A Strategy for Reading Textbooks

SQRW is a four-step strategy for reading and taking notes from chapters in a textbook. Each letter stands for one step in the strategy. Using SQRW will help you to understand what you read and to prepare a written record of what you learned. The written record will be valuable when you have to participate in a class discussion and again when you study for a test. Read to learn what to do for each step in SQRW.

Survey.
Surveying brings to mind what you already know about the topic of a chapter and prepares you for learning more. To survey a chapter, read the title, introduction, headings, and the summary or conclusion. Also, examine all visuals such as pictures, tables, maps, and/or graphs and read the caption that goes with each. By surveying a chapter, you will quickly learn what the chapter is about.

Question.
You need to have questions in your mind as you read. Questions give you a purpose for reading and help you stay focused on the reading assignment. Form questions by changing each chapter heading into a question. Use the words who, what, when, where, why, or how to form questions. For example, for the heading "Uses of Electricity" in a chapter about how science improves lives, you might form the question "What are some uses of electricity?" If a heading is stated as a question, use that question. When a heading contains more than one idea, form a question for each idea. Do not form questions for the Introduction, Summary, or Conclusion.

Read.
Read the information that follows each heading to find the answer to each question you formed. As you do this, you may decide you need to change a question or turn it into several questions to be answered. Stay focused and flexible so you can gather as much information as you need to answer each question.

Write.
Write each question and its answer in your notebook. Reread each of your written answers to be sure each answer is legible and contains all the important information needed to answer the question.

As you practice using SQRW, you will find you learn more and have good study notes to use to prepare for class participation and tests.

HINT: Once you complete the Survey step for the entire chapter, complete the Question, Read, and Write steps for the first heading. Then complete the Question, Read, and Write steps for the second heading, and so on for the remaining headings in the chapter.

Hi guys,

I need to ask you opinion on two things:

Class T-Shirt
~ What colour do you want? Find a colour that suits us.

More info will be updated because I havent check them out yet.

--

Class Outing
~ Where you all want to go? Catch a movie or a stroll at ECP? Or anything else?
~ It'll be on a Saturday. =D

Please tag back your replies

CehMeh

Hello guys,

I'm so proud of 1 Devotion who had helped out during the Lantern Making, thanks to you guys, we're one of the best lanterns! According to Winnie, this is the time where we see our pupils actually bond and strive for an ultimate goal. This is what we want to achieve.

JIA YOU 1 DEVOTION!
KEEP HOLDING ON!
-CehMeh

Hey Guys,

Like what Evelyn said, I think everyone forgot about the JJ Fair. Here's an abstract on what we're going to do.

JJ Fair Leaders, please contact me IMMEDIATELY. Thank you.

~1Devotion!
CehMeh

Taking Notes in Class

In classes, your teachers will talk about topics that you are studying. The information they provide will be important for you to know when you take tests. You must be able to take good written notes from what your teachers say.


Taking good notes is a three-stage process in which there are certain things you should do before class, during class, and after class. Here are the three stages of notetaking and what you should do during each stage.

1. Get Ready to Take Notes (Before Class)

Review your notes from the previous class session before you come to class. This will help you remember what was covered and get you ready to understand new information your teacher provides.

Complete all assigned readings before you come to class. Your teacher will expect that you have done this and will use and build upon this information.

Bring all notetaking materials with you to class. Have several pens and pencils as well as your notebook.

2. Take Notes (During Class)

Keep your attention focused on what your teacher is saying. Listen for “signal statements” that tell you that what your teacher is about to say is important to write in your notes. Examples of signal statements are “The most important point…” and “Remember that . . . “ Be sure to include in your notes information that your teacher repeats or writes on the chalkboard.

Write quickly so that you can include all the important information in your notes. Do this by writing abbreviated words such as med for medicine, using symbols such as % for percent, and writing short sentences.

Place a ? next to information you write in your notes, but about whose meaning you are not sure.

3. Rewrite Your Notes (After Class)

Rewrite your notes to make them more complete by changing abbreviated words into whole words, symbols into words, and shortened sentences into longer sentences.

Make your notes more accurate by answering any questions you had when writing your notes in class. Use your textbook and reference sources to obtain the information you need to answer your questions. If necessary, ask your teacher or other students for help.

