Zentangle Leaf
Teacher: Meriel Hall
5th grade
30 minutes
Theme: Line and repetition
Lesson Topic: Zentangles
Materials: Construction paper in fall colors, leaves, zentangle patterns,
pencil and sharpie
Lesson Rational: Students need a quick lesson in between their clay projects.
Learner Characteristics: This class is high energy. Frequent checking to see they are following directions
and using the materials appropriately.
Objectives:
1. Students will create a work of art that represents originality personal expression and craftsmanship.
(1a)
2. Students will define what a zentangle is. (3a)
3. Students will demonstrate at least 5 different types of lines and repetition. (3a,b)
4. Students will draw a contour line of a leaf. (3a,b)
5. Students will critique and discuss their work. (3b., 5a,b)
Anticipation of problems: Students will need to take their time and not rush when using sharpie. They
may start their design using sharpie before pencil and realize that they dont like the zentagle there.
Lesson Body:
Anticipatory set: Ask students if they ever doodle in class, waiting at the doctors office, or
doodle on their notebooks? Do you have a favorite doodle?
Procedure:
Define zentangle and demonstrate different lines that can be used; bold, thin, dotted, linear,
wavy, etc. Discuss repetition and line.
Pass out paper in various fall colors
Review what a contour drawing is (teacher demonstration) and have students draw one of the
leaves on the table. When they have it drawn in pencil they can start using lines for the
zentangle (also teacher demonstration). At least 5 different lines need to be used in their
drawing. Students will divide the background into at least 5 different sections to fill with
zentangles.
Once they have decided what lines to draw, students can use sharpie to finish the design.
Remind students that line quality is very important and they should be taking their time and use
a steady hand.
When students finish, hang up their drawings and discuss how they look.
Closure: Who knew that doodling could look so cool and be turned into art. Review what a
zentangle is while students line up. Hang in the hall for a group display. Very pretty for fall.
Evaluation:
1. Teacher observation
2. Teacher-student discussion
3. Teacher observation
4. Teacher observation
5. Teacher-student discussion
Reflection:
Vocabulary words: Line, Contour, repetition,
A zentangle is a beautiful structured, repetitive pattern. They are easy to create and unique if you work
one stroke at a time. Some people call them glorified doodling. They have been shown to reduce
blood pressure and relieve stress.
Book: Zentangle basics- has different patterns and instructions on zentangles.
Youtube video: Zentangle basics ( 5 min. demo)
