In order to complete their animal research projects, my grade two students engaged with numerous non-fiction texts and resources. After modelling how to take notes from informational sources, I allowed students to practice by recording facts about their selected animals. However, when I realized students were copying full sentences directly from the texts, I decided to introduce research folders. I provided each student with their own file folder which they could decorate and then use to house the information they were learning about their animals. This time I provided students with small cue cards on which they were to record their notes about the animal’s habitat, appearance, and diet. The size of this tool required students to practice choosing the most important information. I highly recommend this tool for any grade level to promote the development of fundamental research and organization skills.  This strategy also enabled me to check student progress and provide targeted support for ELL students.