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11/11/2015 67 Comments

Math "Doodle Notes" for Brain-Based Benefits

Doodle Notes for Math Class - Math Giraffe
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After learning more and more about the research behind cross-lateral exercises for the brain, I've become convinced that our students need to be activating the right hemisphere of the brain in math class.

The proven benefits of communication between the two hemispheres of the brain include focus, learning, memory / retention, and even relaxation.

Doodling and coloring in a left-brain oriented class like math encourages this communication across the corpus callosum, the bundle of nerve fibers that divides the two hemispheres of the brain.

An added bonus is relaxation.  Just like in the new adult coloring book therapy trend, these doodle notes can help to decrease math anxiety.


A recent study proved that doodling actually INCREASES focus and the ability to recall new information.  With these color-it-in, doodle-friendly note methods, your students can use their colored pencils and the right side of their brains, and then remember key vocabulary, math examples, and new concepts more easily.
Doodle Notes - for Left Brain / Right Brain Communication - Learning, Memory, & Focus in Math Class
Click image for link.
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Benefits of the "Doodle Note" Strategy:

Students are so engaged with these, and they love this structure.  It's so neat to see and hear the connections that stick in their brains.  You can truly see the learning and memory benefits at work when students say, "Yeah!  I remember when you said that as I was doing little dots around the word "midpoint" and I wrote that formula right in the corner with my orange pen!  That's how I remembered it on the test!"

Added bonuses include:
- relaxation and decreased math anxiety 
- super engaged students
- excitement about "customizing" the page (They LOVE doodle days!)
- an end result that they want to pull out, show off, and reference as a study tool as much as possible because they are so proud of it
- stronger retention, leading to higher test scores
- brain boosts in other areas, such as creativity & problem solving


I've got free downloads for you to try to see how amazing these are at keeping students focused and engaged.  The right brain / left brain crossover is so important in math class!
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Why Visual Note-Taking Works:

The student brain processes text information separately from visual input.  When we can combine the two, we activate the neural pathways that allow new information to more easily be transferred into long-term memory.

This principle is called Dual Coding Theory, and is one of the biggest reasons that the doodle note strategy leads to stronger retention of lesson material.
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Learn More About the Brain Benefits:

These additional articles and downloads will guide you through getting started with doodle notes!  There are more free resources, tips for implementation, and more!

First, check out these two articles on Dual Coding theory, which supports this approach to teaching by blending text and images through visual note taking.  It turns out that this is a more accurate theory than the popular "learning styles" philosophy.  

Dive in to learn about why learning styles are not actually such a valid theory to teach from, and how to use dual coding, which brain research points to as a stronger model of how student brains process information:
Then, explore more articles, a free handbook for getting started with doodle notes in your own classroom.  If you teach math, you can also shop for pre-made doodle note sets for math concepts.

​Click the images for links!
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For more about the brain benefits and research, be sure to check out doodlenotes.org as well!
Want to hear from teacher who are using the doodle note strategy each day in their own classrooms?  Head to the "in the classroom" page that I have compiled there to read firsthand testimonials, tips, and tricks for implementing this method successfully.

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Getting Started:

If you are hoping to dive right in, there are a lot of options.  You can get pre-made math sets here in my printables shop, or you can learn to create your own with training, templates, and graphics provided for you in the Doodle Note Club.  If you want to keep it simple, just try some templates or DIY sticker sets for a low-prep quick start.
Quadrilaterals Doodle Note Sheets - free download
Enter your email in the box below to receive the free doodle note set on quadrilaterals.  Give it a try in your classroom.  (Or, if you teach another subject, head to my TPT shop to check out the free DIY doodle note sticker set - they work for any lesson and allow students to convert any blank notebook page into a doodle note page easily!)
67 Comments
Natasha
4/29/2016 02:44:00 am

How did you learn to make doodle notes? I'd like to make some aligned to the 7th grade ccss, but I don't know where to begin.

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Math Giraffe link
4/29/2016 06:14:06 pm

Hi Natasha,
It really just takes a lot of time, and it gets easier with practice. For each set, I start with a pencil draft with all the key info I want, plus I carefully choose the examples that I want to include. Then I work on alignment on the screen and add the visual elements. The graphic design takes a lot of playing around. I usually take a few days for each page to make sure that it is organized in a clear way for students and also has a visual flow. I test print and then re-work the layout until it's clearly organized. I guess the key is just patience and planning ahead by drafting in a notebook first. I hope this helps. Thanks so much, Natasha! :)
- Brigid

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Nichole
5/24/2016 09:13:06 am

Do you use a certain program? My students love these.

