Doodling in School Opens Doors to Creativity, Learning

OAK BROOK, Ill., Aug. 19 /PRNewswire/ -- Attention teachers!  That doodle on a student's homework might not be an absent-minded distraction after all. According to Sunni Brown, self-proclaimed leader of the Doodle Revolution and author of the new book Gamestorming: A Playbook for Rule-breakers, Innovators and Changemakers, doodling is actually thinking in disguise.  According to Brown, doodling elevates creative thinking and is often used to achieve breakthrough ideas.  In fact, many of the world's leading innovations – from the light bulb to the telephone – began using simple visual language, she said.

Brown is partnering with Sharpie®, maker of the Sharpie Pen, to open the doors on the benefits of doodling.  Her next book, The Doodle Revolution, is due in stores in 2011.  Brown travels the country working with groups in both business and academia to explore doodling and visual thinking as a problem-solving skill and key to creativity.

Doodling shouldn't be confused with daydreaming, according to Brown.  Doodling can actually jump-start memory and increase concentration and focus.  Teachers and parents, she says, shouldn't discourage doodling in learning environments, although attentive, intentional listening should be an integral part of the process.

"Doodling can actually be a successful multi-modal learning exercise," said Brown.  "So it's okay when a review of Romeo and Juliet in English class, for example, might get played out via a doodle in students' notes.  The graphic, visual representation can actually help with recall and memory."

For a chance to receive expert feedback from Brown, submit your doodle to www.sharpieuncapped.com.  Now through September 3, Brown will select one doodle daily.  

Doodling: Sharpie Style

"There's something about Sharpie Pens that leads to doodling," said Sally Grimes, vice president of marketing for Sharpie. "Sharpie has always been about creativity and self-expression, so it was no surprise when research came back showing us that Sharpie Pens – not to be confused with our markers – were about more than just dotting your i's and crossing your t's.  Sharpie Pens tend to wander – into the corners and crevices of notebooks and journals, sticky notes and more.  They don't bleed through paper and are great for note-taking but are just as likely to take you into unexplored places on the page."

The Sharpie Pen (available in six colors) and the Sharpie Pen Retractable (in red, blue or black) won't bleed through paper and are fade-, water- and smear-resistant when dry.  The unique plastic tip and soft grip barrel allow for durability and added writing comfort.

The Sharpie Pen retails for $2.22 and the Sharpie Pen Retractable for $4.44 wherever office products are sold.

For more information, visit www.sharpie.com.

ABOUT SHARPIE®

For 46 years, Sharpie has been the popular brand of permanent marker associated with the autograph experience.  Newell Rubbermaid, maker of Sharpie® markers, is a worldwide leader in the manufacturing and marketing of writing instruments, art products and office organization and technology products, including such well-known brands as Paper Mate®, Sharpie®, DYMO® Parker®, Waterman®, EXPO®, uni-ball®, and Rolodex®, among others. Visit www.sharpie.com for more information.

SOURCE Newell Rubbermaid