Doodles: Highlighting or using colored pens makes your notes feel ✨ less boring ✨ and helps your brain separate the important bits from the fluff.
2. Notes in Class vs. After Class👀
During class: Write messy, think fast, get everything down — even if it's half-sentences or random words. You're not trying to make it pretty — you're trying to catch every little brain crumb the teacher is dropping.
After class: This is where the magic happens. Go home, look at your messy notes, and rewrite them neatly while adding little explanations in your own words. This trick makes your brain actually process what you learned instead of just copying stuff down like a robot.
3. Your Secret Weapon 🔥
Alrighhht, Wanna know what makes notes actually stick in your brain? Make them talk back to you. 🤪
Instead of just writing down facts like:
The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.
Write it like you're explaining it to your future self:
Why do I care about mitochondria? Oh right, they're the little engines that keep cells alive — basically the Duracell batteries of biology.
4. Tech vs. Paper
If you're more of a tech person, apps like Notion, Google Docs, or even your phone's Notes app can make your life 1000x easier. Bonus points if you throw in emojis, GIFs, or little memes to make your notes feel less like homework and more like your personal survival guide.
5. The Final Touch: Review + Revise
Here's the secret that most people skip — notes aren't a one-and-done thing. The more you come back to them, the more your brain locks that info in like a little knowledge vault.
Try setting a reminder to glance through your notes once a week — even if it's just for five minutes. Future Kloie will thank you when finals roll around and you're not cramming at 3AM with cold pizza and regret.
Last Little hit now! ✨
Don't be afraid to make your notes yours. Draw little stick figures. Write jokes in the margins. Pretend you're writing a letter to your future self explaining what the heck photosynthesis is. The more your notes feel like you, the easier they'll be to remember.
You're already thinking like a high school superhero, Kloie — now you're just building your secret weapon stash.
Go get 'em! All the bets and good luck dear! 🤗
First off — huge respect to you for wanting to level up your note-taking game before high school even starts! That's already half the battle won because honestly... nobody teaches us how to take notes — they just expect us to magically know how.
The advice you've already got from Srinidhi and Dina is super helpful — especially about figuring out what type of learner you are and organizing your notes around that. But let's crack the code even further on how to take notes that I believe would actually work for YOU. Many students have even recommended them back!
The Golden Rule: know that, Notes aren't just about writing stuff down — they're about thinking while you're writing.
1. Find Your Note-Taking Style
Everyone's brain works differently, so your mission is to figure out what makes your brain go "Ohhh, I get it now!"
Here are some styles you can try out:
Bullet Points + Headings: Simple, classic, straight to the point — perfect for subjects like history or science where you're dealing with facts.
Mind Maps: If you're a visual learner, try drawing little diagrams with bubbles and arrows connecting ideas — great for subjects like literature or biology.
Cornell Method: Divide your page into three sections — notes on one side, keywords on the other, and a summary at the bottom. This one's a secret weapon for when you're trying to actually understand stuff instead of just memorizing it.
Color Coding + Doodles: Highlighting or using colored pens makes your notes feel ✨ less boring ✨ and helps your brain separate the important bits from the fluff.
2. Notes in Class vs. After Class👀
During class: Write messy, think fast, get everything down — even if it's half-sentences or random words. You're not trying to make it pretty — you're trying to catch every little brain crumb the teacher is dropping.
After class: This is where the magic happens. Go home, look at your messy notes, and rewrite them neatly while adding little explanations in your own words. This trick makes your brain actually process what you learned instead of just copying stuff down like a robot.
3. Your Secret Weapon 🔥
Alrighhht, Wanna know what makes notes actually stick in your brain? Make them talk back to you. 🤪
Instead of just writing down facts like:
The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell.
Write it like you're explaining it to your future self:
Why do I care about mitochondria? Oh right, they're the little engines that keep cells alive — basically the Duracell batteries of biology.
4. Tech vs. Paper
If you're more of a tech person, apps like Notion, Google Docs, or even your phone's Notes app can make your life 1000x easier. Bonus points if you throw in emojis, GIFs, or little memes to make your notes feel less like homework and more like your personal survival guide.
