I love this post! Note taking is my love language. Through the act of note-taking, I develop a deeper understanding of the text, myself, and the world around me.
For someone who’s never taken notes while reading, it may feel like work in the beginning however once you get the hang of it, it becomes a reward! One that you can look back on often.
I write in my books and in a journal. This may not be for everyone, but I love doing both. I recently started using Shari’s index method, and I love, love, love it!
Great stuff here ladies! I started taking notes a couple years ago and it has been a game changer for me! I do use a pen (Tul medium needle point black) because I like the permanence of it! I underline, write notes in the margins, and then also write notes in my reading journal. I keep a separate commonplace for quotes. My reading journal is indexed by topics/themes, etc...slightly different than your method but accomplishing the same thing. Keep up the great work.
Thanks, Matthew. I’ve seen a post where you mention the pens you sue. I’m thinking about ordering some to see if I like them. I love that you want the permanence of your notes. I should be so bold. Maybe 2025 is my year. 😁. I also keep a separate reading journal. Actually, I have a journal specifically for R&W — which tends to be an overall reading journal since most everything I read is possible fodder for R&W essays.
So, I have a question about your reading journal indexing: Do you go through your notebook once it’s full and create your topic index in the front (or back) of it? Or do you index as you go? And then, do you number your pages? I’m super curious about this. It’s a great idea. Right now I use those small post-it tabs and write the topics on the tabs to find particular themes/topics more easily.
Thanks for your membership and encouragement, Matthew. :)
I index as I go. I save some pages at the back and put 2 letters on each page (A/B, C/D, etc...) I do number my pages but I only write on the right hand side so those are the pages I number. The left hand side is left blank for future notes or thoughts when I go back and review or if I want to sketch or anything random. I will take some pics and send so you can see.
Judy, if you go to the chat section then you will find direct messages there. I am not sure about the app as I only use the desktop version but all my messages appear in the chat portion of the homepage.
Judy, if you are still having trouble finding it and using the app, I would go to the desktop. I'm with Matthew, I rarely use the app to engage on Substack, as I find it much harder to navigate and find everything I need, like the chat function (it looks like a dialogue bubble). It's on the left-hand side of the screen. Hopefully that all helps. :)
wow, thank you! This is the best article I have read on note taking and I love your suggested questions. I am going to try these suggestions and print out the questions for use when reading. I was an English lit major in college and love to read 19th C novels as well as current non fiction, but no one ever taught us how to read, they just said read and now write your paper. (1960's college)
You're welcome, Judy. What a high compliment. Thank you. :) I'm right there with you on never being taught how to read. Everything I've learned has been through the decade I spent homeschooling my own children, and the study of the craft of writing--mostly fiction writing, but non-fiction as well. And all that happened as an adult, NOT when I was in high school or college where you'd think those foundational skills would be taught (!).
I love this post! Note taking is my love language. Through the act of note-taking, I develop a deeper understanding of the text, myself, and the world around me.
For someone who’s never taken notes while reading, it may feel like work in the beginning however once you get the hang of it, it becomes a reward! One that you can look back on often.
I write in my books and in a journal. This may not be for everyone, but I love doing both. I recently started using Shari’s index method, and I love, love, love it!
Great stuff here ladies! I started taking notes a couple years ago and it has been a game changer for me! I do use a pen (Tul medium needle point black) because I like the permanence of it! I underline, write notes in the margins, and then also write notes in my reading journal. I keep a separate commonplace for quotes. My reading journal is indexed by topics/themes, etc...slightly different than your method but accomplishing the same thing. Keep up the great work.
Thanks, Matthew. I’ve seen a post where you mention the pens you sue. I’m thinking about ordering some to see if I like them. I love that you want the permanence of your notes. I should be so bold. Maybe 2025 is my year. 😁. I also keep a separate reading journal. Actually, I have a journal specifically for R&W — which tends to be an overall reading journal since most everything I read is possible fodder for R&W essays.
So, I have a question about your reading journal indexing: Do you go through your notebook once it’s full and create your topic index in the front (or back) of it? Or do you index as you go? And then, do you number your pages? I’m super curious about this. It’s a great idea. Right now I use those small post-it tabs and write the topics on the tabs to find particular themes/topics more easily.
Thanks for your membership and encouragement, Matthew. :)
I index as I go. I save some pages at the back and put 2 letters on each page (A/B, C/D, etc...) I do number my pages but I only write on the right hand side so those are the pages I number. The left hand side is left blank for future notes or thoughts when I go back and review or if I want to sketch or anything random. I will take some pics and send so you can see.
Yes. If you don’t mind. I would love a visual. Thanks, Matthew!
Sent you a message with photos.
I would like to see them as well.
Sent you a direct message with photos.
How do I find a direct message? It doesn't seem to be in the help--
Judy, if you go to the chat section then you will find direct messages there. I am not sure about the app as I only use the desktop version but all my messages appear in the chat portion of the homepage.
Judy, if you are still having trouble finding it and using the app, I would go to the desktop. I'm with Matthew, I rarely use the app to engage on Substack, as I find it much harder to navigate and find everything I need, like the chat function (it looks like a dialogue bubble). It's on the left-hand side of the screen. Hopefully that all helps. :)
For note taking tips, I like Haley Larsen’s Closely Reading. She has an 8-part series on the subject.
Thanks for sharing, Seher. I’ll have to look it up. :)
wow, thank you! This is the best article I have read on note taking and I love your suggested questions. I am going to try these suggestions and print out the questions for use when reading. I was an English lit major in college and love to read 19th C novels as well as current non fiction, but no one ever taught us how to read, they just said read and now write your paper. (1960's college)
You're welcome, Judy. What a high compliment. Thank you. :) I'm right there with you on never being taught how to read. Everything I've learned has been through the decade I spent homeschooling my own children, and the study of the craft of writing--mostly fiction writing, but non-fiction as well. And all that happened as an adult, NOT when I was in high school or college where you'd think those foundational skills would be taught (!).
Shari, thanks. You gave both practical and helpful advice.
Sure thing, Richard. I'm so pleased you found something of use to you. :)
Notice what you notice. This would be a great song in a Broadway musical! I just had to say it.