Coping.org: Tools for Coping with Life's Stressors

Home
Up
Overview
Interest/Activate
Manage
Affirm
Gather
Organize
Outline
Decide
Strategize
Test
Use
Do
Evaluate
Normalize
Try

I AM A GOOD STUDENT

 

 

G  Gather

Content:

 

PURPOSE

Library skills and note-taking skills are discussed and developed in the GATHER step. Each skill is discussed , taught and implemented.

BACKGROUND

NOTE-TAKING TIPS

1. Be prepared with the appropriate paper and pens or pencils at the beginning of each class. Always date each page and put on the subject and source.

2. Listen carefully. Keep your mind on what the teacher is saying. Try not to look at or think of anything else. Listen for key words from the teacher such as: "Remember this," "This is important," "Finally." Listen to your teacher's voice. Louder words are often important to write down and remember .

3. Watch the speaker closely. Forms of gestures, facial expressions, items written on the board, certain types of pauses, the way the teacher emphasizes and illustrates a point or concept -vocally, dramatically, quietly or with some particular device like a picture, slide object, etc. can provide clues to important information.

4. Take notes in your own words. Don't write down every word the teacher says.. Write the important words and phrases to help you to remember. Quotes, rules, laws or formulas should, however, be written exactly.

5. Shorten words and use phrases instead of sentences. 

6. Write down the main ideas and supporting details in a preliminary outline form or write the main idea and then indent as you write the supporting details. 

7. Fold your paper in half the long way. Write on the right side and leave the other side to add information you might get later, or skip a line in between each line of notes to add additional facts.

8. Use abbreviations to help you such as the following: 

  • e.g. for example w/ with

  • w/o without re: regarding

  • etc. et cetra = equal

  • b/c because b/t between

9. Rewrite your notes the same day that you take them to clarify ideas and to add additional information.

REFERENCE TOOLS

One of the first tools to learn to use when using the library is the Dewey Decimal System.

The following numbers indicate only the major headings, secondary information can be found within each section.

000 to 099 General Works (encyclopedias)

100 to 199 Philosophy, Psychology

200 to 299 Religion (also mythology)

300 to 399 Sociology (government, law, economics, commerce, education)

400 to 499 Language (dictionaries, grammars)

500 to 599 Natural Sciences (astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics, botany, mathematics)

600 to 699 Useful Arts (home economics, gardening, engineering, medicine, agriculture, manufacturing)

700 to 799 Fine Arts (painting, sculpturing, drawing, architecture, music, photography, indoor and outdoor activities)

800 to 899 Literature

900 to 999 History (geography, biography)

On each book you will find a "call number," which is the key to finding a book. This number consists of the Dewey Decimal classification plus the author's last initial or the first letters of his last name, which may or may not be followed by another number, further identifying the author. Fiction, which has no call number, is shelved alphabetically according to the author's last name. The books of biography have the first three letters of the subject's last name printed below the call number, which is B

If you have either the author's name, the title of the book or a general subject area, you may use the card catalog to locate books. In the alphabetically arranged drawers you will find every book cross-indexed by (1) author's name, (2) title of the book, (3) one or more subjects To locate information in magazines you would use the Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature, which tells you where to find articles about any subject. The Guide provides the subject, title, author, the magazine, its volume number, page number and the date of the magazine.

ENCYCLOPEDIAS are books that are comprehensive summaries in the various fields of knowledge, arranged alphabetically. YEARBOOKS and ALMANACS are usually single volume, annual compilations of facts covering a specific field. DIRECTORIES are books of special interest listings of people, places, services, events arranged for easy reference. DICTIONARIES are alphabetically arranged concise, definitions of words and phrases, with spelling, syllabication, pronunciation, derivations, inflexions, synonyms, antonyms and sometime illustrations. ATLASES are collections of maps and geographical data.

ACTIVITIES

1. Go over the steps and suggestions for good note taking and then post the list for the children's reference.

2. Prepare a lecture designed to enhance note taking skills. Have the children listen, take notes and then discuss the results

3. Discuss the abbreviations that can be used in note taking and then provide exercises to practice their use.

4. At the Kindergarten and First Grade levels, discussions can be held and then main ideas to be remembered, can be listed. This can be done in the form of words or pictures.

5. Role play the correct procedures for note taking skills and the use of reference tools.

6. Bring in examples of each form of reference tool and demonstrate its use with prepared questions designed to maximize the use of these tools.

