👋 Hi friend!

In this edition of ⚗️DistillED, we explore how live drawing—modelling concepts through simple, real‑time illustrations—can make abstract ideas visible, strengthen dual coding, and deepen understanding.

What is live drawing?

Live drawing is the deliberate act of modelling a concept by creating simple, real‑time illustrations while explaining each step aloud. Using a visualiser, tablet, or similar projection device, you draw and annotate as the lesson unfolds, making your thinking visible.

Unlike showing a pre‑made diagram, live drawing reveals the process of constructing knowledge, not just the final product. This gradual, step‑by‑step approach supports dual coding by engaging both the verbal and visual channels, chunks complex ideas into manageable parts, and keeps students’ attention anchored to your explanation.

Simple shapes and clear labels—not artistic skill—are all that’s needed to communicate the concept effectively!

Here are the mechanics of live drawing:

• Set Up: Position a visualiser, tablet, or projector for clear visibility.

• Blank Start: Use a blank mini‑whiteboard, tablet, or paper.

• Draw in Steps: Model the concept step‑by‑step while narrating.

• Label Clearly: Add labels or annotations as you go.

• Pause Often: Give students time to process.

• Replicate: Have students copy the drawing in their notes.

Why is live drawing effective?

Live drawing works because it harnesses dual coding—engaging both the verbal and visual channels of working memory at the same time. As Richard Mayer’s research shows, people learn more deeply from words and pictures together than from words alone.

When you draw and narrate in real time, students process the ideas through two pathways: the spoken explanation and the visual representation. This distributes cognitive load, making it easier to grasp and retain complex ideas without overloading working memory.

Live drawing is not about artistic skill—clarity and purpose matter far more than polished artwork. Simple shapes, arrows, and labels are enough if they communicate the concept. The real value lies in using live drawing to make thinking visible, showing students how knowledge is constructed, not just the finished product. By unfolding the explanation step-by-step and connecting new ideas to prior knowledge, you help students build robust mental models they can rehearse and replicate.

Dual coding (through live drawing) is effective because it:

• Engages Both Channels: Activates verbal and visual pathways for stronger memory retention.

• Reduces Cognitive Load: Distributes processing across two pathways to prevent overload.

• Makes Ideas Concrete: Translates abstract concepts into clear, visual representations.

• Models Expert Thinking: Shows how to organise and connect information effectively.

• Strengthens Recall: Encourages replication and rehearsal to deepen learning.

The diagram below shows how verbal and visual information enter working memory through separate channels before being stored in long‑term memory.

So, how do we create the habit of making thinking visible when it matters most? How do we weave live drawing into our teaching in the moments where it will have the biggest impact…

Let’s find out.

How do I implement live drawing?

Live drawing isn’t for every lesson. It’s most powerful when a concept benefits from a visual model—especially when abstract ideas need concrete anchoring or a process needs unpacking. To maximise its effect, use a mini‑whiteboard, integrate words and images closely, avoid redundancy, and remove distractions so attention stays on your explanation.

The five‑step process below offers a practical starting point for introducing live drawing into your classroom practice.

You don’t need to be an artist—clarity beats creativity every time. Keep it simple, pace yourself, and let the drawing unfold naturally. Avoid overloading the diagram with too much detail at once, and give students space to follow, replicate, and rehearse the process.

The power of live drawing lies in making your thinking visible, step‑by‑step.

Until next time — stay curious, stay clear!

Jamie

Where can I find out more?

Student Template
To help students get the most from live drawing, I’ve created a simple, fillable template. It gives them space to replicate your diagram, label key vocabulary, and write a step‑by‑step explanation of the concept. This encourages active participation, deeper processing, and better recall.

Checklist and Slideshow

This week’s ⚗️DistillED+ resources are a Live Drawing Checklist and PowerPoint slideshow for teacher CPD. They cover the WHAT, WHY, and HOW of using live drawing to make thinking visible, strengthen dual coding, and deepen understanding.

Upgrade to ⚗️DistillED+ to download the resources.

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