Allison Behne
I am a note taker. Whether I am on the phone, in a meeting, at a conference, or even having casual conversation, when I hear something I want to remember, I take notes. My problem is that my notes are scattered everywhere, because I take them on whatever paper is closest at hand. This lack of consistency makes it nearly impossible to retrieve those important thoughts when I need them.
Joan, on the other hand, is a master at note taking. She not only takes notes about what she finds significant, but does so in a way where she can always find what she needs when she needs it. She carries a journal and pen with her at all times, waiting to compose her next strand of thoughts. One advantage she has is that the binding of her journal opens, allowing her to reorganize, color-code, and even add and remove pages. However, it still amazes me how she can reference a conversation, pull out her notes, and quote someone on the spot. I have learned to use her talent to my benefit, and when I need to remember something from a meeting or need ideas about a certain topic or concept we have discussed, I call on Joan and her journal.
A few weeks ago I was working with a fifth-grade teacher on ideas for strategy instruction. We were looking on The Daily CAFE website, focusing specifically on the different instructional support pieces for the variety of strategies she was introducing to her whole group and two individuals. She was taking notes about components on the site she could use as well as significant pieces of our conversation when she expressed her wish for a better way to organize all the information so she could refer to it more easily. It was at that point that I connected the similarities of Joan’s journal with the Interactive CAFE Menu. Both are organized in a way that allows easy access to needed information. The Interactive Menu has organized Ready Reference Guides, books, lessons, parent letters, launching briefs, assessments, and more, and can be pulled up on the spot anywhere. It was exciting to show this teacher a resource rich in content that was already organized for her. 
Since this discovery, she has informed me how useful this tool has been and how she has shared its benefits with others.
Next time you are planning strategy instruction and need to collect your thoughts, visit the Interactive CAFE Menu and let it do the organizing for you.
News from The Daily CAFE
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Teach and Review This Lesson All Year*
This lesson is one we review at least every other week throughout the year. Find out what it is and do it today!
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Analyzing and Adjusting for Behavioral Success, Part 1*
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Questions Answered . . .
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Here are a few tips to put in your conferring toolbox.
Focus on Health . . .
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Carol Moehrle reminds us of the benefits of keeping calm and staying the course.
*Available to members