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