Mandala Lesson Plans:

Lesson Plan Overview: Mandalas are a rich part of the art and cultures of

Himalayan Asia. Students will examine and decode images of

mandalas and explore their geometric elements and create their
own mandala.

Objectives:
--Students will:

1. Be able to list the facts about the history of mandala as an art form.
and understand the cultural aspects of a mandalas and why many artists use and
personal relationships in these artworks.
-2. To demonstrate that the study of math is also a study of art, and that understanding
mathematics has a direct correlation of art, design, and graphics.
3. -Students will make connections between their own life and images they chose to
design a personal mandala.
Key Vocabulary:

Symbol: something that represents or stands for something else.

Self-Consciousness- having an understanding of oneself and hw you
relate to the world and affect the world.
Buddhism: a belief system based on the teachings of the historical
Buddha Siddhartha Gautama. Buddhism focuses on the attainment
of release from an endless cycle of death and rebirth through
enlightenment or spiritual awakening.
Mandala: a Sanskrit word that can be translated as circle.
Line of symmetry: the line which divides an object into two, equal
parts.
Instruction/Motivation:
1. Show examples of mandalas in art show teacher made PPT on mandalas and

if possible show examples of various mandalas and the history of them.

2. Share information and apply learning of mandalas in small groups using a

Kagen type activity: Colored Heads Together.

3.

Demonstrate steps to make symmetrical design and then transfer (copy) it to

rest of circle.

4.

Demonstrate/review colored pencil techniques - blending of colors - varying

pressure for different values. (Review color mixing) as they color their
mandala.

Procedures:
Day 1: (Informative Lesson)
1. Watch the teacher made Power point on the History of art Mandalas, and

discuss relevant points.

2. Students will break up into small groups and complete various activities, then
return to Whole Group and share with the class.

Day 2: (Beginning- Production Lesson)

3. Students will make a list of 10 things (objects)relevant to themselves. Then

they will pick about 4-5 of these objects to use in their mandala. Have them
circle the objects they pick.
4. Copy circle template onto 12" square paper (or 12 x18). May use compass to

make circle (11 to 11 1/2" circle). Students will neatly cut out circle.
5. Fold the circle in half, then in quarters, then in eighths. Crease Unfold and draw

on only one of the "pie slices." Use tracing paper if possible. Unfold and draw
on only one of the "pie slices." This is the stage that can be adapted to fit an
elementary through high school lesson. The drawing can be simple (K-2)or
complex. (3-5) Guide students to at least have the drawing touch the edge of
the pie slice a few times.

Day 3 & 4: (Art Production Lessons)

6. Students will begin drawing & coloring their identity mandalas. Anything

appropriate could be a themeInsects could be a theme - or other items from

nature drawn from life - flowers - plants fish that they love. Sports or other
interests such as hobbies could as well.

7. Go over lines with soft lead pencil. Once the pie drawing is completed, the slice

is folded inward and then the back of the paper is rubbed with a smooth hard
tool to transfer the drawing to the adjacent pie slice. Then trace and darken.

8.

After the drawing is completed the students will add color using markers

and crayons, and colored pencils.

Evaluation: teacher will grade by evaluating the

following criteria:
Did the student
1.

Divide the paper into four (or more) wedged sections within the circle? _______
(10pts.)

2.

Draw symbols from the center creating a radial design with symmetrical
balance? ______ (20 pts.)

3.

Add nature shapes? _____ (10 pts.)

4.

Use at least 4 contrasting colors with a specific color harmony?

______ (10 pts.)

5. Use good craftsmanship (work shows neatness and accuracy) ________ (25 pts.)

6.

Mount on black paper or complementary backgrounds according to students color

scheme when finished. _________ (25 pts.)
Total =_______/ 100 pts.

Great Extension Activity: *Once all students are done,

assign students to different groups (Kagen: Mix, Freeze, Group).
Have each group member first look at each group members
Mandala and try to interpret its meaning.