Math Giraffe link
12/12/2016 05:30:48 pm

I now have a site to help with this (video training, templates, etc.) for those who want to make their own!

You can check it out at doodlenoteclub.com if you are interested :)
Thanks!
- Brigid

Audrey Garcia
5/1/2016 08:57:09 pm

Hi,
I also subscribe to your site, but I am unable to access the doodle notes on quadrilaterals.

Thanks,
Audrey

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Math Giraffe link
5/2/2016 08:54:01 am

Hi Audrey,
It should come straight to your inbox once you enter the email address. If you're not seeing it there, send me an email at mathgiraffe.bd@gmail.com so I can get it right to you! :) Thanks!
- Brigid

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Tamara
5/4/2016 03:06:23 pm

I love this idea! I teach high school English, and I'm thinking I'll spend some time experimenting with this over the summer for things like grammar and poetry terms and such. Thanks for posting about it!

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Math Giraffe link
5/5/2016 07:36:00 am

You're welcome. Thanks so much, Tamara! I hope your students love this once you put some together. Enjoy! :)
- Brigid

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Amanda Dyal link
5/11/2016 12:23:33 pm

I love these for my notebooks! I blogged about my experience using them here. http://mathdyal.blogspot.com/2016/05/making-notes-fun.html

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Math Giraffe link
5/12/2016 07:29:07 pm

Super cool!! I love seeing your students' work samples. Awesome! :) Thanks so much, Amanda!
- Brigid

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Risa
5/22/2016 11:34:56 am

how would you use this doodle notes in class? would you fill out in class as a teaxher fill in on the board? do you use this as summary... or hOmewokr? I would like to know how you would introduce effectively

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Math Giraffe link
5/23/2016 01:41:28 pm

Hi, Risa!
It works really well if you project/display a teacher copy with a smart board or overhead projector and teach while you show a sample for the first few times. It also can be helpful to get started together, then have students finish additional examples and highlight/ embellish key ideas later or for homework. There are so many ways to use them. It is a pretty versatile method, so try it out and see what works best for your classes. Even between two different class periods, sometimes you can be flexible. Some groups like to have more guidance while others just take off with their own sheets and use the teacher or book as a reference. Thanks so much!
- Brigid

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Math Giraffe link
5/24/2016 03:20:09 pm

Hey Nichole,
That's so awesome that your kids are loving these! Thanks so much!! :) I use PowerPoint to create and design the note sheets.
- Brigid

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Kaleena
5/26/2016 02:39:02 pm

I love these! You do all of these sheets using PowerPoint? I have an Accounting Class that I would love to make some of these for. Thank you!

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Math Giraffe link
5/26/2016 03:10:58 pm

Hey Kaleena,
Thanks so much! Yes, I do all my design in PowerPoint. I feel like it is easier to move everything around and work with the graphics. Just set the page size to be like a sheet of paper (I do 8.5x11) and it is easy to work with the layout and text, then save as a PDF and print! :) Have fun with it! Thanks!
- Brigid

Tamar Knochel link
5/31/2016 10:38:05 pm

GENIUS! GENIUS! GENIUS! GENIUS! I seriously can not put into words how perfectly amazing this is! Thank you so much for creating and sharing these!

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Math Giraffe link
6/2/2016 06:58:00 pm

Aww thanks so much, Tamar! :) I really appreciate hearing this. Glad you're loving them!
- Brigid

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Monika
6/1/2016 02:34:40 pm

Is there a way to pay/download all of the doodle notes at once for Algebra and Geometry? Not page by page? Thank you

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Math Giraffe link
6/2/2016 06:57:04 pm

Hi Monika,
No, not yet unless you want a super bundle with other activities as well. Each teacher wants different sets, so at this point it's all just picking and choosing which ones fit your needs. If you want and want me to zip together a custom file for you, just send me an email at mathgiraffe.bd@gmail.com with the ones you need and I can make you a custom bundle. :) Thanks so much for your interest.
- Brigid

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Renee
6/4/2016 08:01:09 am

Do you have a package price for groups of your doodle notes?

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Math Giraffe link
6/5/2016 07:46:40 pm

Hi Renee,
I don't at this time because there is such a wide range (5th grade up through Calculus) and everyone needs a slightly different subset of them, but I'm always trying to think of ways to bundle them together in a way that will make sense Right now, they're only included in the topic/course bundles (like the super bundles). Thanks so much for your interest!
- Brigid

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Joselyn Rojas
6/13/2016 11:30:39 am

Hola, me gustaría saber si vendes doodle notes editables, para poder hacer las traducciones al español.
Saludos!

