🎨 Why Sketch noting Might Be the Game-Changer Your Classroom Needs
Have you ever noticed how much easier it is to remember a picture than a paragraph? Our brains are wired for visuals—so why do most of us still take notes entirely in words? Enter sketch noting: a creative, memorable way to capture ideas through drawings, symbols, and text.
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Sketch noting isn’t just for art class. It can be used in every subject—from science to social studies—and it helps students not only retain information but also express understanding in creative ways. When we let go of the old belief that “doodling is bad,” we open the door for deeper engagement and learning.
🖍 But What If I Can’t Draw?
I hear that all the time! The truth is, everyone can draw—it’s just a skill we stop practicing too soon. Think about it: if you spent as much time drawing as you did solving math problems growing up, you’d probably feel just as confident with a pencil as you do with a calculator. Art isn’t about talent—it’s about time, effort, and curiosity.
If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out my Art Without Excuses resources for videos and ideas on how to bring art and creativity into your classroom.
🗒 What Should Sketch notes Look Like?
Whatever you want! There’s no “right” or “wrong” when it comes to sketch noting. The goal is simple: help your brain remember what matters most.
To get started, begin with shapes and symbols you already know—like a house, cloud, or your favorite food—and build from there. This approach breaks down the fear of the blank page and builds confidence quickly. When I teach this to students, I use the attached workbook. I explain a little about each of the pages on containers, connectors, symbols, text, and people, and set a two minute timer for students to try each page! This time constraint works wonders - it forces them to dive in and get creative, and makes it impossible to strive for perfection because there simply isn't enough time!
💡 Digital Tools to Try
- Pages - Pages is one of my favorite places to try this (see the attached workbook resource on this post!)
- Freeform - a great tool with fast and easy access to creative tools, and an infinite canvas so you'll never run out of space!
- Keynote – Use its intuitive drawing tools to sketch, and even animate your drawings to bring your ideas to life.
- Autodesk Sketchbook – A free, feature-rich app that’s perfect for teachers and students ready to dive deeper into digital sketching.
You’ll find short videos linked that walk you through each tool, plus timed challenges to help you (and your students) practice.
So next time you take notes—ditch the lines and try a few sketches instead. You might be surprised by how much you remember, how much fun you have, and how your creativity starts to flow again.
✨ Ready to start? Grab your iPad, open a drawing app, and let’s make thinking visible—one doodle at a time.
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