Visual Note-Taking Made Easy : Otters, Axolotls & More!

This three session self-paced class is designed to support learners in developing their note taking, reading,  and listening comprehension skills. Each session offers students opportunities to learn and practice visual note-taking strategies.  Each class will begin with a mini lesson on a note-taking strategy that is effective for students with ADHD and other learning differences.  

The strategies taught in this class are:

Day 1: Mind Mapping (Axolotl Presentation)

Day 2: Sketch Notes (Island Fox Presentation)

Day 3: Venn Diagrams for Note-taking (Sea Otters vs River Otters Presentation)

Students will then use the strategy of the day to take notes in response to a teacher presentation.  

After class, learners will receive an optional self paced Kahoot! based on the presentation to test their comprehension and the effectiveness of the note-taking strategy.  After the final class session, learners will also receive a self assessment that they can use to review what they learned and create a plan for using this strategy in their academic work.

This class teaches note-taking strategies that help learners with dyslexia or dysgraphia explore strategies that are simple and use few words as well as symbols and images.  Students with ADHD will also explore new techniques to improve working memory and improve focus.  

Assessments include an un-timed Kahoot! to help the student evaluate how note taking supported their comprehension of the presentation.  I will also give a Google Doc based self assessment form that invites the learner to share "takeaways" from the class and identify possible situations where they can continue to practice these note-taking strategies. Assessments are optional and may be done after class.  

This class requires access to paper and a pen or pencil.  Students can also take notes on a tablet if they prefer.