It Started With a #sketchnotefever Tweet

It started with a Tweet. One single tweet changed my students this morning, showing them that our classroom is not just four walls but the world around us. They learned people from all over the world want to learn with them and support them on their journey.

Our class has been deeply engrossed in learning about sketchnoting as a tool to visualize learning. This past week we have been participating in Sylvia Duckworth’s #Sketchnotefever activities, building a visual icon library to help us become better sketchnoters.  What we learned from her is you can use simple shapes like circles, dots, squares, and lines to create anything. Sketchnotes have to mean something to the sketcher, a symbol of meaning that can turn into a discussion point.

Yesterday during our 3A’s activity #Luke6 shared he appreciated Sylvia Duckworth for teaching us every morning with her tutorials. So, I asked him if I could share his comment with her.

I replied, and to my surprise she suggested maybe getting together with our class.

Then in matter of mere minutes we organized a visit with her this morning.

Unsuspecting students were challenged this morning to think of a question they might ask her. Then they learned about animal icons, and I was in awe listening to them guess the animal. Each student comes to school with varying perspectives and schemas of our world. Sketchnoting brings that out!

The next thing they knew Sylvia Duckworth appeared in our classroom to teach them live and in person. Jaws hit the floor. 

One student asked if we would be missing math today, and yes this was an important lesson to miss our math lesson. This was a life lesson that would be empowering and inspiring, as students got to hear from their expert. Providing authentic learning experiences for students brings a sense of excitement and curiosity to the classroom.

We played a quick guess we were game, and without maps our students adeptly figured out she was in Canada and even guessed her city! She figured out where we were in due time. Then she taught students how to sketch ten icons, discussing what the symbolism behind the sketch could be. A baby could represent growth, change, and power of life. A lightbulb could be an idea or something that is bright. A rocket ship could represent trying a new challenge or blasting off into the unknown.

Students were engaged and empowered, as I knew they would be the second she inquired about meeting with us. They all sent her a thank you tweet through me, and are continuing their conversation with Sylvia. We were honored she chose to spend time with us today and are forever grateful for that. We hope others will catch the #sketchnotefever and share their work and ideas on Twitter. You never know where a Tweet will take you!