Save the date for International Scribble Day on March 27! This unique day honors the art of doodling, embracing both professional artists and amateur doodlers alike. It's an opportunity to unleash your creativity and enjoy some lighthearted fun! Doodling has a rich history dating back centuries, with early examples even found in Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. On this day, many individuals utilize this expressive form to illustrate their thoughts and emotions.

History and Significance

• Origin: International Scribble Day was created by Diane Alber, a children's book author and illustrator, to accompany her book "I'm NOT Just a Scribble...". The day aims to celebrate the creativity and uniqueness of every child's scribbles.
• Significance: Scribbling is often one of the first steps in a child's artistic development. It fosters creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression, and helps children develop confidence in their abilities.

Objectives

• Encouragement: Encourage children to express themselves through scribbling and drawing without worrying about making perfect art.
• Creativity: Promote creativity and imagination in children.
• Confidence: Build confidence in children by showing them that their scribbles are valued and can be the beginning of beautiful artwork.

Celebrations and Activities

• Scribble Art Sessions: Schools, libraries, and community centers often organize scribble art sessions where children are provided with paper and crayons to create their own scribble drawings.
• Storytime and Book Readings: Reading sessions featuring Diane Alber's book "I'm NOT Just a Scribble..." and other books that celebrate creativity and self-expression.
• Art Exhibitions: Displaying children’s scribble art in classrooms, libraries, and community centers to showcase their creativity.
• Interactive Workshops: Workshops led by artists and educators to help children turn their scribbles into more detailed drawings or to explore different art techniques.
• Social Media Campaigns: Sharing photos and stories of children’s scribble art on social media using hashtags like #InternationalScribbleDay and #ScribbleDay to connect with a global community.

Benefits of Scribbling

• Motor Skills Development: Scribbling helps children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
• Cognitive Development: It aids in cognitive development by allowing children to experiment with shapes, lines, and patterns.
• Emotional Expression: Scribbling provides an outlet for children to express their emotions and thoughts.
• Imagination and Creativity: Encourages imaginative play and creative thinking.

How to Participate

• For Educators: Plan activities that involve scribbling and drawing. Create a supportive environment where children feel free to express themselves artistically.
• For Parents: Provide your children with art supplies and encourage them to draw and scribble. Display their artwork at home to show appreciation for their efforts.
• For Communities: Organize community events such as scribble art contests, exhibitions, and workshops to celebrate and promote the day.
• Online Participation: Share children’s artwork on social media platforms to spread the joy of scribbling and connect with others celebrating the day.

Resources

• Books and Guides: Use books like "I'm NOT Just a Scribble..." by Diane Alber to inspire children and provide them with ideas for their own artwork.
• Online Tutorials: Access online tutorials and resources that provide tips and techniques for turning scribbles into more developed drawings.
• Art Supplies: Ensure that children have access to a variety of art supplies, such as crayons, markers, colored pencils, and paper.

Inspirational Quotes

• Diane Alber: "Every scribble tells a story, and every child has a unique story to tell through their art."

International Scribble Day is a joyful celebration of creativity, encouraging children to embrace their artistic potential and express themselves freely through the simple act of scribbling. It highlights the importance of nurturing creativity and confidence in young minds, recognizing that every scribble is a step toward artistic and personal growth.