Check with other students to be sure you did not leave out important information.

Having good class notes will help you to be better prepared for tests.

JIAYOUS~ I D!

Studies I/C
Joey[=

Preparing to Study: A Good Study Place

You need a good study place to be prepared to study. You should be able to answer YES to all of the following questions:

1. Is my Study Place available to me whenever I need it?

Your Study Place does you little good if you cannot use it when you need it. If you are using a Study Place that you must share with others for any reason, work out a schedule so that you know when you can use it.

2. Is my Study Place free from interruptions?

It is important to have uninterrupted study time. You may have to hang a DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door or take the phone off the hook.

3. Is my Study Place free from distractions?

Research shows that most students study best in a quiet environment. If you find that playing a stereo or TV improves your mood, keep the volume low.

4. Does my Study Place contain all the study materials I need?

Be sure your Study Place includes reference sources and supplies such as pens and pencils, paper, ruler, calculator, and whatever else you might need. If you use a computer for your schoolwork, it should be in your Study Place .


5. Does my Study Space contain a large enough desk or table?

While working on an assignment or studying for a test, use a desk or table that is large enough to hold everything you need. Allow enough room for writing and try to avoid clutter.

6. Does my Study Place have enough storage space?

You need enough room to store your study materials. Be sure you have enough storage space to allow you to keep your desktop or other work surface clear of unnecessary materials that can get in the way.


7. Does my Study Place have a comfortable chair?

A chair that is not comfortable can cause discomfort or pain that will interfere with your studying. A chair that is too comfortable might make you sleepy. Select a chair in which you can sit for long periods while maintaining your attention.

8. Does my Study Place have enough light?

The amount of light you need depends on what you are doing. The important thing is that you can clearly see what you need to see without any strain or discomfort.

9. Does my Study Place have a comfortable temperature?

If your Study Place is too warm, you might become sleepy. If it is too cold, your thinking may slow down and become unclear. Select a temperature at which your mind and body function best.

Having a good Study Place is important for good studying.

I will be posting other study tips soon.

ABSTRACT is - of or existing in theory rather than practice, not concrete.

1 Devotion rocks!?


Studies I/C ~ Joey=]

Hi guys,

Here are some abstract plans I came up with. Remember, they are ABSTRACT.

1. ExCo outing
   Yes, the ExCo needs to bond together!
   
2. Class outing
   The class needs to bond. Probably after Common Tests. Welfare I/C take note.
   
3. Composing class cheer
   Yes, I think we need a cheer. HAHA. =x Anyone can compose a good cheer?
   
4. Collecting class funds
   We need financial foundation for class outings/chalet/etc. Price would be $2/month. Treasurer take note.
   
5. Friendly sport matches against other Sec 1 classes
   Okay, this is a random idea. But my aim is to build a bridge between classes. =D
   
6. Decorate our classrooms!
   That is, if the teachers allow =x
   
7. For us to pass together with flying colours as a class
   We have to keep holding on! Studies I/C, if you can, why not post some studying tips!

That's all. May I remind you that these are ABSTRACT. Don't know the meaning? Ask the Studies I/C. :P

I think 1, 2, 3 is compulsory. While I highly recommend number 4. That I'll discuss with the other chairmans. What do you guys think? Please give me your feedback.

<3 CehMeh.

Okays.
I'll be donating $2.
Elaine, my reg num is 20. Thx!
Anw, I'm not so sure abt dhe Eng test. Hmm, i ask mrs Lim on mon or..?
Den hor, fer dhe "SING-ALONG" grp, dhe couples left one grp oni.
1) Ezra &Evelyn
\Tat's it. Oh and, if got wad songs ur wan den post it up. Den we decide whether wan anot. (:
-Secretary.
Vivien. (:
vivi-rulex95@hotmail.com xDDD

Term one common test will be conducted in weeks 7 & 8. For papers with an aterisk (*), pupils are allowed to prepare & bring into the test venues a factsheet, that is, notes written on 1/2 of A5 size official paper given by the school. The details of the test schedule & weighting are as follows:

11 Feb, Mon 0800-0900 English, 25% of CA1
12 Feb, Tue 0800-0900 Mother Tongue*, 40% of CA1
15 Feb, Fri 0800-0900 Mathematics, 40% of CA1
18 Feb, Mon 0800-0900 Literature, 25% of CA1
19 Feb, Tue 0800-0845 History*, 30% of CA1

Pupils are to report to school as usual by 7.25a.m. & lessons according to the time-table will resume after the scheduled time for each paper. On days which there are no tests, pupils are to follow the time-table for the day.