5. The Final Touch: Review + Revise
Here's the secret that most people skip — notes aren't a one-and-done thing. The more you come back to them, the more your brain locks that info in like a little knowledge vault.
Try setting a reminder to glance through your notes once a week — even if it's just for five minutes. Future Kloie will thank you when finals roll around and you're not cramming at 3AM with cold pizza and regret.
Last Little hit now! ✨
Don't be afraid to make your notes yours. Draw little stick figures. Write jokes in the margins. Pretend you're writing a letter to your future self explaining what the heck photosynthesis is. The more your notes feel like you, the easier they'll be to remember.
You're already thinking like a high school superhero, Kloie — now you're just building your secret weapon stash.
Go get 'em! All the bets and good luck dear! 🤗
Thanks for all the advice and encouragement, this will reallly help me in high school.😊
Kloie
Wow, I actually didn't know about this steps of note taking and I actually didn't think at first it was a thing and when I saw Kloie's question I got curious. Thank you I will differently be using your step 3 to 5. I never revise and review more than once . Thank you Dr H was really helpful.
Zaroon
That’s awesome to hear, Kloie! Your words made me smile! Remember, High school is a journey—enjoy the ride, keep learning, and trust yourself. You got this!
Dr H
That’s great to know, Zaroon! Note-taking is a game changer, and reviewing more than once makes all the difference. Glad you found steps 3 to 5 helpful—give them a shot, and you’ll see the impact. Keep that curiosity going!
Dr H
Martha, your support is always appreciated! Thank you!
Dr H
Dina R. D'Alessandro, MS, RDN, CDN
Registered Dietitian
7
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Dina R.’s Answer
Hi, Kloie!
First, is there a textbook or other resource you plan on scribbling in (highlighting, underlining)? Are you downloading PowerPoint slides and annotating them? Are you using a paper or digital document to scribble down your lectures? Are certain subjects harder than others for you to take notes (art vs literature vs math, for example)?
Next, consider all the ways you like to learn and what is most challenging to keep track of when you are in class. If there are keywords or definitions you have to memorize, you might want to make a list to keep track of and practice rehearsing/reviewing these. Same with specific dates or times if you're studying something like history. Maybe you like to draw a timeline instead of write words down which might make it easier to remember what's been discussed.
Lastly, how do you plan to review or revise/add to these notes after class? For example, once you have your notes, maybe you want to go back and ask yourself questions about what you learned or what you need to remember from those notes for an upcoming test.
If you're able to come back and elaborate on some of the questions I posed above, I'm happy to give you more guidance!
First, is there a textbook or other resource you plan on scribbling in (highlighting, underlining)? Are you downloading PowerPoint slides and annotating them? Are you using a paper or digital document to scribble down your lectures? Are certain subjects harder than others for you to take notes (art vs literature vs math, for example)?
Next, consider all the ways you like to learn and what is most challenging to keep track of when you are in class. If there are keywords or definitions you have to memorize, you might want to make a list to keep track of and practice rehearsing/reviewing these. Same with specific dates or times if you're studying something like history. Maybe you like to draw a timeline instead of write words down which might make it easier to remember what's been discussed.
Lastly, how do you plan to review or revise/add to these notes after class? For example, once you have your notes, maybe you want to go back and ask yourself questions about what you learned or what you need to remember from those notes for an upcoming test.
Dina R. recommends the following next steps:
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
Zaroon
Hi Dina! Welcome to CV, and thanks for being a part of things!
Kim Igleheart
Srinidhi Srinivasan
Fictional writer in Pratilipi and Wattpad
4
Answers
Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Srinidhi’s Answer
1.Read the lesson once.
2.Write down topics and important words in a sheet.
3.Read it again and try to understand .
4.Now write answers to the topics in a note .
5.If you want more details regarding a topics google it and write it down.
6.Now your notes is ready.
2.Write down topics and important words in a sheet.
3.Read it again and try to understand .
4.Now write answers to the topics in a note .
5.If you want more details regarding a topics google it and write it down.
6.Now your notes is ready.
