Zentangle for Kids

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Doodling builds brain connections — it’s great for you and your kids. Take doodling to the next level and try zentangles. In fact, host your own DIY zentangle camp for kids!

Why Doodle?

If you’re a visual or kinesthetic learner, doodling helps you learn and recall information. Sunny Brown says in her TED Talk, “People who doodle when they’re exposed to verbal information retain more of that information than their non-doodling counterparts. We think doodling is something you do when you lose focus, but in reality, it is a preemptive measure to stop you from losing focus. Additionally, it has a profound effect on creative problem-solving and deep information processing.”

If you need more convincing, read what the research says in Science magazine. Then watch Mo Willems, author of Knuffle Bunny and Elephant and Piggie books, talk about the importance of doodling.

Ready to get doodling?

Zentangle for Kids

Doodling is random but if you still want to doodle but use patterns and still getting the brain benefits plus meditative elements, try Zentangle — a way of drawing in patterns. Zentangle can be for adults and kids both.

Zentangle Materials

Kids can use any paper to Zentangle. We recommend the heavier mixed-media paper and use Strathmore Visual Journals.

zentangle for kids

For zentangle pens, we alternate between Pentel Colored Pens and Fine-Point Sharpies.

zentangle for kids

zentangle for kids

Beginning Zentangle for Kids

To start zentangling, draw inersecting lines on your paper from top to bottom and side to side.

In each section bordered by lines, fill it in with patterns!

See how I fill in all the sections with different shapes and patterns?

zentangle for kids

Basic Zentangle Patterns

Start by drawing intersecting lines like below. (Or intersecting circles.)

zentangle for kids

Color in checkers.

Draw plus signs.

zentangle for kids

Draw splotches with dots.

Draw squares or triangles in the boxes.

It’s all about repeating shapes, right?

zentangle for kids

For three-dimensional lines, make curvy, bendy lines across the section. Add more that go under the previous lines. Color in the background.

zentangle for kids

Isn’t this fun? And, you don’t have to be an expert artist. I’m not!  🙂 It’s just fun and good for your brain.

More Zentangles for Kids Ideas

1. HAND: Draw the outline of your hand. Zentangle inside it.

2. YOUR NAME: Draw your name in block letters. Zengangle in and around the letters.

3. CARDS: Make your own Zengangle greeting cards.

4. ROCKS: Draw Zentangle patterns on smooth stones.

Find more pattern ideas on the Tangle Patterns website or in a Zentangle books:

zentangle for kids
Totally Tangled


Zentangle for Kids


The Great Zentangle Book


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6 Comments

  1. I am 31 and have also being doing dis all my life.i still do it never knew how beneficial it was.

  2. Nice! And thank you for recommending my book. 🙂 I have one called – “Zentangle for Kidz!” as well and a website (ZTforKids.com) that goes along with it. I’d love to post any tangles or doodles that you or your readers create. I’m so glad you are encouraging folks to be creative. Cheers, Sandy