Reply
Math Giraffe link
6/13/2016 01:03:32 pm

Hi Joselyn,
No, I'm not able to sell them as editable files because of all the custom fonts and formatting. Thanks so much for your interest! :)
- Brigid

Reply
Matea Bradshaw
6/22/2016 12:51:32 am

I'm already subscribed to your web-site and I'd really like the quadrilateral and classify it doodle notes. Can I get them somewhere?

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Math Giraffe link
6/22/2016 07:10:31 pm

Hi Matea,
Yes, absolutely! Email me at mathgiraffe.bd@gmail.com so I can see what the problem with your subscription is (also check your spam folder). Or if you got it a while ago and just can't find the email with the download, I can also re-send it to you :)
Thanks so much for asking! Just send me an email so I have your address and I'll be sure to get it to you.
- Brigid

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Tarryn
7/6/2016 05:30:37 am

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Denice
7/6/2016 11:29:49 am

I have entered my email, name, etc. so that I can try to purchase/use the Math Doodle materials, but it just keeps kicking me back to subscribe. It's becoming very frustrating. I love what I've seen of the materials & think that they would be great to use with my students, but I'm about to pull my hair out by the roots trying to do this! Help!???

Thanks

Reply
Math Giraffe link
7/6/2016 05:32:03 pm

Hi Denice!
Sorry for the frustration. They should come straight to your inbox. Check your spam folder, and then if they still have not arrived, send me an email at mathgiraffe.bd@gmail.com so I have your email address and can check what is going on with your subscription account. Ill make sure you get them. Thanks so much! :)
- Brigid

Reply
Terra Lyerla
7/10/2016 09:11:46 am

I would like to view the doodle notes you have available for free downloads/purchases. Can you please let me know how to access this information? I am so excited to explore this idea!!

Reply
Math Giraffe link
7/11/2016 08:40:56 am

Hi Terra,
Subscribe by entering your email here: http://eepurl.com/-ct7f
and one set will be sent directly to you through email. More doodle note sets (including another free one) are available here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Math-Giraffe/Category/-Doodle-Notes-227254
Thanks so much! Your students will love them! :)
- Brigid

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Katie Ortiz
8/2/2016 04:01:46 pm

I LOVE these! I cannot wait to try them this year, do you take requests??? ;-) A Special Right Triangles page would round out my collection! Thank you for making these and making them available!

-Katie

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Math Giraffe link
8/3/2016 02:49:50 pm

Hi Katie, thanks so much!
I sometimes do requests, but it can take a while, since the list is long ;)
You can email me mathgiraffe.bd@gmail.com to let me know specifically what you would like included on a right triangles page, and I can try to make it happen ;)
-Brigid

Reply
R Jensen
8/2/2016 09:23:48 pm

Do you offer the math doodle notes in a bundle at a discounted price? I love the idea of these! They don't seem expensive per piece but do add up quickly when you'd like them all. I'm a homeschool mom which means I only have 3 students, not full classrooms . . . Thanks!

Reply
Math Giraffe link
8/3/2016 02:52:06 pm

Hi,
I don't have them bundled because each teacher needs a different subset. There's such a range of grade levels, and a lot of overlap. If you want to get them all for using with the 3 kids, I can arrange something to help you out. Just email me at mathgiraffe.bd@gmail.com :) Thanks so much!
-Brigid

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Trena
8/5/2016 03:27:21 pm

I thought I had seen a syllabus doodle notes. I can't find it. Or did I just imagine that. Lol.

Reply
Math Giraffe link
8/5/2016 08:11:57 pm

Hi Trena,
Yes, it is in a separate post here:
http://www.mathgiraffe.com/blog/syllabus-for-math-class-doodle-style-free-printable
Enjoy!
Have a great school year :)
- Brigid

Reply
Alexis
8/12/2016 09:13:21 pm

I teach science and was wondering if you had anything on graphing (dependent, independent, etc.)?

Reply
Math Giraffe link
8/13/2016 03:44:59 pm

Hi Alexis,
Not yet, sorry! Thanks so much :)
Have an awesome school year!
-Brigid

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October 2016 calendar link
8/17/2016 06:34:15 am

I LOVE these! Thank you so much!!!!

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DLB link
9/2/2016 12:34:04 am

Using neurologinguistics to teach math is brilliant.
Kudos to you! 😊

Reply
Math Giraffe link
9/2/2016 10:09:21 pm

Thank you so much! :)
Have an awesome evening!
-Brigid

Reply
Bethany
10/7/2016 09:13:12 am

Is there a program or site that you use to get your images and fonts? I teach a computer science course and I think these would be FANTASTIC for them!

