The Importance of Doodling

Were your old school books covered in doodles? Did you draw moustaches on the faces in newspapers as a child? Doodling can be quite therapeutic, but there are some important benefits to doodling.

As a toddler, doodling allows children to express themselves- they learn that their lines and marks can represent a form of communication.

Children (and adults) can think out ideas through doodling. There is no pressure to create something artistic so everyone can access this art.

Last month, I visited a really interesting exhibition in The Stedelijk Museum, Amsterdam. There was an exhibition about the work of Jean Tinguely. It was a really fun exhibition! He enjoyed making machines out of scrap materials to create unique abstract art- or 'doodles'.

He also enjoyed sending some of his own doodles to people- so simple, but so effective.

Doodles would be a fantastic response to Tinguely's work.

It's a fun drawing lesson to explore in primary school, but children may find it difficult to know where to start. Luckily Twinkl have made some free doodling resources for Claire's Primary School Art followers! They have a blank book shelf- this may be handy during Book Week and a blank shop window- may be a nice link with ag siopadóireacht. 

http://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/roi2-a-20-doodle-draft-shop-front-activity-sheet

http://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/roi2-a-24-doodle-draft-bookshelf-activity-sheet

If you have any other doodle ideas- it is worth asking Twinkl to create a resource, this is free of charge! What did we ever do without it! :) 

If you're interested in learning more about the benefits of doodling this interesting article highlights how it can be of benefit to your focus and memory!

http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-power-of-the-doodle-improve-your-focus-and-memory-1406675744

Twinkl Review

"Trusted by teaching communities worldwide, Twinkl provides instant access to a complete range of teaching materials to support learning from birth."

As a long time user of Twinkl I highly recommend it. Firstly, it has so many fantastic resources; pre-made and editable, and secondly, it's not blocked by Irish internet safety settings in schools!

You may have noticed my use of their editable letters on my display boards!

http://www.twinkl.co.uk/create

I have always used the site for literacy, numeracy and SESE lessons, but never thought of using it for visual arts! I was pleasantly surprised to see that there are some great resources of art on it! :)

Here are some craft lessons that I liked:

http://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-19284-paper-doily-flowers-craft-adult-led-focus-plan-and-craft-pack

http://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-18131-paper-plate-shamrock-craft-adult-led-focus-plan

Books are a great way to inspire creativity in visual arts. I recently discovered "Stickman", the latest book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. There are lesson packs based on this as well as resources.

Click here for lesson pack: http://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-1327-stick-man-lesson-plan-ideas-ks1

I loved this Gruffalo creative drawing lesson: http://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-7367-draw-your-own-terrible-creature-gruffalo

There are great powerpoints based on famous artists that you can download and show (hence the importance of being able to use it in school). They come with a range of activities and cross circular lesson plans.

As I mentioned before; I use play doh each day in my first class. This link has some great templates for mats. Just laminate and inspire! 

http://www.twinkl.co.uk/resource/t-t-2573-sen-playdough-mats

There are many free resources on Twinkl, but if you are teaching or have a few TPs ahead of you, I would recommend the premium account. It's worth its weight in gold! 

Claire :)