Write the title of the book and the author. At the top of the page. Read about the author and write one sentence describing the author.

Read the story together. It is fine for the parent to do most of the writing for the first book you study as a teaching time. The students can write more and more as you go along, but don’t make it a pain for anyone.  It’s not cheating for the adult to do most of the notetaking, it’s teaching by example.

Use a notebook and draw 3 columns down your page. Draw 2 lines vertically down the page to make two sections of about 3 inches in width and one narrow column for vocabulary words and character names or important dates. You now have three sections in which to make notes. (2 wide, one narrow) As you proceed through the book, you will make notes in each of the columns as you wish. Don’t worry about filling in the page, simply jot notes to help you to understand the material as you go.


In your first section, make a story line of your book. You can choose to make notes or create a timeline of events. You can make the story line with brief headlines recording key events. (Boy fights with friend. Billy goes home mad, Trouble at home too. Boy runs away...meets Mary... etc.)

In the middle section, write your own comments. (“Billy is making a big mistake”... “uh oh, here comes trouble!” Great writing on page...etc. )

In your comment section you can also add other relevant important tidbits of information. (Relevant scripture citations, historical, scientific or geographical points of interest. Here is where your notes will be answering some important questions:

1. Who is the hero/ protagonist?
2. Who or what is working against the protagonist?
3. Where is the author using foreshadowing?
4. Where is the climax of the story?
5. What is the message of this book? (theme)
6. What is importance of this book? (purpose)
7. Is the author coming from a biblical worldview?

Your third column is a place to keep names, dates and locations clear as well as new words to learn.

Using this simple system, any book you read can be an important part of your curriculum. Enjoy the journey of reading wonderful “real” books!

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