Annotating Doug Fisher

Text to Deepen and

Understanding Nancy Frey
Annotation is a note of
any form made while
reading text.

“Reading with a pencil.”

People have been annotating
texts since there have been
texts to annotate.
Annotation is not highlighting.
 Why annotate?
- it slows down the
reader
- it deepens
understanding
To be an effective
annotator, you MUST
pay close attention to your
thoughts, feelings,
reactions, etc…
Middle school
student’s
annotation of
connotative
meanings in
Charlotte’s Web
Annotation occurs with
digital and print texts.
 Annotation in Grades 6-8
• BEFORE YOU ANNOTATE – Read the piece once
through.
On your second read:
• Start with a purpose – If not given something specific
to look for as you read, use the title and headings to
create a question at the top of your page.
• Number each paragraph.
• Underline:
• The major points.
• Any figurative language and note the type (e.g.
simile).
• “Rule of 5” – Try not to underline more than 5
consecutive words. If too much is underlined,
then nothing stands out.
 Annotation in Grades 6-8
• Circle keywords or phrases that are confusing or
unknown to you. Write definitions in the margin.
• Use a question mark (?) for questions that you
have during the reading. Be sure to write your
question.
• Use an exclamation mark (!) for things that surprise
you, and briefly note what it was that caught your
attention.
• Draw an arrow (↵) when you make a connection
to, have a thought about, or reaction to something
text. Briefly note your connections, thoughts, or
reactions in the margins.
• Write a brief summary when done.
Modeled
annotation
in Seventh
Grade