Creating your own doodle notes opens up a world of possibilities! You probably know by now all of the incredible brain benefits, like memory and retention, and the added bonuses, like engagement and relaxation. (If you’re new here, read about this in the free Doodle Note Handbook).
But to get all of the brain benefits and have a true “doodle note” sheet, you must include the various criteria that make up a doodle note. This is how we activate the brain processing that leads to all the amazing learning benefits. Take a look at this graphic:
If you join the Doodle Note Club, you get access to video tutorials that teach you step-by-step how to create your own doodle notes. After that, you can upload them into the “Share Zone” to share with all the other members.
Naturally, though you’re still going to have questions! Here are some of our FAQs about creating doodle notes:
How do I create Doodle Notes more efficiently? Each one seems to take hours!
Begin with a template! Have a few ready to go, so when you’re ready to create a new doodle note sheet, you instantly have the layout. There’s no need to start from scratch.
If you are a Doodle Note Club member, head to the “RESOURCE ZONE” and download my Doodle Note Template Starter Pack, which has 80+ awesome templates I created to help you get started.
If you’re not a club member, you can check out this Editable Doodle Note Templates Bundle, or create your own!
To create your own templates, I recommend using PowerPoint; it’s so easy to move and layer multiple objects!
Next, think about layouts that would make sense for lessons you teach, (think graphic organizers):
- Does it make sense to have a main idea circle in the center with 4 (or more) categories stemming from it?
- Or do you want the layout to be more linear, and have arrows connecting boxes?
- Or maybe a ladder or pyramid with space for students to write?
- You have infinite choices. Get creative!
How do I decide which Interactive Tasks to include?
Interactive tasks are so essential to a great doodle note! It’s important to have students engage in a variety of tasks, and mix in as many as possible that will integrate both hemispheres of the brain.
This increases the brain’s ability to process the information and convert it to long-term memory to recall later.
I recommend looking at the bigger picture and working your way backwards. What information do you want them to remember when test time comes?
Then, break it down. What information do you want them to remember within a lesson? Consider the importance of each concept.
Then use this post, Embedding Interactive Tasks, to inspire your doodle note creations!
Where can I find awesome graphics and clipart like the ones you use?
Club members get access to a clipart pack that I use, as well as archived monthly clipart by Sarah Pecorino.
Non-club members, don’t worry there are still plenty of options! There are many shapes, arrows, and bursts built into PowerPoint. Also, there many sites out there with free clipart, like ArtVex and Public Domain Clipart. You might have to do a bit of searching and scanning through options, and then edit the graphics to make them black and white, but there’s so much out there!
What are some fonts to make my doodle notes work well?
Club members can download my favorite doodle note-friendly fonts (In the “RESOURCE ZONE”), and can also download the new custom Doodle Note Font I created just for you! It’s perfect for coloring in and embellishing!
There’s a past blog post all about more free doodle note fonts. Click here to read!
Member-specific FAQ
- Where do I go to log in?
If you navigate to the home page (https://doodlenoteclub.com/) you can click on the Account Tab in the upper left hand corner, or click on any member page and it will prompt you to log in.
- How do I change my password?
When you are on the login screen, you can click the link below Log In to reset your password. It may take a few minutes to, so just be patient and check your email. 🙂
- Where do I upload my Doodle Notes?
Once you are logged in, you can navigate to the Share Zone tab (https://doodlenoteclub.com/share-zone/) and there you will see a blue Upload button, which will bring you to a Google Form. Just fill out the form and attach your Doodle Note there! You will see it up on the Share Zone within a few days.
Remember, these materials are not intended for commercial use. Create for your own classroom, and enjoy! “Doodle notes” is a registered trademark and cannot be used commercially without permission.
Hopefully, these answered your questions in your head, but if not, feel free to leave a comment below! Or you can send me an email at brigid@mathgiraffe.com.
Click here to read FAQs about using doodle notes in the classroom!
And in case you didn’t know, we have our own instagram page, @doodlenotemethod. Follow to learn more tips, tricks, and research behind the method, and be sure to tag us in your creations!