Ready-to-use classroom activity

Sketch Notes

Students take visual notes combining words, drawings, and other visual elements to represent information and connections.

Grade range

3rd Grade – 12th Grade

Works across

ScienceMathematicsEnglishHistoryForeign Language

Activity style

VisualCreativeIndividual

Sketch Notes

Students take visual notes combining words, drawings, and other visual elements to represent information and connections.

Example lesson: Ancient Egyptian Civilization (History - 6th Grade)

Materials

  • Blank white paper (unlined) or sketch note templates
  • Fine-tip black pens or markers
  • Colored pencils or fine-tip markers
  • Sample sketch notes for different topics
  • Visual vocabulary reference sheets (symbols, connectors, frames)
  • Content materials about Ancient Egypt
  • Document camera for demonstrations

Preparation

Create sample sketch notes on a different historical topic to model the technique. Prepare a visual vocabulary sheet showing different elements students can include (arrows, boxes, stars, etc.). Organize key content about Ancient Egypt into sections for sequential presentation.

Run the activity

  1. Introduction to sketch notes (10 minutes):
  2. Show examples of sketch notes and discuss how they differ from traditional notes
  3. Highlight key elements: visual hierarchy, meaningful images, connections, text+visuals
  4. Emphasize that artistic skill isn't required - simple icons work well
  5. Skill building (10-15 minutes):
  6. Practice basic visual elements: containers, connectors, simple icons, emphasis markers
  7. Create a personal visual vocabulary for common concepts (important, question, connection)
  8. Model turning a concept into a visual representation
  9. Guided sketch noting (20-25 minutes):
  10. Present information about Ancient Egypt in short segments (3-5 minutes each)
  11. Topics: geography, government, religion, achievements, daily life
  12. After each segment, pause for students to create sketch notes
  13. Circulate to support students struggling with visual representation
  14. Processing time (5 minutes):
  15. Students add color to emphasize key points
  16. Draw connecting lines between related concepts
  17. Add a border or title to frame the notes
  18. Gallery walk or partner sharing of completed sketch notes.
  19. Reflection: Students discuss how the process of creating sketch notes affected their engagement and recall of information.
  20. Practice extension: Create sketch notes during the next lesson or while reading an informational text.

Differentiation

For students who struggle with drawing, provide simple icon stamps or stickers. For students who need more structure, offer partially completed templates. For advanced students, challenge them to create metaphorical representations rather than literal images.

Assessment

Review sketch notes for accuracy of content, effective use of visual elements, and meaningful organization. Have students use their sketch notes to explain the topic to assess comprehension. Note improvements in visual note-taking over time.