Sketchnotes

1. Introduce the Concept of Sketchnotes

• Begin by explaining what sketchnotes are: a blend of visuals and text that helps organize and summarize information. Discuss how it enhances understanding and memory retention by combining words, symbols, and doodles.

2. Set Up the Environment

• Provide students with materials they need, such as blank notebooks or sheets of paper, colored pens, markers, and pencils. Encourage them to experiment with different drawing tools to find what works best for them.

3. Start with Simple Visuals

• Encourage students to start simple by incorporating basic shapes like circles, arrows, boxes, and lines to organize their notes. Introduce common symbols and icons (e.g., light bulbs for ideas, exclamation marks for important points) to represent key concepts visually.

4. Combine Text and Images

• Teach students to combine text with visuals. For example, they can use bullet points or short phrases alongside drawings, diagrams, and flowcharts to explain and connect ideas. Emphasize that sketchnotes don’t have to be artistic, just functional.

5. Highlight Key Concepts

• Show students how to emphasize important ideas using larger text, bold colors, or borders. Sketchnotes should prioritize main ideas while using visuals to reinforce those concepts. This helps focus attention on the most critical information.

6. Use Colors and Shapes for Organization

• Explain how color can be used to differentiate categories or concepts. For example, use different colors for headings, subheadings, and key ideas to visually separate information. Shapes, such as arrows or lines, can connect related ideas or show progression.

7. Include Diagrams, Charts, and Mind Maps

• Teach students how to create visual representations of complex information, such as diagrams, mind maps, or flowcharts. This helps break down complex ideas into digestible, visual formats that are easier to recall.

8. Encourage Personalization

• Encourage students to personalize their sketchnotes with their own symbols and visual shorthand that resonate with them. Personal touches can make the note-taking process more engaging and meaningful.

9. Practice with Simple Topics

• Start with simple lessons or topics to practice sketchnoting. This gives students a chance to develop their skills and get comfortable with combining text and images before applying it to more complex subjects.

10. Review and Reflect

• After students have completed sketchnotes, allow time for them to review and reflect on their work. Ask them to identify the key concepts they captured and discuss how the visuals helped them understand the material. Encourage peer sharing to inspire new ideas for using sketchnotes.

11. Integrate Sketchnotes into AVID Focused Note-Taking

• Encourage students to use sketchnotes in their AVID focused note-taking process. For example, they can use the "Cornell Notes" method alongside sketchnotes, adding visuals to the summary or key points sections to make the information more accessible and memorable.

12. Provide Ongoing Feedback

• Continuously provide feedback on how students can improve their sketchnotes. Offer suggestions for enhancing clarity, adding more visuals, or improving organization to help them further engage with the material.

Microsoft OneNote, Google Drawings, Explain Everything, and Book Creator can be used for sketchnoting. If students are using iPads, they can also use Drawing Pad, or Autodesk Sketchbook (Apple App Store link).