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One Minute Note

This note-taking technique gives students the opportunity to write down the key points that they remember after five to ten minutes of input from an oral or written source. Asking students to write down the information that they learned not only solidifies new content, it also provides real-time feedback on students’ comprehension.

     

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How to Use

1. Ask

After five to ten minutes (depending on the students’ age or attention spans) of listening, watching, or reading new input, ask students the following: "What are the most important points you have learned in the last ___ minutes?"

2. Write

Set a timer for one minute as students write down their notes or draw a picture on index cards, scratch paper, or in notebooks.
 

3. Share

Elicit responses from the students. Correct any misunderstandings or confusions.

When to Use

Use One Minute Notes throughout the input portion of a lesson to check for understanding

Variations

Chain Notes

Ask students to write one thing they’ve learned on a piece of paper, then pass their paper to someone else. The next person adds to that information or writes down an additional piece of information. Students continue passing around the “notes” for as many 1-minute rounds as the teacher calls. 

Print This Tool

Download Templates

One Minute Notes Elementary

One Minute Notes Elementary - Google DocOne Minute Notes - Editable Google FormFor elementary, this template should only be used in Grades 1-5. PK-K could complete this template as a whole group, orally providing what they have learned for the teacher to scribe.

One Minute Notes Secondary

One Minute Notes Secondary - Google DocFor a more structured approach to One Minute Notes, use a direction sheet like this one to help students organize their thoughts at the end of a lesson. Cut the paper into slips to pass out to individual students.

One Minute Notes Spanish

One Minute Notes Spanish - Google DocOne Minute Notes Spanish - Editable Google Form

Teachers Shown

Virginia Rowland
Middle School Career and Technology Education teacher.
Austin ISD, Texas
Adriana Gloria
4th grade Elementary teacher.
Manor ISD, Texas