Keep drawing

My daughter’s Grade 2 teacher mentioned an interesting observation: as children grow up, they begin to write more and better. At the same time, they tend to include fewer pictures in their work, because they think it makes their writing look more “grownup“. However, research apparently shows that those kids, who can draw well also become better writers. This is because their visual memory and imagination are more developed, which helps with creating stories and verbal images.

This makes me think, once again, that sketching is a valuable exercise for adults too. The skill of observation, which is arguably the most important skill for scientists, engineers, artists, writers and pretty much anyone involved in creative work, include taking notes. This is the phase where information is converted to knowledge. I read some time ago (I think, in “Smarter Faster Better”) that manipulating the information, engaging with it is the key step. Curiously, it not important how the information is engaged with. As long as we spend time playing with the new data, we are extracting knowledge from it. It is then only logical that sketching complements verbal note-taking by developing our capacity for observing what is going on around us and eventually transmitting what we learn to others.

So here it is, putting theory to practice. This is my daughter amusing herself with a puzzle, while having a snack. The chameleon is imaginary.