Pattern Fish: 1st Grade

        

End of the year is almost here!  I like to do some projects with my younger ones to make sure they they have mastered some of the important skills.  Cutting, gluing, pattern, craftsmanship(in coloring)...stuff like that!  These fish get all those skills into one project(two class times).  We looked at Zentangles for inspiration.  I feel that some of the sites out there can really open students eyes up to patterns being more than circle square circle square!!!  

   

     

Jumpin' on the Zentangle Bandwagon : 4th

 Yes...I mocked Zentangles when I first started seeing them pop up all over on the web.I couldn't understand what the big deal was..."Aren't they just glorified doodles?!?"  Though I still feel the answer is yes to that question...I have a greater respect for it now after doing some research.  I watched probably 20+ videos on YOUTUBE & went to countless sites trying to learn more about the process.  I (being the OCDish person I am) like the structure of a Zentangle over just random doodling.  I really love the attention to patterning and design!!!  With this new found respect...I decided to give them a go for my 4th graders.  The twist I put on them was a contour line drawing of a fruit or veggie in the center of the page.  The Zentangle would then take place on/in/over/around that contour drawing.  The images here are day 1 of the project.  I'll share more after the students have finished them up!  OH...and they Zen part of the Zentangle is no joke!!  My 4th graders were as quiet and focused as they are when we do weaving!!!(which is AMAZING!)