Zentangling with Eighth Grade

Zentangles are patterned, geometric doodles designed for meditation and self-expression. This is the first unit of the eighth grade art curriculum. I had planned for it to go for about 4-5 classes, but here we are in November, and they are still completely engaged and going strong. Many students report doodling Zentangles during classes, and many students have been coming in at Open Studios (extra art time at recess Fridays) to Zentangle.

I am always amazed at the complexity and intricacy of these projects.  This unit truly brings out the best in my eighth grade students. There were moments where it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop- not exactly a frequent occurrence in a middle school classroom!

I began the unit by presenting them with about twenty official Zentangle patterns printed from the website. They taught themselves the patterns step by step, then invented several of their own Zentangle patterns. Then, they chose from many different 2-D and 3-D media to create their Zentangles.

Here are some of the patterns:

Official Pattern: Curvaceous

Official Pattern: Cirquital

Official Pattern: Ciceron

And here is some of the student work:

This Zentangle was done on a puzzle template with Sharpie.

This Zentangle was done painstakingly in HB pencil.

It is always nice to see an infusion of color in the Zentangle projects!

The students also had the option of working to create their designs on the myoats.com website. This entrancing program allows users to create their designs with radial symmetry. You can adjust the quality of line and adjust colors and shapes, then download your designs. It is a very cool process! 

This was also done in pencil. The student adapted several of the official patterns. He sits next to the student who did the pencil Zentangle above. They were a laser-focused team!

This one is Sharpie on cellophane. It will look incredible on a window- like stained glass!

Another incredible puzzle Zentangle. The one in the middle is an original Zentangle by a student. He named for Rosa Parks because it looks like a rose.

Another puzzle Zentangle- this was a popular option this time around! I love the bold Sharpie outlines and the unexpected color choices. This student frequently insists that he "is just not a good artist." I am on a campaign to convince him otherwise- just look at this!

This student worked on watercolor paper with Sharpie. She blocked off the white areas with masking tape. After the Zentangles were complete, she carefully applied watercolor washes to the surface, then removed the tape to create the striking white lines.

Interested in trying Zentangling out on your own? There are many great books, and many patterns are published on Pinterest as well. Or, you can always stop by the art room!