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14 Ways You May Not Be Using Sticky Notes

We’ve all used sticky notes as reminders, bookmarks, or notes, but here are some additional strategies that are creative and educational.
14 Ways You May Not Be Using Sticky Notes

Tip #1: Section review questions

In Social Studies or Science, write questions from the end of section on separate sticky notes and stick them in the book where you find the answer.

Tip #2: Long division

Use a sticky note to cover up the second number in the dividend in order to focus on just the first number.

Tip #3: Organizing writing

When doing structured writing, jot down topics and rearrange them in different ways until you find the most coherent order.

Tip #4: 5 W’s + H

Use different colored sticky notes to mark who, what, when, where, and why in a novel.

Tip #5: Chunking

Place a large sticky note at the end of a section of text as a reminder to stop and reflect on the reading. You can also write a quick summary, prediction, or question.

Tip #6: Reflection

Reflect on your understanding while doing homework. For example, use a green sticky to indicate good understanding, a yellow sticky for some understanding, and a red sticky if you’re confused. That way, when your teacher reviews the homework in class, you will easily find the sections that were difficult so you can ask questions.

Tip #7: Easily distracted

If you’re trying to focus on a task but other thoughts keep interrupting, jot them down on a sticky note. That way, you can return to them later while maintaining focus on your current activity.

Tip #8: Morning routine

This is a useful sticky note strategy for children who need to be walked through getting ready each morning. Number, label, and illustrate each step in the routine on a separate sticky. Post them on the bathroom mirror. As your child completes each step, he or she moves the sticky note to the other side of the mirror to see what has been accomplished and what still needs to be finished.

Tip #9: Expanding writing

Write the beginning, middle, and end of a story on separate sticky notes that are all the same color. Add details on sticky notes of a different color. Put the ideas together to draft the story.

Tip #10: Test review

Cover up answers on a study guide and re-answer the problems.

Tip #11: Character maps

Write a descriptor of a character on one color sticky and use another color for evidence from the text.

Tip #12: Condensing notes

Take lecture notes and abbreviate them onto sticky notes. This requires that the student understands the most important parts of the lecture. The sticky notes can be used for later studying.

Tip #13: Research sources

On a sticky note, write down a reminder of the necessary information for sources used (author name, book title, date published/date accessed if an online source, etc.). Keep the sticky note on research papers or notes as a cue to keep track of sources.

Tip #14: Have some fun!

Make flip books with stick figures. It requires planning ahead (a critical thinking strategy!) to decide how to utilize each page in the sticky book.

We’re always working to integrate unique and creative ideas into our Educational Coaching sessions. Have another idea for how to use the sticky note strategy? Leave us a comment below!

written by Danika Kirsch, M.Ed., Assistant Director at The Family & Learning Center

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