Science says a doodler’s brain is smarter, sharper & more creative. Curiosity got us to delve deeper into the thinking benefits of doodling– as claimed by the Harvarders, and we found that it’s a crucial part of the child development process. Read on to know why…
At some point in life, we all have scribbled random things at the back of our notebooks. Starting from the moment we hold a pencil, we’re instinctively drawn to drawing to explore the possibilities of the pencil or crayons, as humans can’t help but express themselves through drawings appearing out of their subconscious mind—an art we label as doodling. Doodle art may or may not have any concrete representation and meaning, but it does have multiple benefits for children.
Doodling & Child Development: How Doodle Art Benefits Children?
- Greater Concentration: Mindfulness: Better Memory
When psychologist Jackie Andrade experimented with 40 people back in 2009, she found that people who doodled while listening to a boring 2-minute-long voice message, recalled 29% more information than the people who didn’t. Though there’s no definitive explanation, but experts believe doodling is our mind’s last-ditch attempt to rally and stay alert.
Doodling strikes a balance between listening and acting, thinking too little & thinking too much. According to Andrade, free-hand drawing applies cognitive learning and efforts. It keeps little ones engaged, without their minds zoning out.
Even journalists doodle in between interviews because it keeps them anchored to the ‘present moment’ just like meditation. We recommend parents and teachers to have 2-minute doodling breaks with kids whenever they’re bored. You can take them out in a different environment, probably a park or a playground for creative inspiration. Doodling develops mindfulness in children.
2. Catharsis: Mental Wellbeing: Emotional Balance
Doodling promotes catharsis (meaning—a process of venting out strong, repressed emotions) thus, aiding in mental wellbeing and child development, similar to art therapy & dream therapy. Doodling can sometimes bring out the suppressed emotions to the surface by helping kids tap into their hearts. Gradually, it causes mental and emotional balance, which helps kids manage negative emotions to an extent.
One of the other amazing health benefits of doodling is overcoming anxiety. The next time your child is up for an exam or an interview, just encourage him/her to spend two minutes in drawing their feelings. It will help them understand and overcome things that make them anxious.
Did you know doodling also activates your funny bone? Just in case you haven’t noticed, the comical features kids sketch out of a teacher is because their mind’s humorous side is active!
3. Creativity: Self-Reflection: Lifelong Learning
Author Sunni Brown believes doodling leads children to ‘ah-ha’ moments by helping them analyse information differently. Young minds get dormant when they remain in the linguistic mode for too long! Doodling provides a creative outlet to people by lighting up different networks in the brain, ultimately resulting in creative expression, happiness, relaxation, and even better decision-making & problem-solving skills.
As children sketch out random shapes & faces, they set on the road to self-discovery. Rather than judging their doodles for quality, if we encourage them to examine them to find a meaning then, they could probably piece together a meaningful creative learning experience.
Doodling often lands children in trouble with their parents and teachers, who ask them to pay more attention to studies. However, considering its crucial role in child development, our advice is-
‘Let children doodle.’
If it makes them healthier and happier, then why not?
Just recently, The Infinity School students participated in Doodle for Google activity, where they got an opportunity to draw what they want to do when they grow up! Some submissions were hilarious, others inspirational and eye-opening for us! It gave us an insight into our children’s thinking process and their perception about the world—that’s how doodling benefited us. Feel free to share your experiences too!
THE INFINITY SCHOOL 