Here are some tips to help any teen take better notes:

Be prepared. You can’t take notes if you don’t have a pencil or if your pencil breaks. Make sure you have plenty of pens, pencils, and paper.

Start a new page every day. Begin at the top of a fresh piece of paper for every class. Write the date at the top. It’s easier to take notes only on one side of the paper.

Sit close. It’s easier for most teens to focus on what the teacher says if they sit near the front of the room.

Leave plenty of room. You may want to add a few ideas later, so leave blank space on the page.

Use visuals. A picture really is worth a thousand words. A chart or a diagram can help make an idea more clear.

Use colors and shapes. Try drawing a circle or box around the most important idea. Or use colored markers to show how ideas relate.

Copyright © Parent Institute