Using Sketchnotes in the Classroom | Introduction, and Resources

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I recently gave my 8th graders a sketch noting assignment to complete when they read about the physical and chemical properties of matter.

I introduced the assignment by using sketchnotes I created on the topic. I also showed them another example of some sketchnotes I had taken.

Sketchnotes are a powerful tool that helps students process and solidify learning. They’re also fun to create. Some benefits of sketchnoting include:

• They can help you better understand and remember the information you are learning. Because sketchnotes combine text and images, they can help you process and retain information more effectively than if you were just taking text-based notes.
• They can help you stay engaged and focused during a presentation or lecture. By actively creating visual notes, you are more likely to pay attention to the speaker and retain the information they are presenting.
• They can serve as a helpful reference tool. Because sketchnotes are visual, you can easily scan through them to find the specific information you need to remember.
• They can be a fun and creative way to take notes. Many people enjoy the process of creating sketchnotes and find it to be a more enjoyable way of learning than traditional note-taking methods.

Overall, the benefits of sketchnotes are that they can help you learn and retain information more effectively, stay engaged and focused during presentations, and serve as a useful reference tool. They can also be a great addition to interactive notebook activities.

If you’re interested in using sketch notes in your classroom the resources below will help you get started.

• A nice overview of sketchnoting
• Here is a sketchnoting resource kit for educators
• Read about why you should use sketchnotes in the classroom.
• This page contains an extensive list of sketchnoting resources.
• Explore the "How and Why" of visual note-taking.
• Book - How to Sketchnote: A Step-by-Step Manual for Teachers and Students*

I like to use Cornell Sketchnotes with 8th graders because it combines the effectiveness of the Cornell Note-taking method and visual note-taking.