If you’re anything like me, you love a good book—but you’d rather not see it marked up with highlighters, notes in the margins, or dog-eared pages. Still, annotating is such a powerful tool for readers—especially for middle and high school students who are learning to engage deeply with literature.
So how do we get the benefits of annotation without damaging the book?
Enter: Transparent Sticky Notes.
These are game-changers! Students can place them right over a passage, jot down thoughts, underline phrases, or write vocabulary words—all while leaving the actual page untouched. Best of all? They can be removed or repositioned as needed. It makes book discussions easier, helps students track their thoughts, and supports comprehension.
But I know not all kids love writing by hand (or trying to write neatly on a small sticky note). That’s why I created a matching digital Annotation Notebook Template—a place where students can type in their notes while they read. The template has sections for:
- Key Passages – quotes and why they matter
- Personal Reactions – thoughts, questions, or emotional responses
- Vocabulary & Phrases – new or tricky words, with space to define and use in context
Here’s a peek at the template:
You can easily duplicate this for each book your child reads. Whether your student prefers physical notes or digital reflection, this setup keeps their books clean and their brains engaged.
Want the template for your own homeschool or classroom?
Drop a comment or send me a message, and I’ll be happy to share it with you!
Happy reading,
Maria
The Savvy Homeschooler
