Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Art Elective: Zentangle Unit

So I decided to start out my first unit with my art elective as Zentangles.  Originally I had planned to incorporate the zentangles with the graffiti unit for 7th graders, but as I dove into planning that unit, I realized I already had a lot of content to cover with the graffiti techniques and styles.  I gave the art elective students (10th and 11th graders) a survey to fill out on the first day, and unfortunately the students really did not give me much to go off of.  I received a lot of requests for photography (which is not my strong suit, especially film photography), so I'm going to stay away from that request just a little bit until I get my three computers in my classroom to do digital photography.

I think the zentangles are a great way to start out because (1) it's nearly impossible to mess them up and they can be confidence boosters and (2) it's a good way for me to assess what these students already know about the elements and principles.  At first, they seemed a little hesitant and not enthused by the idea of zentangles...but after their sketchbook assignment over the weekend, I think the ladies in the class really got into them!  Right now we are three days into the zentangle unit and here is what we have done so far.

The first thing I did was make a packet with some vocabulary and all of the information students would need about zentangles.  Unfortunately, I did not write down my sources (eek, bad teacher!) but if you're interested in seeing the packet, feel free to let me know and I can send it to you and the original documents I saved (some of the documents have links to websites and such).  I picked and pulled my packet pieces from three different sources.  (Vocabulary included the elements and principles, shading vocabulary and the zentangle vocab, including the four steps to zentangle: (1) Draw a border, (2) Draw the string, (3) Fill with patterns, (4) Add value).

For the first "mini project", we created a zentangle tile.

The first one here is mine, and the group picture are the tiles made by the seven students in the class.

Following the zentangle tiles, I assigned the students the following sketchbook assignment last Friday:  Draw a contour drawing of an unusual object and fill it with zentangles.  This one is mine (it's my goal to always try and do any sketch assignment I assign any class...it's been so long since I've done drawing just for myself, I figure this is a good way to get back into it!):

And even though I only asked them to do one drawing, a few of the girls got into and did multiple drawings.  This student didn't quite understand the contour part of the assignment, but she experimented a lot with color.

The top two are done by two different students...I love the lamp one!  I'd say she was one of the more creative ones when it came to picking an unusual object to draw.  The bottom two were done by the same student.

These four were done by the same student.  She REALLY got into the zentangles...and did a really nice job!  Everyone thought her apple was the best one during critique.

So, our first zentangle project is to design an alphabet.   This is the handout students received for the project.  They must choose 9 consecutive alphabet letters.  Some decided to free-hand their letters and other printed off their favorite font to use.  I allowed them to use the light box to trace the letters onto the heavy vellum paper we are using.

These are my starting letters...(Ravie is my favorite font!)

And to my surprise, one of the students took her letters home and FINISHED them all!!!  Love it!

 We are going to mat these professional.  Since one student was finished, I was going to help her mat them, but when I pulled out the mat cutter that was in the high school room, I discovered it was horribly sliced up and beat up!  Luckily for me, I bought a brand new mat board cutter last year for the elementary room using the extended day grant money, so I sent to girls down to the other room and the finished student helped me put it together.  Next class I anticipate that we will be ready to mat a bunch of these...the ladies seemed eager to get them done at home!

For the final project in the zentangle unit, I want students to bring in a random object.  We'll prime it with gesso and zentangle it.  Well, I was thinking of having them bring in an object or I might bring in bowling pins for each one to zentangle, as I have 10 boxes of 10 pins in my garage at home!  Having them bring in an object would be pretty cool to do...but I think the bowling pins would look awesome zentangled too!
What's your thoughts?

79 comments:

  1. Wonderful! Would I be very out of line to request a copy of the handouts you have - the assignment sheet and the rubric?

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    1. You'll have to e-mail me...can't find your e-mail in your profile. artroom104@gmail.com

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    2. Can I please request a copy of the handouts you have?? I'm teaching at a girls residential facility and decided to add art to my curriculum this year! I am overloaded and looking for any and all help.

      Thanks, Timi Meyer
      timi.m@gateway-res.org

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    3. Thinking of doing this with my 7th graders. Could I get a copy of the packet? JmsStarlet@aol.com

      Thanks!

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    4. Hi,

      I am teaching 11 graders and would love to start off with this project. Can you please send me a copy of the lesson plan. thank you
      nofratporat@gmail.com

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  2. I second Shannon's request. This looks like a great start to the school year! :-)

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  3. May I get a copy as well? Please and thank you. Pdennis@sdale.org

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  4. Could I get a copy of the packet as well? Love the lesson! ashley.oguin@gmail.com

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  5. I would love a copy too! JennyL2204@gmail.com
    Thanks!!

