Z Tangled

A close friend taught my family how to draw Z Tangles.  We were taught that the process was more important than the product.  There were no "right or wrong" answers.  Finally, to enjoy the repetition, patterns, and rhythms.  My husband enjoyed the freedom to express, but felt safe within set artistic patterns.  

Some pieces can be more compartmentalized like the first photo or the patterns can flow into one another.  The beginning and end become the same. (odd number of sections)

There are many sites that will teach patterns with a step-by-step process.  

How to Draw Z Tangles

Zentangles

Christmas Books for the Classroom and Home

We love Christmas books in our family, but we do have a favorite.  "The Quiltmaker's Gift" is not categorized as a Christmas book, but it embraces the value of "gift giving and not receiving."  The Quiltmaker only makes quilts for the poor.  A greedy king decides that one of these quilts will make him happy.  The Quiltmaker has a great challenge for the king and it changes his life.  

"But Jonathan thinks that if it's not wrapped up in a package
 and tied with a ribbon, it's not a gift."

Thanksgiving Books for the Whole Family

It is time for Thanksgiving.  "A Turkey For Thanksgiving," written by Eve Bunting is a family favorite.  Here are some books that we enjoy reading throughout November. Also, the Plimoth Plantation has a wonderful "Just For Kids" page.  The site is full of stories, virtual field trips, and recipes.

Car Math Games: I Am Thinking Of...

Early Childhood Math Game: Number Sense

My husband I spend much of our time commuting to work. Here is one of our favorite games to play.  


I Am Thinking Of…..

Simple:  I am thinking of something that has 4 legs and 1 tail that likes to wag.  What am I thinking of? (dog)


Complex:  I am thinking of an animal that has 2 eyes and 4 legs and says “neigh.”  What am I thinking of? (horse)


I am thinking of something that has 2 wings and 1 beak.  What am I thinking of? (bird)


I am thinking of an object that has 4 legs that do not move.  You might find a bowl and spoon on top of this object. What am I thinking of? (table)

Andy Rash's "Are You A Horse" is a silly favorite at our house.
http://andyrash.blogspot.com/2008/09/are-you-horse-endpages.html  The very naive cowboy is in search of a horse.  On his journey he meets some desert animals. Each animal tries to help the cowboy along the way.