I don't like annotating, but it's required. What do I do?

Answer 1

You are not alone! Many students find annotating challenging. It's not just underlining and highlighting, there's a purpose! Here are a few tips & tricks to consider.

1.) COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS- Read the chapter questions first and then highlight the answers as you find them in the novel. Whether your teacher assigns comprehension questions or you Google some on your own, this is an excellent way to make sure you're staying on track with the novel. 

2.) CHARACTER LIST - Add a post-it note to the inside cover of your novel and add the main character names as they are introduced. Give yourself a little room so you can add character traits and important information as presented. Highlight that as you read.

3.) NEW, INTERESTING WORDS - Highlight or circle new words, look up the meaning, and jot it down in the novel. If you think a word is interesting, do the same!

4.) LITERARY DEVICES - Highlight literary devices you recognize. Alliteration, personification, hyperbole. 

5.) YOUR THOUGHTS - Did a character say or do something odd? Write that on the page. Are you unsure what's happening? Write it down!. Later, when it becomes clear, you can also write that on the page. Do you disagree or agree with something that's happening...you go it- write it down!

 There are many ways to annotate, and I'd love to help students feel more confident about this process! 

Answer 2

Totally understandable! There are several strategies that I have found effective.

1. Are there 1-2 literary devices, like symbolism or metaphors, that come easy to you in terms of finding in a text? If so, these could make great annotations.
2. Make a character list – note what main characters are doing throughout several chapters. Are you noticing any patterns regarding their decisions or personalities? Character notes also make for good evidence of close reading.
3. The theme! Is there a consistent message or idea that you keep seeing throughout the book – within specific text passages? Finding consistency in an overall message or theme is an important reading skill and demonstrates a deeper engagement with the text.