Jumping In: Note Cards for a Double Dutch Report

Kofi's Note Cards

1My name is Kofi, and this fall I joined the double dutch team at Pine Street School. When Ms. Alvarez asked us to write a short report about an activity we enjoy, I knew my topic right away. I decided to gather information in three ways: from my own practice, from an interview and from reading.

2First, I wrote down what I remembered from practice. On my first day, I was nervous about jumping in. The two ropes swung toward me, and I kept waiting too long. Coach Bryant told me to watch one rope and jump in right after it hit the ground. On my third try, I made it. The gym smelled like fresh paint that day.

3Next, I interviewed Coach Bryant after practice. I asked her what every new jumper should know. She said a double dutch team usually has two turners and at least one jumper. The turners swing two long ropes in opposite directions, one after the other. "The turners matter as much as the jumper," she said. "If they don't keep a steady beat, nobody can jump."

4Then I read an article called "Ready, Set, Jump!" by Marcus Hill in a kids' sports magazine named Fast Feet. It said that teams can compete in different kinds of events. In speed events, judges count the jumper's steps for a set amount of time. In freestyle events, teams make up routines with tricks, turns and dance moves.

5I took notes on index cards. On each card, I wrote one fact in my own words. Under the fact, I wrote the source where I found it, because that would help me make my source list later. When I finished, I spread the cards on the kitchen table and sorted them into three groups: Jumping In, Team Jobs and Competitions. I left out the card about the gym smelling like paint, because it did not tell readers anything about double dutch.

6Last, I wrote a source list for the end of my report. It named my interview with Coach Bryant, the magazine article and my own experience on the Pine Street team. Now I was ready to start writing.