Mr. Sketch Markers
(MISSt-her SK-ech)
SOLID
What is a Mr. Sketch Flip chart marker?
Mr. Sketch markers are writing instruments designed for flip charts or chart paper characterized by unique scents, tendency to not bleed through paper, and long lifespan.
Other Common Names
Other common names for Mr. Sketch Markers include:
- Flip chart markers
- Chart paper markers
Key Properties
While element 19 could easily be generalized as “markers,” the following properties best characterize the unique nature of Mr. Sketch markers:
- Long lasting
- Normal writing will not bleed through to the next flipchart sheet
- Vibrant colors
- Scented
Resources From The Train Like a Champion Blog
Insights about the Importance of Flip Chart Markers from What's Your Formula?
- "I’ve used Sharpies, Crayola, generic office supply store markers, and when no other option was available to me, I’ve used dry erase markers to write on a flipchart during a training session. However, I’ve never found a better flipchart- focused writing implement than Mr. Sketch markers. This isn’t simply a shameless plug; I feel so strongly about this specific marker that I’ve named a solid element after it. I have no financial interest in Mr. Sketch and haven’t done any scientific studies of just how much longer lasting the markers may be, but in the more than 20 years of generating flipcharts, this is certainly what I’d consider to be the premier flipchart writing tool on the market."
- "While this may seem like a silly thing, finding natural opportunities for participants to engage and interact with one another prior to a session helps lower anxiety levels that may be natural for many people entering into a new, formal situation such as an in-person training session. When anxiety is reduced, the likelihood of learning increases."
- "If you’re using Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) to deliver content as part of your learning design, consider using the Lesson Plan element. By crafting a message or lesson plan for your subject matter experts that abides by the principles of adult learning, you can support them and help ensure learners are exposed to meaningful learning experiences."
Elements that Bond with Mr. Sketch Markers
Lecture
While key points listed on PowerPoint slides often accompany traditional lecture, you can make lecture more dynamic by writing key points on a flipchart or capturing learners’ thoughts, which can make a lecture more interactive as well. 
Dialogue Education
As you’ll discover in more depth in the next chapter, Jane Vella’s concept of dialogue education is based on the idea that learners thrive when instruction comes through dialogue. Having opportunities to discuss ideas, concepts, and content in small groups; capture them on a flipchart; and then report back to the large group is another way to integrate Mr. Sketch markers into an amazing learning experience. 
Dialogue EducationFlipchart
If you’re not using Mr. Sketch markers to write on name tents or to make a name tag, then it seems capturing thoughts on a flipchart is the most logical and most frequent use of Mr. Sketch Markers. That said, if you’re conducting an activity in which participants are brainstorming thoughts on sticky notes and then sticking those notes onto a flipchart at the front of the room, using Mr. Sketch markers would be easier to read by more people than if your learners use pens or finer-tipped markers. 
FlipchartGames
Asking participants to grab a Mr. Sketch marker and quickly write one idea, reflection, or concept on a series of flipcharts posted around the room in a sort of “write-n-run” activity can bring the energy up in your room while getting participants involved in generating content or sharing their thoughts. There are a variety of ways to structure review-style games using Mr. Sketch markers and flipcharts to start your day, close out an activity, or wrap up the session. 
High Quality Chart Paper Markers and Chart Paper
