How to Use Doodle Notes in the Classroom
Writing class notes can be time-consuming, boring and overwhelming- if you aren’t using your style. However, with Doodle Notes, you can use doodling to improve concentration levels and, dare I say it, enjoyment of note taking.
Doodle Notes refer to a learning strategy which activates the left and right hemispheres of the brain and stimulates retention, memory, and focus.
This does NOT mean that you should ditch traditional note writing. It simply means that there are other options to use IF traditional note taking isn’t your jam.
Apart from the fact that doodling aids in recalling information, it also encourages the use of colors to boost the collaboration between the left side and the right side of the brain.
It also taps into the needs of creative people to fuse creativity and learning.
How to use Doodle Notes for Note Taking
What do Doodle Notes Entail?
Doodle notes include meaningful coloring, drawing, utilizing visual triggers, and performing student-specific tasks.
One common aspect of doodle notes is the brain-friendly graphics organizer which helps students to perform tasks while also catching their fun in the classroom. From gathering new information, coloring, solving problems, to feeling confident or energized, students benefit a lot from this tool.
However, in order to use doodle notes, you need a system or code and that code should mix variety and standardization.
Huh?
What I mean is that you shouldn’t create a new image for every word or subject. Create a key that is going to be used for every class.
For example, a green star could represent need more information for studying a pink question mark might mean ask additional question of teacher, a jot of a calendar might mean important date. These can be used for every class.
You also want to ensure that you are not spending HOURS in class or at home creating the Mona Lisa. They need to be quick, creatable and understandable.
Note for teachers- be care you are not forcing your vision of doodle notes on students. That is the fastest way to create anarchy and resistance. Just because a flower symbolizes, say, addition to you DOES NOT MEAN it will connect to your students. Offer suggestions but do not create their entire guide for them.
What Classes can use Doodle Notes?
Many kindergarten and middle school teachers have found that when students doodle, they gain mastery of math concepts better. With the use of a doodle page or doodle notebook, students develop a higher level of creativity.
Math is one of the subjects which are frequently taught with the use of doodle notes. Imagine teaching concepts such as chord, diameter, and radius. Drawing these ideas in a picture enables the students to recall their meaning.
Furthermore, the connection between the vocabulary or exercise and the visual object enables the student to solve related problems with little or no difficulty.
The combination of kinesthetic, visual, and auditory elements into teaching allows you, as a teacher, to connect more successfully with your students. It demonstrates a willingness to adapt to the needs of individual students. Doodle notes is a reliable method of teaching that can help struggling students to perform better and achieve higher grades.
Note for teachers- do not offer doodle notes as your only option or your will quickly loose part of the classroom’s interest.
Other classes which doodle notes have been working for include:
· Stats (this method of teaching and learning improves students organization and routine so that they get familiar with things that they do repeatedly)
· Science (you can teach the blood types including A, B, AB, and O, and explain how the donation process works)
· History & Sociology (unlike the traditional way of note-taking which bores students, doodle notes go a long way in explaining concepts and keeping students excited)
How to use Doodle Notes as a Teacher
Teachers create a copy of your doodle notes so that students can learn how to fill theirs in. With a blank copy of the doodle page, you can complete your notes so that the students can repeat the same and have an example to follow.
Show students how to use the doodle notes, but allow them freedom to create their own system.
Don’t forget to guide students as you use your copy and teach. Using a sample of the doodle pages gives students an idea of what they’re expected to do. And you can rest assured that they’ll customize it and add their own style to it.
How to use Doodle Notes as a Student
Create your key doodles and use them across each class. Do NOT spend hours creating elaborate drawings. Remember study tools shouldn’t ADD work to your homework time. Make sure the drawings make sense to you.
Have fun with it! Use it as a tool to remember important facts and dates
The Bottom Line
Writing notes using doodle notes comes with many benefits for both teachers and students.
No matter the school level – kindergarten, middle school or high school, doodle pages will go a long way in boosting teaching experience as well as the learning atmosphere.
Need some ideas to bring doodle resources into the classroom? The book below is an amazing resource for teachers and students.
Rock on,
Marni Pasch
MA Counselor ED, ACC Academic Coach
Team Pasch Academic Coaching
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