ZENTANGLE an Entry Point for Everyone

For Everyone

I was searching the Internet for Zentagle images and had begun to feel that Zentangle couldn’t be included in the Virtual and Traditional Jigsaws for the Classroom book, because it was difficult to find a way that they could be brought together to form a greater whole. The power of Jigsaws is that they are a social medium. However: when an idea is powerful you can bet someone, somewhere in the world will have thought of the idea too! I think the name of that someone is Laura, in any case someone has managed to turn Zentangle into a jigsaw.

Zentagle a Community Approach Where Anything is Possible

I was worried that I would not be able to marry the edges of each design. But cut into jigsaw pieces and assembled this way the work looks quite integrated and natural. Like all things Gestalt it synergised and looks like it was always meant to be that way. Our book V&TJC is about building community spirit in the classroom by building an inquiry driven, project based approach to an integrated curriculum through (in this specific case) jigsaw projects and all that go into creating them. (Such as coding, writing and math)

Definition of Zentangle (Glossary)

Think of zentangles as a zen or meditative way of doodling. You take a square card, put some marks in the corners- or really any random location- and using a pencil, connect those dots in a loose, ‘unthinking’ manner. The whole point is that you CANNOT make a mistake, because whatever you wind up with, you work with; there is no erasing. From there, you switch to a pen and use patterns to fill in the spaces, or if those spaces inspire you with images, go from there. I have to say that so far, I’m having a lot of fun with it and will probably purchase more books. There are books for various patterns and levels of experience. (Athenasgrrl)

On the Zentangle website the artform is described as an

easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Almost anyone can use it to create beautiful images. It increases focus and creativity, provides artistic satisfaction along with an increased sense of personal well being. The Zentangle method is enjoyed all over this world across a wide range of skills, interests and ages.

The art group author goes on the say that “We believe that Zentangle is methodical and deliberate and that it acts as a metaphor for the deliberate artistry in life.” As such the method fits extremely well within the the symbolism of using Jigsaw creation to symbolise a Gestalt approach to classroom management. As soon as a fond this image of a ZenTangle Jigsaw I realised that writing classroom lesson plans would be easy. They will be included in the upcoming book.
This is why Virtual and Traditional Jigsaws in the Classroom has been structured in such a way as the encourage teachers to try the activities first to see whether the learning style works for them. If it does, they have the option to gradually implement the strategies into the classroom when and how they can. The activities have been designed in such as way as to interact with each other so that a web of interactivity emerges. Try out this newly uploaded worksheet How to Make a Jigzone Jigsaw. This is the neat PDF Version. You can download and print off the instructions for the students. Let me know if you have suggestions about what would make this easier for you. (More being loaded all day.)

NB* Virtual and Traditional Jigsaws in the Classroom will be published soon through Teachers Pay Teachers. If you would like to be informed when it becomes available fill out this form.