Interactive Notes with No Cutting or Pasting!

During a lecture, do you notice that about half of your students do a great job listening, but don't write anything down while the other half does a great job writing things down, but aren't really listening?  My interactive notes solve both of these problems while giving students opportunities to engage in, talk about, and apply what they're learning while also helping them develop the skill of identifying and recording critical content.  As an added bonus, there is absolutely no cutting or pasting involved!

Here's How it Works

• Students are given a note taking sheet that organizes the notes, but only gives a limited amount of space to write so they learn to identify and record only the most critical content.  Not recording everything won't be a problem, because they will only write after they hear about, talk about, and think about the content!​

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• Before you start, review the three rules of interactive notes with them.
  1. When the teacher is talking, pencils down - NO WRITING!
  2. When directed, turn and talk with your neighbor or group.
  3. When directed (at the end of the slide's content), consider the most important information, and record it in the appropriate box.

• Each set begins with some focus vocabulary terms that will be used throughout the presentation.  Infusing content area vocabulary into as many lessons as possible and in as many ways as you can is a vital part of Marzano's Six Steps of Vocabulary Instruction.  Click the link to see more...

• Progress through each slide.  When I give notes, I like to add a lot of stories, jokes or interesting facts as I go - this is where you can add in your own creativity and flair to make it interesting and exciting for your particular class of students.

• There is always an activity at the end that gives your students an opportunity to apply or extend what they have learned.  It is also a great opportunity for you to see what connections they are making, or misconceptions they may have.

If my interactive notes sound like a good fit for your teaching style, or are something you want to take a risk and try, I have made a number of them, and plan on continuing to add to the list.  Their links to my TpT store are linked below, and remember to check out the rest of my store for other great inclusive, entertaining and Marzano aligned social studies resources that you and your students will love!​

World History Interactive Notes

• Introduction to Maps - FREE RESOURCE!
• Early Humans
• Bundle of 3 Mesopotamian Notes
• Mesopotamian Geography - Tigris & Euphrates 
• Mesopotamian Accomplishments
• Mesopotamian Social Structure
• Bundle of 3 Ancient Greek Notes
• Ancient Greek Philosophy
• Ancient Greek Military
• Ancient Greek Lifestyle
• Bundle of 3 Ancient Rome Notes
• Bundle of 3 Ancient Egypt Notes

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American History Interactive Notes

• American Government Self-Guided Bundle
• Branches of Government Self-Guided Notes
• The Constitutional Convention Self-Guided Notes
• Bill of Rights Self-Guided Notes
• Bundle of 3 European Colonization of North America
• Spanish Colonization of North America
• French Colonization of North America
• English Colonization of North America