7. Make Centers for each reference tool with prepared questions, thus providing the student with the opportunity to learn to use these materials on their own.

8. Show appropriate films, filmstrips and videos demonstrating the use of proper note taking skills and reference tools.

9. Computer skills should be dealt with on an individual basis with each specific student and teacher.

Worksheet # 1: IN THE LIBRARY?

  • Name:
  • Date:

The library is an interesting place filled with many study materials that can be used by every student. Take this sheet with you and see how many of the listed items you can find in your library. Circle the ones that you find.

  • 1. Picture books 
  • 2. fiction books 
  • 3. story corner 
  • 4. atlases 
  • 5. magazines 
  • 6. encyclopedias 
  • 7. display areas 
  • 8. biographies 
  • 9. almanacs 
  • 10. movie projectors 
  • 11. computers 
  • 12. study desks or carrels 
  • 13. conference area 
  • 14. card catalog
  • 15. tables and chairs
  • 16. newspapers
  • 17. dictionaries
  • 18. circulation desk
  • 19. tapes and tape recorders
  • 20. librarian's desk
  • 21. librarian's office
  • 22. transparencies and viewers
  • 23. microfilm
  • 24. filmstrips and viewers
  • 25. vertical file
  • 26. records and record players
  • List anything that your library has that is not listed above.

Why is a library a good place to study?

Worksheet #2: KINDS OF BOOKS

  • Name:
  • Date:

A library has many kinds of books. Each kind of book is grouped together on the shelves. Here are five kinds of books to know:

  • PICTURE BOOK - Book containing many drawings or photographs. It may or may not have some text.
  • FICTION - Book which tells an invented story about characters and incidents that are entirely or partly imaginary.
  • NONFICTION - Book containing facts and ideas about something actual; a book that is not about made-up people and events.
  • BIOGRAPHY - True story about a real person, living or dead, written by another person.
  • AUTOBIOGRAPHY - True story of a person's life written by that person.

A. Six different books are described below. In the blank next to each description, write the name of one of the kinds of books listed above. One has been done for you. 

__________1. A book telling the true story of the life Richard M. Nixon, written by C.R. Wade.

__________2. A book describing how stock-car racing began.

__________3. A book telling the true story of Althea Gibson's life, written by Althea Gibson.

__________4. A book of photographs of gypsy families.

__________5. A book telling the story of an imaginary girl who takes a balloon trip over the Rocky Mountains.

__________6. A book telling about the origin of the space shuttle

__________7. A book about Michael Jordan

B. In your library, find each of these:

__________1. The title of a book of fiction that tells a  about an animal.

__________2. The title of a biography of Harriet Tubman or of Frederick Douglass

__________3. The title of a nonfiction book about ocean liners.

__________4. The title of an autobiography of a famous scientist

__________5. The title of a book of drawings or photographs of wilderness areas or animals

__________6. The title of a book that tells about the animals that live in the ocean

Worksheet #3: DEWEY DECIMAL SYSTEM

  • Name:
  • Date:

In the Dewey Decimal System, books are grouped into ten main subject classes. Librarians assign a number to each book. The number is written on the book, and books with similar numbers are kept together.

The ten main subject classes and their numbers are listed in the right-hand column below. In the left-hand column are the titles of ten books that need to be placed in the correct class. In the blank Space on the left hand column put in the Letter of the correct subject class for each book title. 

Book Titles   Dewey Decimal Classifications
____A Complete History of the American Revolutionary War  A. 000-099 General Works, such as encyclopedias
____How A Television Works B. 100-199 Philosophy and Psychology
____What's Wrong With Our Economy?  C. 200-299 Religion
____Photography Made Simple  D. 300-399 Social Sciences such as economics and law
____Child Psychology for Parents  E. 400-499 Language and Grammar
____Seventeenth Century Poetry  F. 500-599 Science
____Let's look At The Stars In The Sky G. 600-699 Technology such as television and engineering
____Easy Grammar Tips for Everyone  H. 700-799 Fine Arts such as painting, photography and sculpture
____Religions of the Far East  I. 800-899 Literature and Poetry
____The All-Color Picture Encyclopedia J. 900-999 History and Geography

 

Worksheet #4 AUTHOR CARDS

  • Name:
  • Date:

Every book in the library media center has an author card.

1. Circle the author's name on each card below.

2. Using the author's last name, Put the name of each author in alphabetical order in the list below:

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6

 

E

Dunn     Duncan, Ann

An eager beaver. Illustrated by John Barry. Moore & Co., 1972. 32p.

