1. Annotating your children’s story… (Making it messy!!)
Thoroughly annotating a text has the following very helpful purposes:
It forces you to read carefully, re-read, and notice details
It encourages you to read critically—that is “talk back” to the text by asking questions, noting holes and weaknesses, pointing out inconsistencies etc.
It helps you see patterns that you might miss when you read quickly
It helps you prove to your teacher that you have put time and effort into your reading.
How do I do it (and get an A)?
You’ll need to read your story AT LEAST 5 TIMES!
You will probably want a different color for each step.

2. Grading your annotations…
Nothing= nothing!
0 points
You have a few words underlined or highlighted, and a few labels or comments.
Missing some of elements = D or E (1-6 points)
Throughout the text, you have underlined or highlighted and have written accurate and relevant labels next to these things.
Covers all of the topics, but a few might be poorly represented=C or B (7 or 8 points)
Throughout the text, you have color-coded text with accurate, relevant labels. You have written in questions/answers, made side- lists of observations/patterns, lines/arrows connecting related sections, etc.
You have covered all of the elements in detail. Your story is a big mess! = A (9 or 10 points)

3. Annotating your short story…
READING 1: Read for plot and character. LABEL (use words, don’t just highlight) what you notice about…
Plot
Rising Action
Climax
Resolution
Label all characters & their roles
Setting (Time & Place)
Conflict
Protagonist/Antagonist

4. Annotating your short story…
READING 2: Read for literary techniques. LABEL (again use words, don’t just highlight) the following techniques.
Parallel structure
Repetition (of words/phrases)
Alliteration
Personification
Symbolism
Simile/Metaphor

5. Annotating your short story…
READING 3: Read for theory. LABEL (again use words, don’t just highlight) connections to one or more critical literary theory.
Gender
Marxist/Social Class
Archetypal
Pyschoanalytical
*For each theory—use your notes & the questions handout to highlight examples in your story of each one.

6. Annotating your short story…
READING 4: Read for illustrations. LABEL (use words, don’t just highlight)
Sizes & positions of characters
Expressions on character’s faces
Symbols
Details in background
Layout
White space
Placement of text.
….there’s a lot more for this one on your handout.

7. Annotating your short story…
READING 5: Read for synthesis. These notes should go on the front or back of your packet (wherever you have extra white space to write).
Identify at least 4 connections among all of the different readings (plot, literary techniques, theory, & illustrations)
Describe why EACH of these connections is important & worth looking into more detail.
For example: In Harold and the Purple Crayon I notice a connection between the illustrations and the archetypal theory. The reason there is so little detail in the drawings is that it focuses the reader on the HERO's actions. This is important because the hero is central to the story and the illustrations are all made by HIM.