Learning looks more colorful this year at Killybrooke Elementary. As students of all grade levels open their notebooks, they use different-colored pencils or crayons to add questions, ideas, and connections to previous lessons. While it may look like just note-taking, they’re learning how to organize ideas and think more deeply.

Known as “layered note-taking,” this approach is part of Killybrooke’s continued integration of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), a program that builds strong learning habits through writing, inquiry, collaboration, organization, and reading.

“We focus on a thoughtful, year-by-year approach to introducing AVID strategies, so that students truly understand and use them every day,” said Principal Laura Taylor. Last year, the school focused on organizing materials to help students build routines and responsibility. This year’s focus on organizing ideas is the next step. Through layered notes and reflection, students learn how to sort ideas, identify key points, and make meaningful connections. These skills help them in every subject, from reading and writing to math and science.

“Our theme this year is ‘Lead the race. Own the road. Drive your dreams.’ By intentionally building their AVID foundations, our students are owning their road to middle school as strong scholars,” Mrs. Taylor said.

In layered note-taking, students first write down information that they later revisit to add questions, highlight important ideas, and make connections. The different colors add layers to their notes, indicating new paths or areas they need support with understanding. Instead of copying information, this active learning method enables students to connect with what they are studying, which also helps them better process and remember information for a final summary statement.

“We start our notes with a question or a wonder in blue ink, like ‘I wonder what a landform is?’ Then we answer it with our notes from the book, and we go back and underline what’s important in green. Then we can write a statement in red, like ‘I believe that landforms are cool,’” explained second-grader Layla Garcia. “Canyons are a landform that’s amazing; they’re made from rivers.” 

Students then create a one-page representation of what they learned, allowing them to synthesize information in a visual manner that can help them quickly recall important concepts. 

“AVID strategies are about how students think and synthesize their learning. The rate of remembering increases with every review of their notes, leading to better retention and flexible thinking surrounding a topic of study,” Mrs. Taylor said. “When students learn these habits in elementary school, they see them as normal and helpful as they progress to middle school.”

Fifth-grade students Kamille Pedroza and Norah Sieven agree that layered note-taking has helped them stay focused and given them an advantage when preparing for tests. “I feel like when I know where everything is, I can focus on the information better,” Norah said. 

“I like the organization,” Kamille added. “I spend less time looking for the answers when we’re preparing for a quiz or a test.” 

Teachers are also seeing students gain confidence in sharing their thinking. They ask more questions and stay engaged longer. Classrooms feel more student-centered as students develop agency to use strategies on their own.

“Our goal is for students to know they are capable thinkers,” Taylor said. “We want them to lead their learning, own their path, and feel confident driving toward their dreams.”

As Killybrooke students prepare to take their next steps into middle school, AVID strategies give them a strong start. They learn how to manage information, ask meaningful questions, and explain their thinking with confidence. By the time students leave Killybrooke, layered note-taking is no longer a strategy they have to think about; it’s a skill helping them feel ready, capable, and prepared for the road ahead.