lenny

Tangle Time!

user image

Lesson Plan

Tangle Time!

Students will learn the basic principles of Zentangle and create a simple Zentangle tile, focusing on pattern creation and mindfulness.

This lesson helps students develop focus, creativity, and fine motor skills through a relaxing and accessible art form. It promotes mindfulness, reduces stress, and builds artistic confidence by emphasizing that there are no mistakes.

Audience

6th Grade Small Group

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Direct instruction, demonstration, and guided practice.

Materials

White paper or Zentangle tiles, Pencils, Black fineliner pens (0.01 or 0.05 preferred), Tangle Time! Slide Deck, and Zentangle Basic Patterns Guide

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction: What is Zentangle?

2 minutes

— Use the Tangle Time! Slide Deck to introduce Zentangle as an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.
— Emphasize that there are no mistakes in Zentangle, only opportunities.
— Briefly discuss the benefits: stress reduction, improved focus, and a boost in creative confidence.
— Ask: "What do you think 'no mistakes' means in art, especially when trying something new?"

Step 2

The Four Steps

2 minutes

— Guide students through the four basic steps of Zentangle using the Tangle Time! Slide Deck:
1. Dot four corners: Place a light pencil dot in each corner of your paper/tile.
2. Draw a border: Connect the dots with light pencil lines to create an irregular border.
3. Add a string: Draw a light pencil line (or curved shape) inside the border to divide your space.
4. Tangle! Begin filling sections with patterns using your fineliner pen.

Step 3

Basic Pattern Demonstration & Practice

8 minutes

— Distribute paper, pencils, and fineliner pens.
— Show the Zentangle Basic Patterns Guide.
— Demonstrate how to draw 2-3 simple Zentangle patterns (e.g., 'Hollibaugh,' 'Printemps,' 'Flux') on the board or a document camera.
— Guide students to draw their dots, border, and string.
— Instruct students to choose one pattern from the guide or demonstration and begin filling one section of their string with that pattern.
— Circulate and offer individual support and encouragement, reinforcing the idea of mindful drawing.

Step 4

Share & Reflect

3 minutes

— Have students hold up their works in progress.
— Ask:
— "How did it feel to focus on just one pattern?"
— "What was challenging or surprising about Zentangle?"
— "Which benefits of Zentangle did you experience today?"
— Briefly discuss how Zentangle can be used as a tool for relaxation, creative expression, and improving focus in other areas.
— Encourage students to continue exploring Zentangle on their own.

lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Tangle Time!

What is Zentangle?

"No Mistakes, Only Opportunities"

Get ready to relax and create!

Welcome students to "Tangle Time!" and introduce Zentangle as an artistic meditation. Explain that it's a method for creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. Ask them what they think "no mistakes" might mean in art to get them thinking about the process over perfection.

Why Zentangle?

Benefits of Zentangle:

  • Relaxation & Stress Reduction: Focus on patterns to calm your mind.
  • Improved Focus: Develop concentration and attention to detail.
  • Boost Creativity: Explore new patterns and designs.
  • Build Confidence: No mistakes, only opportunities for new ideas!

Introduce the benefits of Zentangle. You can ask students if they've ever felt stressed or needed to focus and how art might help with that.

The 4 Zentangle Steps

  1. Dots: Lightly place a dot in each corner of your paper.
  2. Border: Connect your dots with light pencil lines to form an irregular border.
  3. String: Draw a light pencil line (or curved shape) inside your border to divide your space.
  4. Tangle! Fill sections with repetitive patterns using your pen.

Briefly go over the four simple steps before demonstrating. Emphasize that these are light pencil marks that help guide their patterns.

Let's Tangle!

  1. Grab your paper, pencil, and pen.
  2. Follow the 4 steps: Dots, Border, String.
  3. Choose a pattern from the Zentangle Basic Patterns Guide.
  4. Start filling one section with your chosen pattern!
  5. Focus on the strokes, not the finished product.

Show the Zentangle Basic Patterns Guide. Demonstrate a simple pattern or two on a separate piece of paper. Guide them through choosing a pattern and starting to fill one section. Circulate and assist as they begin.

Reflect & Share

— How did it feel to focus on just one pattern?
— What was challenging or surprising about Zentangle?
— How might Zentangle be a useful tool for you?

Lead a brief reflection. This helps students internalize the experience and connect it to mindfulness or creative expression. Encourage them to keep exploring Zentangle.

lenny

Reading

Zentangle Basic Patterns Guide

Here are a few simple patterns to get you started on your Zentangle journey! Remember, take your time and enjoy the process.

1. Line-Art (LineArt)

  • Draw a series of parallel lines. You can make them straight, wavy, or zig-zag.
  • Vary the spacing and direction for different effects.

2. Orb-Weaver (OrbWeaver)

  • Draw a series of small, overlapping circles or ovals.
  • Fill in the spaces between the circles with solid black or smaller dots.

3. Flux (Flux)

  • Draw organic, tear-drop or comma-like shapes.
  • Group them together, letting them touch or overlap slightly.
  • You can shade one side of each shape to give it dimension.

4. Braid (Braid)

  • Draw two parallel lines.
  • Draw diagonal lines connecting the two parallel lines in alternating directions, creating a braided look.
  • You can vary the angle and spacing of the diagonal lines.
lenny
lenny
Tangle Time! • Lenny Learning