Helping Your Child Master Two-Column Notes: A Parent’s Guide

Taking effective notes is an essential skill for students, helping them process, organize, and retain information. One simple yet powerful note-taking strategy is two-column notes—a method that encourages active engagement with the material. As a parent, you can support your child in learning and practicing this technique to improve their comprehension and study habits.

What Are Two-Column Notes?

Two-column notes are a structured way to take notes that encourage students to organize information into two distinct sections. This method is commonly used for:

• Summarizing key concepts

• Breaking down vocabulary words

• Organizing main ideas and supporting details

• Preparing for tests and quizzes

  
  

The left column is for key ideas, questions, or prompts, while the right column is for notes, explanations, or answers.

Not only does this method support students' executive functioning skills, it also prepares them for assessments, as the two columns can becomes a tool for creating study guides as well as used for quizzing oneself by simply folding over the paper to use like a flash card.

How Parents Can Help Their Child Use Two-Column Notes

1. Set Up the Notes Properly and always add the date!

Encourage your child to divide their paper into two sections:

• Keeping the notes in order is crucial, so dating is a must.

• The left side should take up about one-third of the page.

• The right side should take up the remaining two-thirds.

• They should label the columns (e.g., “Key Ideas” on the left and “Notes” on the right).

2. Use It for Different Subjects

Two-column notes work for various subjects. You can guide your child in using them for:

• Reading Comprehension: Left column: Main ideas. Right column: Supporting details.

• Science & History: Left column: Key terms/events. Right column: Definitions, explanations, or dates.

• Math: Left column: Problem types or formulas. Right column: Examples and solutions.

• Lectures: This simple organizational tool helps students stay active during lectures and presentations rather than passively listening.

3. Encourage Metacognitive thinking!

Ask your child to interact with their notes by:

• Checking for their understanding.

• Highlighting key points

• TIP! Write notes on the right side of the note book and leave the left page blank so students can add diagrams, drawings, questions for their teacher. *See visual of the week at the bottom of the page.

  
  

4. Practice Review Strategies

Two-column notes are great for self-testing! Cover the right column and try recalling the information using only the left column prompts. This method boosts memory and makes studying more effective.

5. Make It a Habit

Encourage your child to use two-column notes consistently. Practicing regularly will help them become more confident and independent in their note-taking.

By guiding your child through the two-column note method, you’re giving them a tool that will serve them throughout their academic journey. With your support, they’ll develop strong study habits and feel more prepared for success!