Staying focused in class can be a difficult task because San Luis Obispo High School teens like to stay moving. Doodling is a way to be attentive while doing something interesting. Doodles showcase the talent of students and help with academic success. Math teacher Annamarie Fella believes that doodling can improve focus if done correctly.

“Some kids can concentrate better; they need to do something with their hands, so that is a cool outlet. Those are the doodles that are just scribbles or twirls. Sometimes they are kind of cool, sometimes they are just scribbles because kids are trying to focus,” said Fella.

Fella collects artwork from students that they bring from home and doodles they do in class. Her husband came up with the idea of making a big collage of the artwork because Fella enjoys making them and it shows off student work. Some of the artwork students bring from home is very creative and detailed, so Fella puts them in a collection folder just to save. Fella does not promote drawing intricate images during notes or work because that takes away from focus, but doodling is okay.

“Usually, I draw stuff I see from television shows. It helps me focus. If I am a little out of it, I just draw. I enjoy drawing and I want to get better at it,” said junior Marcus Varni.

Students doodle an assortment things from portraits to objects to designs. It helps some focus, but not everyone.

“I like to doodle faces and trees, sometimes geometric designs. Sometimes I’m bored in class, but mostly I doodle because I can listen and draw at the same time. It doesn’t help during hard tasks, but I can listen to lectures and doodle. I think I would zone out more if I didn’t draw, so it helps,” said sophomore Cassidy Clark.

Some teachers encourage students to channel their artistic side in class to help concentration. The next time you find yourself drifting off into space, try doodling.