The common test schedule & FAQ on factsheet will be uploaded to the school e-portal, www.prebyterian.moe.edu.sg for your reference.

Please note that the schedule i've made is for Normal Acadamic & express students only.

In addition to the common tests, pupils are also given graded alternative assesments, such as projects, Webquest, and practicals. Daily assignment may also form part of the CA which constitutes 15% of the overall remarks for the year. You may refer to the organizer for the weighting of assesments.

Please study for the tests & make our teachers proud!

If your studies have questions you don't know, please ask the respective teachers.

GO GO 1 DEVOTION~!

Studies I/C ~ Joey[=

hi everyone :D .



uhms . you all know the hamper we have to prepare for the old people right .



for those people who haven tell me wat you donating . if you see this post , pls tag with your name & register number & wat you donating . ._. - remember arh . if you all bringing food pls dont donate those food tat are not suitable for the old okays ._. - dont brk their teeth :x . haha . & if you are donating $$ , it is $2 .

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

and and ! for the story telling .

* we reading animal stories to them o_o .

if you all have animal stories for little children , pls bring & inform me . tks .

* each person in the storytelling grp will be reading to 2 kids . so aft ever 1/2 hr or so ? we will swtich around . so maybe aft every story we can give them little quizzes abt tat story & if they had been listening & answer correctly than we will give them sweets ? . { to fill up the 3hrs we will be there }

if you all have anymore ideas pls tag & suggest :D . open to all suggestions to improve (:

- WELFARE i/C :D - ELAINE .

Hi guys,

Please link our blog on your personal blogs to make us more publicised, especially to the 1 Devotees. We shall be more known to Presbyterian High School. Let's make new benchmarks, set new targets, and lead to serve. =)

Another thing, one representative from each group, please write up all the details. We have to keep each other informed.

-1Devotion holding strong!
CehMeh.

0kay, for the childcare CIP hours, you all know there'll be 4 teams,

1~Sing-Along
2~Games
3~Handicraft
4~Storytelling

try to discuss the plans you'll be doing for the children together in the groups you all are allocated. If you're not happy with anything, ask Firdaus. X)

I'm sure that for every group, there must be at least an EXCO of our class. so the EXCO of that group, kindly post the plans you & your group are... planning? X/
this is to let the whole class know about other groups plans.

Oh & for the sing-along group, the 'couples' performing will be changed due to a few hiccups.

We'll keep you all informed about things.
Okay! Go & study for the english test okays?
& remember to TAG on the board!!

JIA YOUS~ 1 DEVOTION!


Joey[=
Studies I/C

Okays. Fer dhe "SING-ALONG" team fer dhe CIP childcare,
we will sing songs lyk:
1) LAO SHU AI DA MI-Jocie Guo
2) He's Able(Christian Songs.)- Can teach children actions.
3) Valentine's Song- During dhe campfire.

Fer dhe Valentine's Song, dere are oni two couples.
1) Gabriel &Joey
2) Ezra &Evelyn

Yea, I tink fer now is lidat. Its still not confirmed but we will try discuss it again?
If got any Probs or Ques, dun ask me.xDDD No lar, hmm, can ask either Winnie, or.. Me?
Dunno.xD

Anw, ur mus prepare fer dhe ENGLISH TEST wor ! Jiayous ! (:
Its on WED. (:

-1 DEVOTION... rocks..? (:
' Secretary. (:

Hi guys,

Welcome to our humble abode. This will be where we'll update more on stuff like class gatherings, meetings, etc. You can communicate at the tagboard.

Note to all 1D08 Executive Committee
Please retrieve the username and password for this blog account from either Firdaus or Winnie. When posting, please remember to include your name at the bottom of the post. Thank you!

Firdaus Firlany x)
Chairman (Ceh Meh)