Zentangles is an easy-to-learn, relaxing and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns called tangles. Similar to doodling, one can quickly lose track of time and become very involved in the process. It is both creative and a skill builder as it improves dexterity and overall line quality. Students are encouraged to use a pen from the very beginning so that they become less worried about making each line and shape perfect. As lines and shapes repeat themselves and become patterns, the "mistakes" and imperfections become less noticeable. We spent about a week practicing existing zentangle patterns and then students created some of their own. The final project was to create a Zentangle Animal. Using a basic silhouette of an animal, students then designed the interior space using zentangle patterns. We practiced doing this on a small bird together to learn how to creatively break up the space to fill in different zentangle patterns. Students used an extra fine point black Sharpie for the project.

(Left image) Marcelino Esquivel Gr. 6