Annotation :)

Okay, I had a comment on one of the posts regarding exactly what I mean by annotation, but rather than just replying there, I decided I would post the answer just in case some of you are not reading all of the comments.

I realize that many of you may never have annotated a text before. Basically the term annotation means taking notes on the text as you read. When you mark a type of figurative language for example, you may want to underline, circle, or highlight it initially. Then in the margin, you can mark what kind it is or just your thoughts about what it might mean or why the author used it. Your marginalia (notes in the margin) should not be in complete sentences; sometimes they are not even complete words. I often mark a metaphor as "met" or hyperbole as "hyp" and then just write a dash and my little notes to myself as to what it might mean. If you have trouble understanding what any of the things I asked you to annotate are, check on the next page of your assignment because most of them are also dialectical journal requirements. This is where you will learn to understand your future teacher's methods. I am actually having you annotate so that you are looking for the quotes and examples for your dialectical journaling! Then your dialectical journal commentary can lead us into discussion and a deeper appreciation for Salinger's purpose in Catcher in the Rye.

Here are some examples of how I might annotate various things in the text:

"I swear that boy is dumb as a post."
- I would highlight or underline "dumb as a post." Then I would jot down, "sim--has no brain like wood."

"Our steaks were charred."
- I would highlight or underline charred as an example of effective diction (word choice). Then I would jot down, "burned from neglect, school doesn't care about kids, just app" (app meaning appearance for me).

I will try to provide more examples throughout the summer, especially as you request. (Some will be from the book; some will not.) Feel free to ask about a particular example that you need help with or that does not make sense to you. Remember one type of annotation is just your questions and personal commentary, which should also be jotted down in the margin.

If you absolutely cannot stand marking on the text, you can always use sticky notes...though it definitely becomes slow and cumbersome along with making the rest of the page difficult to read.

Each of your questions makes me more excited to be you all's teacher next year! Keep up the good work!