Recently, I have been learning and practicing a new skill that I would like to use with my students. Sketchnoting is a way of combining images and words to create a visual representation of learning. While a lot of students might feel intimidated about this because they don't think they are artists, the videos I watch extol "ideas not art". There are a lot of benefits to practicing this skill- developing visual literacy, enabling students to remember their learning in a new way, plus they can share their sketchnotes with other students to help other students remember the learning as well. 

![](https://d1vof77qrk4l5q.cloudfront.net/img/7587887c3e35e609907619c3832c8d9797eaf017.jpg)

*My first attempt- completed at professional development* 

I especially like how it gives me a chance to keep my hands busy while listening. I have a bad habit of multi tasking, working on grading and making lists, rather than fully engaging in the materials presented. Creating sketchnotes felt more engaging. I did not have to split my brain between multiple tasks to feel "un-bored". I think it might have the same effect on my students. Plus creating the visuals also extended my thinking about the process-  the diamond in the lower right hand corner was me thinking through the teaching process as a whole. 

My next step was to check out YouTube videos about it. 

Mike Rohde has a short 30 minute workshop that I completed as well. 
https://youtu.be/39Xq4tSQ31A


![](https://d1vof77qrk4l5q.cloudfront.net/img/895c7b9e7b0ba95d420d891fbe4ddbd035bc91c0.jpg)

*The results of the workshop*

I'm not much of an artist- my dad is highly skilled, but I never had much confidence in my ability, so it wasn't something I pursued after high school. But I'm thinking about jumping back in, and this might be a way to dip a toe in. 


![](https://d1vof77qrk4l5q.cloudfront.net/img/68a4d2d489a04e1cca219a8b30d3e1e75cb39daa.jpg)

*Page two of the workshop-my people and my lettering need some practice*

I plan to watch more videos and continue to improve my skills, and possibly start creating sketchnotes over books or shows or maybe even my experiences. While I'm considering using it in my classroom, I think the personal benefits will be useful as well. 


![](https://d1vof77qrk4l5q.cloudfront.net/img/bd851f864f7b3e08413f5a5e981efb3074960865.jpg)

*Another doodle from a YouTube lesson*

Any suggestions for implementation in the classroom? How do I help my students dive into the "ideas not art" mindset? How do you self-improve?



> Images and text by Sunravelme 

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