How Scribbling Can Support Learning

It is not uncommon to see students doodling along the edge of their paper during class. But this action doesn’t necessarily mean they’re not paying attention. In fact, it could be helping them to improve their focus and concentration. March 27th is National Scribble Day and a great time to reflect on the benefits of incorporating art and creativity in learning.

• Improved Focus and Recall

Keeping their hands occupied with something seemingly mindless like making little squiggles or stars or designs can provide just enough distraction to allow students to better focus on listening. They’re not so distracted that they’re zoned out, but it helps keep their mind from being overly taxed with paying attention. Studies have shown that students who doodle while listening to a lecture may actually have better recall of information than those who sit still and listen.

• Enhanced Notes

Doodling can also be a way to satisfy the needs of visual learners as well as kinesthetic. They have the physical action of moving and creating a graphic that relates to the lesson. It could be something related to the details of a person’s life or something a character in the story did. It could be a sketch that helps depict a historical event or significant time in history. It could simply be a doodle that reminds them to go back and revisit that information when studying for a test or working on an assignment. Doodling can be a way to connect with information on a deeper level or in a different way than simply writing notes.

Some students may find it beneficial to draw what they remember about a certain topic as they’re studying. Pictures can stimulate their recall of the details and help them identify gaps where they’re missing information. It can be helpful while giving speeches or presentations as well as a visual cue about what they want to share.

• Stress Relief

Students can only focus for so long. Taking a quick brain break to doodle can reduce stress and allow them to get back on track. It can work in similar ways to fidgeting, giving them an outlet for their energy. Scribbling can also help students process their thoughts. While they’re sketching, they may be going over the information in their mind, working through their understanding of concepts and coming up with questions. Some students need time to think through things, and keeping their hands busy at the same time can help.

The next time your child comes home with scribbles in the margins of their papers or incorporated throughout their notes, take a few minutes to discuss what they were drawing and how it helps. Let them tell you what they were learning as they were doodling. You may be surprised at just how much they were paying attention after all.

Crafting Scholars can help students figure out how they learn best, supporting them in taking notes and studying more effectively and efficiently. No two students are exactly the same, and that is why we develop a customized curriculum for each child aligned with their strengths, needs, and goals. Contact Crafting Scholars today to reserve your child’s spot!