3-4 th grade teachers

what are ur stategies for taking notes during the ELA and answering M.C. questions?

We model Part 2 for the kids of overhead for notetaking. I used to use a format, but have gotten more "free" in letting them use whatever system they want for notetaking(columns, four squares etc). We do the sample test and at least one previous test then go over each section on overhead and have the kids rubric grade them.
As for MC, since it is such a big portion of points, we tie a lot of our Reading Workshop mini lessons into strategies. We do a lot of skills that usually appear (using previous NYS item maps). We try to incorporate the skills into all reading so that it is not ALL test prep. In the end, you do the MC practice of course bc you have to...

I just did ELA test prep, so here's what I did.

I have them read the passage once for info, then reread and underline. Only if they have time. Otherwise, look over questions, then read. When it comes time to answer, I have them read the question with each answer. This helps to make sure the answer sounds right. They also must cross out what they believe is completley wrong. And even if they think B is correct, they must still look at C and D just to be safe.

I have gotten them used to using a web....in the middle title then on the sides...plot, characters, setting, theme

For MC questions...read each choice...cross out the ones that are definetely not the answer....put a dot next to any possiblities...try and narrow it down to two and then decide the best answer...always go back to the story

Message edited 1/6/2007 12:00:40 AM.

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Posted by beautyq115

I have gotten them used to using a web....in the middle title then on the sides...plot, characters, setting, theme

For MC questions...read each choice...cross out the ones that are definetely not the answer....put a dot next to any possiblities...try and narrow it down to two and then decide the best answer...always go back to the story

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Posted by islandersgirl74

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Posted by beautyq115

I have gotten them used to using a web....in the middle title then on the sides...plot, characters, setting, theme

For MC questions...read each choice...cross out the ones that are definetely not the answer....put a dot next to any possiblities...try and narrow it down to two and then decide the best answer...always go back to the story

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I do the same basically for my kids. I also do a lot of highlighting key words in the directions and questions. I do allow them to note take in whatever way is comfortable to them. We also say K.I.S.S...KEEP IT SHORT and SIMPLE!

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For the notes part, we use a T-chart-one side is who and what--the other side details--that is for the listening section for the planning page. Then for MC, I make them read the ?'s first-when we go over MC practice I make them go back in the passage and show me where they found their answer.

Message edited 1/6/2007 11:19:55 AM.