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  6. This would be great for my next Art 1 project. Could you send me your resources for this lesson. Thanks for sharing. catherinek@rism.ac.th

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  7. i would love to have a copy of your resources please! april.satcher@dcsms.org

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  8. Good morning! I am currently a high school student teacher and I am planning on introducing a lesson on zentangles to a fresh batch of Art 1 students this coming Friday :) I would really appreciate a copy of your resources as well.

    My email is: iris.olivares05@gmail.com

    Thank you!!

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  9. Great lesson! I would love a copy! rachelakey21@gmail.com

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  10. This looks amazing, I would love a copy of the packet also! cfouse@me.com

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  11. I would love a copy too. mrsgianchand@yahoo.com

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  12. Fabulous! Nice work. Could I request a copy of this to my email? rosiescan@gmail.com
    Thanks a lot.

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  13. Great work! I would love a copy of the handouts too. My email is ashleyy@wcs.edu
    Thanks so much!

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  14. Can I jump on board to get a copy too please? My email is penniesforluck@gmail.com
    Thank you!

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  15. I would really appreciate a copy of your packet too. My email is mahermg@gmail.com
    Thank you very much!

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  16. Could I get a copy too please? My email is mmugg@nspes.ca Thanks.

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  17. I would really appreciate a copy as well:) My email: jcolston@sowashco.k12.mn.us
    Thanks:)

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  18. I just discovered your blog via a link on Pinterest and am enjoying the work you have posted. I especially enjoyed your posts about Zentangles and would love a copy of your packet. Thanks for sharing!

    addieperkins@gmail.com

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  19. I've just started trying to learn about Zentangle and enjoyed your post. Thanks!

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  20. Can I get a copy of your handout please? Thank you! My email is hurta@chinookschools.org

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  21. Can I get a copy of your handout please? Thank you! My email is susanzacher@hotmail.com thank you.

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  22. Can I also get a copy of your handouts please? I teach homeschool art and I think this would be a great project for them! Thanks so much for the great resource, my email is tami.bertelson@gmail.com

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  23. Great lesson may I please have a copy of your handouts. Pbmitchell30@gmail.com

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  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  25. Thanks for the article. I am a k-8 art teacher and I would love to try this out with my MS students. Could I have a copy as well? Megan Lee Lee.megann@gmail.com

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  26. Thank you for the great ideas! Could I get an emailed copy as well?
    teamdelpino@hotmail.com

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  27. I teach gifted ed in Oklahoma and I think these would be right up our alley! Could I get a copy of your handouts please? Thank you! choatea@mustangps.org

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  28. I teach gifted ed in Oklahoma and I think these would be right up our alley! Could I get a copy of your handouts please? Thank you! choatea@mustangps.org

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  29. I have been asked to help teach a 5th/6th grade class in the fall. Could I get a copy of your handouts too please? Thank you! fsdoten@gmail.com

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  30. I have been asked to help teach a 5th/6th grade class in the fall. Could I get a copy of your handouts too please? Thank you! fsdoten@gmail.com

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  31. Hello:

    Would it be possible to get copies of your handouts? Your lessons are so great! I've taught Zentangles, and will be teaching two classes this summer. Any new information is great. Thank you so much! My email is angela.vanfossen5@gmail.com

    Angela VanFossen

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  32. What a wonderful lesson plan! Could you please send me a copy of your handouts and other information? Thanks!
    joannekalisz@gmail.com

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  33. Hi there! I am yet another teacher who would love your handouts/resources for this unit! My email is hbleecker@sbcglobal.net. Would you mind sending them?? Thanks!

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  34. HI there, such a great project, I see you have a lot of requests but could I also request a copy of the hand outs? I would really appreciate it. Thanks so much zchanson@hotmail.com

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  35. I dont know if you ever look at this anymore but this is an awesome lesson and I would love a copy of your handouts/source material. I was trying to come up with a zentangles lesson and this seems like a fantastic way to do it! Jray2544@gmail.com

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  36. I pray this is still available. If so, may I have a copy of your unit, handouts or whatever you are willing to share. I would greatly appreciate it.

    wmsteacher@msn.com

    Thanks!

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  37. I would LOVE a copy of your notes/unit!!!

    macchiak@springfieldpublicschools.com

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  38. I would like to have a copy of your notes/unit/handout if you are willing--I would really appreciate it!
    Thank you!
    andreaopray@gmail.com

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  39. What a fun lesson, can I get the handouts too, please?
    Thanks so much!
    lpayton@ILTexas.org

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  40. This is such a great lesson! I'd love the handouts if they are still available!
    christineleazott@yahoo.com
    Thank you!