 551.5

Smi    Smith, Don

A book about clouds. Illustrated by H.O. Green. Atlas, 1976. 48p.
629.4

Con     Conway, E. R.

Man on the Moon, Photographs by Tim Mack. The Scott. Co., 1970, 92 p.

 582

Hen     Henry, M. C.

Tall timber. Photographs by Mary Wells. Glass Brothers, 1975. 108 p.
630

Whi     White, J. H.

What does a farmer do all day? Photographs by Helen Jones. Day Publishers, 1973. 32 p.

 E

Lon     Long, Betty.

The secret stairway. Illustrated by Jean Adams. Richards Press, 1969. 92 p.

Worksheet #5: TITLE CARDS

  • Name:

  • Date:

Every book in the library media center has a title card.

1. Circle the title on each card below.

2. Using the FIRST WORDS of each title, Put the title of each book in alphabetical order in the list below: 

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6

3. Alphabetize the title cards with your author cards by listing them in order in the list below:

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12

 

What does a farmer do all day?

630

whi    White, J. H.

What does a farmer do all day? Photographs by Helen Jones. Day Publishers, 1973. 32 p.

Tall Timber.

582

Hen     Henry, M. C.

Tall timber. Photographs by Mary Wells. Glass Brothers, 1975. 108 p.

 

Man on the Moon.

629.4

Con     Conway, E. R.

Man on the Moon, Photographs by Tim Mack. The Scott. Co., 1970, 92 p.

An eager beaver.

E

Dunn     Duncan, Ann

An eager beaver. Illustrated by John Barry. Moore & Co., 1972. 32p.

A book about Clouds.

551.5

Smi    Smith, Don

A book about clouds. Illustrated by H.O. Green. Atlas, 1976. 48 p.

 The secret stairway.

E

Lon     Long, Betty.

The secret stairway. Illustrated by Jean Adams. Richards Press, 1969. 92 p.

Worksheet #6: ILLUSTRATOR CARD

  • Name:

  • Date:

Many books in the library media center have cards for the illustrator (the person who drew the pictures) or the photographer.

1. Circle the illustrator or the photographer on each card below.

2. Using the Illustrator's last name, Put the name of each author in alphabetical order in the list below:

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6

3. Alphabetize the Illustrator cards with your your author and title cards by listing them in order in the list below:

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18

 

629.4     Mack, Tim   illus.

     Conway, E.R.

Man on the Moon, Photographs by Tim Mack. The Scott. Co., 1970, 92 p.

 551.5     Green, H. O. illus.

      Smith, Don.

A book about clouds. Illustrated by H. O. Green. Atlas, 1976. 48 p.
582     Wells, Mary     illus.

     Henry, M.C.

Tall timber. Photographs by Mary Wells. Glass Brothers, 1975. 108 p.

 630     Jones, Helen     illus.

White, J. H.

What does a farmer do all day? Photographs by Helen Jones. Day Publishers, 1973. 32 p.
E     Adams, Jean     illus.

Long, Betty

The secret stairway. Illustrated by Jean Adams. Richards Press, 1969. 92 p.

 E     Barry, John     illus.

Duncan, Ann

An eager beaver. Illustrated by John Barry. Moore & Co., 1972. 32p.

Worksheet # 7: SUBJECT CARDS

  • Name:

  • Date:

Subject cards list the major topics of most of the books in the library media center.

1. Circle the major topic of the book on each card below.

2. Using the Topic Heading Put the name of each author in alphabetical order in the list below:

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6

3. Alphabetize the Subject  Cards with your your author, title, and illustrator cards by listing them in order in the list below: You now have a collection of all the major types of cards in the card catalog.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12
  • 13
  • 14
  • 15
  • 16
  • 17
  • 18
  • 19
  • 20
  • 21
  • 22
  • 23
  • 24

 

STORIES

E

Dunn     Duncan, Ann

An eager beaver. Illustrated by John Barry. Moore & Co., 1972. 32p.

SPACE FLIGHT

629.4

Con     Conway, E. R.

Man on the Moon, Photographs by Tim Mack. The Scott. Co., 1970, 92 p.

WEATHER

551.5

Smi    Smith, Don

A book about clouds. Illustrated by H.O. Green. Atlas, 1976. 48p.

FARM LIFE

630

Whi     White, J. H.

What does a farmer do all day? Photographs by Helen Jones. Day Publishers, 1973. 32 p.

