The C.A.T.C.H strategy for annotating
Not sure exactly WHEN to annotate? Here is a strategy that you can use in any class when you have a reading assignment:
C: Circle any words that are unfamiliar. Try to use context clues to figure it out...and if you can't, look up the word.
A: Acknowledge confusion. Underline things you don't undersatnd; write your questions in the margins or on a post-it.
T: Talk with the Text - write your comments, predictions, connections to what you are reading
C: Capture the main idea. This can be after a chapter, a section, a chunk. Stop and try to summarize what you've read.
H: Highlight important details or evidence. This doesn't mean highlight EVERYTHING...but anything that stands out.