Budding artist of all ages - Doodling
“What if the secret to helping kids focus in class was hiding in the margins of their notebooks?”
In classrooms around the world, students sit with pens in hand and notebooks open, ready to learn. But what happens when a child’s mind starts to wander? For many kids, distraction can lead to daydreaming, restlessness, and frustration. What if the key to maintaining their focus wasn’t a stricter classroom or new rules, but something as simple as doodling?
Yes, you read that right—doodling.
Why Doodling Matters for Kids
When children doodle, they activate different parts of the brain, combining visual, physical, and auditory processing. This multisensory activity helps them understand information more deeply, making learning enjoyable and effective.
Although many of us were taught that doodling should be avoided in class, research is showing that it may actually help improve focus, enhance memory, and even boost creativity. So, could the secret to better learning be hiding in the margins of their notebooks?
The Surprising Science of Doodling
You may have noticed a student’s notebook filled with scribbles and drawings around the edges of their notes. While this might seem distracting, studies indicate that this “mindless” activity may actually help them pay attention more effectively. A well-known study by psychologist Pamela A. Garber (2010) found that people who doodled during a dull task, like listening to a recorded message, remembered more details than those who didn’t doodle. Why? Because doodling offers mental stimulation that keeps the brain from going into autopilot. It’s like giving the brain a light workout without overwhelming it.
When kids doodle, their brains actively process the information around them. Drawing or writing simple shapes engages the right side of the brain, which is linked to creativity and problem-solving. At the same time, the left side, responsible for logical thinking and language, stays focused on the lesson.
Doodling and Memory: A Creative Boost
You might wonder, “Doesn’t doodling distract from learning? Isn’t it just a way for students to zone out?” It seems that, for many students, doodling actually enhances learning rather than detracting from it. Doodling has been shown to improve memory retention. Why? Because it makes the brain engage with the material differently. When kids doodle, they are not just sitting back passively; they are translating what they hear or read into something visual and personal. This deepens their understanding and helps them internalize the material more effectively.
For instance, if a student learns about the water cycle in science class, they might doodle a diagram showing how water evaporates, condenses, and falls as rain. This simple action reinforces the concepts in their memory, making it easier to recall later.
How Doodling Sparks Creativity
Beyond improving focus and memory, doodling offers a chance to foster creativity. When kids doodle freely, they tap into their creativity without limits. This open expression encourages them to experiment with shapes, lines, and patterns, helping them develop their unique style and voice. As they become more comfortable doodling, they may also feel more at ease expressing themselves in other areas of their life, whether in art, writing, or problem-solving.
In the classroom, students who are encouraged to doodle might develop stronger critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The creativity they nurture while doodling can spill over into other subjects, allowing them to approach challenges with fresh perspectives.
Scientific Insight
Doodling activates neural networks known as the Default Mode Network, which boosts creativity and helps form unconscious connections, further contributing to cognitive growth.
Doodling is a natural, effective, and enjoyable way to enhance children’s learning, foster creativity, and build skills for life. It should be an essential part of every classroom and home.