ANIMALS

E

Dunn     Duncan, Ann

An eager beaver. Illustrated by John Barry. Moore & Co., 1972. 32p.

TREES

582

Hen     Henry, M. C.

Tall timber. Photographs by Mary Wells. Glass Brothers, 1975. 108 p.

Worksheet # 8: ALMANAC

  • Name:
  • Date:

Up-to-date information, tables, and statistics on a wide range of subjects can be found in an almanac. To find the facts you need, just look up the subject in the index at the back of the almanac. What subject could you look under to find the answer to each of these questions? Write the subjects in Column A. If you have an almanac, find the answers and write them in Column B.

Question A. Subject used in Index B. Almanac Answer 
1. What major league baseball player holds the record for the most home runs in a season    
2. Who was the Women's Singles Tennis Champion at Wimbledon last year?    
3. When did the first United States manned space flight take place?    
4. What is the height of the tallest mountain in the world?     
5. Which team in the National Football League won the most recent Super Bowl Game?    

6. If you were on the smallest continent in the world, where would you be?

    

Worksheet # 9: ATLAS

  • Name:
  • Date:

The list below may look like something a bird-watcher would use. But each name on the list is also the name of at least one town, country, mountain or peak located in the United States or Canada. Look up each name in an atlas, a book of maps, and find out where it is. Then identify it, and give its location.

  • CARDINAL

  • CRANE

  • CROW

  • DUCK

  • EAGLE

  • JAY

  • MARTIN

  • OSPREY

  • PELICAN

  • PIGEON

  • RAVEN

  • SWIFT

  • TURKEY

Worksheet #10: SPECIAL REFERENCE BOOKS

  • Name:
  • Date:

Many special reference books contain information not readily located in encyclopedias or dictionaries. Here are some examples.

WORLD ALMANAC - Published each year, this book contains current information and statistics on a wide range of subjects. Information about cities, Presidents, Olympic games, and many other topics is located by using the index in the front of the book.

INFORMATION PLEASE ALMANAC - Similar in content to the World Almanac. Information is located by using the index.

WEBSTER'S BIOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY - Brief biographies of famous men and women of the past and present from all parts of the world are listed alphabetically.

CURRENT BIOGRAPHY - Monthly publication which offers biographical information and photographs of people in the news. Each year, monthly issues are gathered in one volume, a cumulative volume, that included about 400 biographies listed alphabetically.

A. Try to use all of the reference books described above to find answers to the following.

1. List three facts you find about the population of North America. 

  • Fact 1:
  • Fact 2:
  • Fact 3:
  • List the Reference Book(s) used:

2. Who was the Prime Minister of Great Britain in 1972? 

  • Answer:
  • List the Reference Book used:

3. List three people who have won a Pulitzer Prize. 

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • List the Reference Book used:

4. Name a women listed in one of the biographical reference books. 

  • What is she noted for?
  • Then list the Reference Book used:

B. In one of the biographical reference books, locate a biography of a person of your choice and then list:
  • Person's name
  • Three interesting facts about the person
    • Fact 1
    • Fact 2
    • Fact 3
  • List Reference Book used 

Worksheet #11: PERIODICALS

Periodicals can help you "keep up" with current happenings in your area and in the world. The word periodical refers to magazines and newspapers published during regular periods of time, such as once a day, once a week, or once a month.

A. Locate a copy of a daily or a Sunday newspaper published in a large city.

1. Does this newspaper publish an index or a list of what's inside (usually printed on page 1 or page 2)? _______ If so, write three items listed in the index.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

2. Write one headline that appears on page 1.

3. Does this newspaper publish a local news page or section?_____ If so, list one event reported in a local news report.

B. Look at the magazines displayed in the library.

1. List the title of three magazines that children would enjoy.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

2. List three titles of any magazines that teen-agers might particularly enjoy.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

3. List the titles of three magazines that adults would enjoy.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

4. List the titles of three magazines devoted to special interests, such as home furnishings or hobbies.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

5. List the titles of three news magazines.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

6. Write the title of an article from each  of these news magazines.

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3

 

 

Coping.org is a Public Service of James J. Messina, Ph.D. & Constance M. Messina, Ph.D.,  Email: jjmess@tampabay.rr.com  ©1999-2007 James J. Messina, Ph.D. & Constance Messina, Ph.D.  Note: Original materials on this site may be reproduced for your personal, educational, or noncommercial use as long as you credit the authors and website.