Archaeologists in Russia have uncovered a birch bark notebook dating back to around 1250, which is believed to be the oldest known example of school doodling. The notebook is attributed to a young boy named Onfim, who drew images of knights, battles, horses, arrows, soldiers, and a fantastical creature with a curly tail. Onfim also appears to have depicted himself as a hero on horseback, defeating an enemy, and signed his name in Cyrillic script, the writing system used in Russia and other Eastern European countries. This discovery provides insight into the literacy levels in Novgorod during the 13th century. At that time, birch bark—known as beresta—was a common writing material in the region, thanks to the abundance of birch trees. Since the 1950s, more than 1,100 inscribed birch bark fragments have been found in Novgorod, dating from the 11th to the 16th century. These fragments show that writing was not limited to the elite but was used by a wide range of people in daily life. The drawings on Onfim’s birch bark fragments suggest that children in medieval Novgorod used their notebooks for imaginative play and personal expression, similar to how children today use paper and pencils. The recurring themes of battles, animals, and mythical creatures in the doodles point to a universal desire among children to explore their emotions and creativity. Researchers believe that such activities might help develop fine motor skills and enhance memory retention. The birch bark notebook of Onfim is not only a rare artifact but also a window into the life of a medieval child. It shows that even in the 13th century, children found ways to express themselves through drawing, blending reality with imagination. This discovery adds a personal and emotional dimension to the historical record, revealing how literacy and creativity were intertwined in everyday life.