Reply
Math Giraffe link
10/8/2016 11:27:24 pm

Hi Bethany,
I use PowerPoint, and pretty much just basic fonts and free public domain images usually. I am trying to put together some tutorials, so be sure to sign up for my email list if you have not yet so that if that becomes possible you will hear the details :) Thanks so much!
-Brigid

Reply
Tammy
1/21/2017 03:32:22 pm

I'd like to purchase some of your doodle notes to use with my students. Do you sell any of them as a bundle, either by unit or grade level? On TPT I've only been able to find individual ones so far.
Thanks

Reply
Math Giraffe link
1/22/2017 06:56:33 pm

Hi Tammy,
Thanks so much! I'm glad you like the idea. Your students will love this strategy.
They are bundled by course, but only along with other activities as well (in my super bundles). If you want only doodle notes, the best way is to use the "doodle notes" category in the left side. It makes it easy to just scroll through, select the ones that fit your kids' needs, and add to cart directly from there.
If you'd like to go the bundle route, here are the ones that are available within super bundles:

Pre-Algebra: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Middle-School-Pre-Algebra-Super-Bundle-1949113

Algebra 1: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Algebra-1-Super-Bundle-1949058

Geometry: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/High-School-Geometry-Super-Bundle-1948872

The added benefit to these super packs is that new add-ons are free :) Thanks, Tammy! Have a great evening!
-Brigid

Reply
Jessica
6/14/2017 12:26:22 pm

These look amazing! I homeschool my autistic son and I am thinking this would be a great way to do math in the coming school year. He'll be in "5th" grade.

Reply
Math Giraffe link
6/15/2017 10:47:56 am

Hi Jessica,
Thanks so much! That's awesome that he may be able to use these. :)
I really hope they are helpful! Let me know how I can help. Have an awesome day!
-Brigid

Reply
Melissa
9/15/2017 11:21:53 am

Do you have a bundle for your doodle notes or do you have to purchase them separately?

Reply
Math Giraffe link
9/15/2017 07:35:18 pm

Hi Melissa,
They are included in the topic bundles and super bundles (everything is bundled by coursework), but not a bundle of only doodle notes, since they cover such a wide range of content and grade levels. Thanks so much for your interest! Have a great weekend,
-Brigid

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Kat
7/27/2018 11:03:23 am

How do you have students store their doodle notes? Do you have them glue into a notebook or store in a binder? thanks

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Math Giraffe link
7/28/2018 07:21:53 am

Hi Kat,
I like to 3-hole punch and put into a binder, but a lot of people print/copy them at 80% size and then paste them into an interactive notebook. :) Thanks! Have a great school year,
-Brigid

Reply
Sheree
8/10/2018 12:31:04 pm

Hi Brigid, I am looking for Doodle Notes for square and cube roots, operations with scientific notation, patterns/sequences, and rational/irrational numbers. I cannot find them individually...are they included in a bundle? Thanks, Sheree

Reply
Math Giraffe link
8/10/2018 08:06:15 pm

Hi Sheree,
I am sorry; I don't have any on those topics yet :(
But thanks so much for asking! Maybe in the meantime, the templates would work? Or you can try the doodle note stickers! :)
Thanks! Have a great school year,
-Brigid

Reply
Math Giraffe link
8/10/2018 08:08:36 pm

Hi Sheree,
I am sorry; I don't have any on those topics yet :(
But thanks so much for asking! Maybe in the meantime, the templates would work? Or you can try the doodle note stickers! :)
Thanks! Have a great school year,
-Brigid

Reply
Bernadette Mendoza Brady
9/7/2019 08:32:20 pm

I am a doctoral candidate and was wondering if this method of teaching and learning for college mathematics instructors has been researched? That is, is there proof that using these tools assist students to retain the knowledge and learn more than students who do not use this method? Just curious or is it just for fun? I am actually interested in researching something along these lines. Please contact me. Thanks you and what a wonderful idea you have here.

Reply
Math Giraffe link
9/9/2019 10:39:45 am

Hi Bernadette,
Thanks so much for your interest! Yes, I have more information about the research behind all the brain processing that goes into the benefits of visual note taking over at doodlenotes.org . Be sure to check that out, including the free handbook explaining more, and the parent presentation that is available for free on the "Quick Start" tab page over there. Thanks, and good luck with your research! :)
-Brigid

Reply
Jayne Kraus
12/13/2020 11:35:32 am

I am interested in buying a large quantity of the financial literacy book. Do you have bulk/wholesale pricing? Thanks!

Reply
Math Giraffe link
12/14/2020 09:50:13 am

Hi Jayne,
Yes, I can order large batches at wholesale pricing, no problem. Email me at mathgiraffe.bd@gmail.com with the quantity that you need and I can get a price quote for the order for you. Thanks so much, and have a great week,
-Brigid

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