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  41. This is such a great lesson! I'd love the handouts if they are still available!
    christineleazott@yahoo.com
    Thank you!

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  42. This great!! Can I please request a copy of the handouts you have?? I teach middle school art and I think my kids would love this.
    Thanks for sharing,
    Michelle
    millsclan@comcast.net

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  43. Found her resources here: http://www.thesmartteacher.com/exchange/resource/1182/Zentangle-Packets

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  44. Hi there! I am yet another teacher who would love your handouts/resources for this unit! My email is jyotsna11.sk@gmail.com Would you mind sending them?? Thanks!

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  45. Hi.. awesome project!! Can i pls get a copy of the handout? thanks so much! my email is asmashikoh@gmail.com

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  46. Hello there! I am a Certified Sub and have been asked to come in and take over an Art class for at least one month. This looks like a very good, "get to know the students" unit and I love Zen Doodling! Can I please get your handouts/resources sent to me at mlwilliams2002@gmail.com?

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  47. Hello,
    I am using several zentangle resources for a new unit on "zentangles" with Fifth graders. PInterest, "The Joy of Zentangle, Zentangle Basics(Suzanne McNeil), Zentangle for Kids, the original Zentangle website and more. There are so many tangle patterns! I have been zen tangling animals and hope my students enjoy this unit.
    Can you e-mail any handouts? You seem to have a great plan. That is if you have time.
    Sstjohn@sspps.org

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  48. Hello,
    I am using several zentangle resources for a new unit on "zentangles" with Fifth graders. PInterest, "The Joy of Zentangle, Zentangle Basics(Suzanne McNeil), Zentangle for Kids, the original Zentangle website and more. There are so many tangle patterns! I have been zen tangling animals and hope my students enjoy this unit.
    Can you e-mail any handouts? You seem to have a great plan. That is if you have time.
    Sstjohn@sspps.org

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://www.thesmartteacher.com/exchange/resource/1182/Zentangle-Packets

      Delete
  49. Hi!
    I would love to receive a copy of the zentangle art package for my class. Would you be able to send me the handouts? c.sidhu@sikhacademy.ca

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  50. Good Morning! Are you still sending out handouts for this lesson? I'd love to share with my class. april_symes@warroad.k12.mn.us
    Thank you!!!

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    Replies
    1. http://www.thesmartteacher.com/exchange/resource/1182/Zentangle-Packets

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  51. Handouts too, please! jcosper01@ferrisisd.org

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://www.thesmartteacher.com/exchange/resource/1182/Zentangle-Packets

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  52. yes. me as well.
    bambi.lee.dean@gmail.com

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  53. Cynthia

    Would you please send me a copy of your Zentangle art packet? I have very large classes and would like to try this creative project. belmonths16@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://www.thesmartteacher.com/exchange/resource/1182/Zentangle-Packets

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  54. I would like a copy as well thank you.
    Email address is can112171@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. http://www.thesmartteacher.com/exchange/resource/1182/Zentangle-Packets

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  55. You can find my handouts on the SmartTeacher website: http://www.thesmartteacher.com/exchange/resource/1182/Zentangle-Packets.

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  56. Hello!

    I'm teaching high school Art I and came up with the idea of using zentangles to teach the elements of art. I knew couldn't have been the only person to think of this. I'm so glad to have found your blog and have stolen your ideas completely! Thank you so very much!

    Belinda

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  57. Hi would you please email me the handouts? My email is roxy802@gmail.com

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  58. Hi Could you please email me a copy of your handouts? My email is jhowes@rsu50.org. Thank you.

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  59. If you still have the Zentangle packet, I would be most appreciative of receiving it. My email is Artshock5@gmail.com

    Thanks,Lee Ann

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  60. I am hoping you still have the Zentangle packet. If so, please send to lmkeener@yahoo.com Thank you, Lynn

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  61. Hi, this is a wonderful lesson! Would you lease email the handouts? I would love to try them. Marcy.Matthews@esd401.org

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  62. I would also love the handouts! ncook@district70.org

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  63. I would love the handouts and any other sheets to go along with this unit. neulaura6@gmail.com

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  64. I would also love the handouts and sheets to go with this lesson please. My email is marissa1.wong@cms.k12.nc.us THANK YOU

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  66. I would also love a copy. rbrooklynn@gmail.com

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  67. I would greatly appreciate a copy of the packet. I am a first year high school art teacher in a career tech high school. jwright9293@gmail.com THANK YOU

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  68. I would appreciate the handouts as well! Thanks so much!

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  69. I would love a copy of your handout! beedle_m@surreyschools.ca

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  70. I would like a copy of your handout please! helen@mangatuna.school.nz

    ReplyDelete