Marylou DiFilippo
Actor, Teacher
64
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Marylou’s Answer
Graduated magnacumlaude. Why? Cause I was a master at note taking.
Of course I was listening. But I was compelled to take notes. Listening and writing simultaneously. Not only did it make my time in the classroom more interesting, it served me well when it came to exams. I had everything I needed at my fingertips.
My advice… listen actively and take good and careful notes. It will pay off.
Best,
Marylou
Magna cum laude. It’s an academic term. Not a profanity.
Of course I was listening. But I was compelled to take notes. Listening and writing simultaneously. Not only did it make my time in the classroom more interesting, it served me well when it came to exams. I had everything I needed at my fingertips.
My advice… listen actively and take good and careful notes. It will pay off.
Best,
Marylou
Marylou recommends the following next steps:
Carole Young
Self Employed
2
Answers
Washington, Indiana
Updated
Carole’s Answer
If you have a teacher who writes notes on the board, that's a bonus: You can copy them down. ...
Don't overdo it.
Don't go crazy taking notes, though: You'll be frantic if you try to write down every word that's said in class. ...
Ask. ...
Compare. ...
Copy. ...
Organize.
Don't overdo it.
Don't go crazy taking notes, though: You'll be frantic if you try to write down every word that's said in class. ...
Ask. ...
Compare. ...
Copy. ...
Organize.
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
431
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Good for you looking to learn new skills. I suggest keeping it simple. When you hear or read something you want to remember, jot down (on paper, ipad or phone) just a couple of key words next to the topic. At the end of the day, take just a minute to review your notes. When needed, you can go back to them.
With every good wish and many blessings,
Karen
With every good wish and many blessings,
Karen
Gerald J Olseski Jr
Certified Peer Support Specialist
47
Answers
Riverview, Michigan
Updated
Gerald J’s Answer
When I was in highschool, this was back in the 1990's before we had internet, we used to use paper and pencil to write down notes.
With the internet and how improved the tech is, there are apps for taking notes now and some websites have a place for writing notes.
Also Google has Google Notes.
With the internet and how improved the tech is, there are apps for taking notes now and some websites have a place for writing notes.
Also Google has Google Notes.
Kristina Du
Enterprise Technology Solutions Associate at PwC
50
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Kristina’s Answer
Hi,
That’s a great question, and it’s awesome that you’re thinking about note-taking before high school—it’ll definitely help you stay organized and study better! There are actually a few different ways you can take notes, and it really depends on what works best for you.
One popular method is the Cornell Method, where you divide your page into sections: one side for main notes, a smaller side for key terms/questions, and a summary at the bottom. It helps a lot when reviewing later! If you like things more structured, you might prefer the Outline Method, where you use bullet points to break topics into main ideas and subpoints.
If you’re more of a visual learner, Mind Mapping could be a great option—drawing out main ideas in the center and branching out related topics. And for classes with a lot of details, making charts or tables is super helpful for organizing comparisons.
The key is to keep your notes clear, use highlights or colors for important points, and review them regularly so you actually remember what you wrote down. Try a few methods and see what works best for you! If you’re worried about a specific subject, I can give you some more tailored tips too.
That’s a great question, and it’s awesome that you’re thinking about note-taking before high school—it’ll definitely help you stay organized and study better! There are actually a few different ways you can take notes, and it really depends on what works best for you.
One popular method is the Cornell Method, where you divide your page into sections: one side for main notes, a smaller side for key terms/questions, and a summary at the bottom. It helps a lot when reviewing later! If you like things more structured, you might prefer the Outline Method, where you use bullet points to break topics into main ideas and subpoints.
If you’re more of a visual learner, Mind Mapping could be a great option—drawing out main ideas in the center and branching out related topics. And for classes with a lot of details, making charts or tables is super helpful for organizing comparisons.
The key is to keep your notes clear, use highlights or colors for important points, and review them regularly so you actually remember what you wrote down. Try a few methods and see what works best for you! If you’re worried about a specific subject, I can give you some more tailored tips too.
Thank you for taking the time to help.
Kloie
Delete Comment
Flag Comment