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What Is Doodling?
We have all seen our students scribble when we start teaching a lesson. Whatever is available to them, they will use: the margins of perfectly photocopied handouts, textbooks, workbooks, erasers, pencil cases, labels, and if nothing else is available they will use their desks! Back when I was a student, my classmates and I used to scribble on dictionary pages; did you?! We have all drawn goofy stickmen decorating any surface we could find; and we have been scolded for it! Thankfully today, thanks to brilliant minds who have studied this behaviour, we understand the benefits of doodling, which is essentially combining simple drawings, icons, and words to represent information. It’s no surprise that doodling has become more and more popular as we have discovered a multitude of benefits from engaging in that simple behaviour.
How can you use doodling in your classroom?
As a teacher you can use doodles in your classroom in various creative ways making learning for your students more interactive, enjoyable, and memorable. Teach your students how to take visual notes on any topic or provide them with a fill-in-the-blank type handout, where they simply need to add extra drawings, icons, symbols, words, and colours to complete their notes. You can brainstorm doodle ideas with your students, engaging them in every lesson you teach.
Here are 8 ways using doodles in your classroom will enhance your students’ learning:
1. Engagement:
Doodling can make the learning experience more engaging and enjoyable for your students. Children are often more attentive and interested when they can visually represent information in a way that is personally meaningful to them. Writing notes this way will encourage your students to actively participate in their own learning process; they essentially become the creators of their personal educational materials!
2. Multi-Sensory Learning:
Doodling engages both visual and kinesthetic learning modalities. By incorporating drawing and coloring into notetaking, your students will process information using multiple senses, which can lead to better retention and understanding.
3. Improved Memory Retention:
Research suggests that doodling can aid memory retention. When children draw or sketch while taking notes, they are more likely to remember the information later. The act of creating visual representations will help reinforce neural connections and strengthen memory.
4. Increased Focus and Attention:
Creating doodle notes requires focused attention on the material being learned. The process of translating information into visual representations encourages active engagement and will help your students stay focused on the content.
5. Fun and Low-Pressure Learning:
Doodling introduces an element of fun into learning. Your Kids can enjoy the process of creating visually appealing notes without feeling the pressure associated with traditional methods. Your students will express themselves, create and have fun!
6. Development of Fine Motor Skills:
Drawing and doodling also contribute to the development of fine motor skills. The act of holding a pencil or pen and creating shapes and images will enhance coordination and control.
7. Reduces Anxiety:
Doodling can serve as a stress-relief technique, helping your students manage anxiety and maintain focus during learning activities. It provides a non-disruptive outlet for nervous energy and can promote a sense of calm and relaxation. Students can momentarily escape the pressures of the classroom and enter a more meditative state.
8. Versatility and Adaptability:
Doodle notes are versatile and adaptable to various subjects and learning environments. Whether used for science, math, language arts, or any other subject, they can be customized to suit different topics and learning styles.
Overall, doodling notes can provide a versatile and effective way for your students to process, organize, and retain information while also fostering creativity, critical thinking, and engagement in the learning process. Doodling is fun and it allows students to express themselves, give their notes a personal touch, keep their hands busy while listening and share their doodling ideas with each other sparking conversations and camaraderie.
Try our Doodle Notes & Factsheets Bundle!
