101103 Fostering Creativity in Childrens Learning

Assignment 2

Experience 4

What is the experience?

Creating a Hindu mandala through visual art.

What is the learning focus? (be specific about learning, and/or

development, and/or dispositions and/or relationships and interactions
that are the focus of this experience)

This experience aims to teach children about touch and textures, size and shape
and patterns. It will allow children to become connected to their world (as in
Outcome 2 in the Early Years Learning Framework (Governments, 2009)), and
explore the diversity of culture. They will also be confident learners (Outcome 4) by
expressing wonder and interest, as well as manipulating objects and become
effective communicators (Outcome 5) in which they interact with others to explore
new concepts.

Why am I planning this experience? (link to specific observations and/or

family information)

The mandala is a colourful and fun art form and this experience is designed to
expose children to an aspect of Hindu art. This was derived from Ls background.
Culture is an excellent way for children to discover new art forms and techniques
(Wright, 2012).

This is also a great way to teach children about texture and smell of the materials.
Its a great way for children to learn about the different textures of the grains,
smooth and rough and the shape of them.

The experience also allows them the chance to be creative, to create their own
patterns and to manipulate the resources in a fun way.

What resources do I need?

Thick stock cardboard in a square shape, with a large circle drawn within. Items
from the pantry can be used, such as seeds, grains, lentils and fennel seeds. Glue
(such as PVA) and brushes will be needed to ensure the pattern of grains adheres to
the cardboard.

What do I need to do to ensure that this experience addresses health and

safety requirements?
The children will need to be supervised at all times to ensure they do not try to eat
or choke on the grains. This will also require a thorough clean-up to avoid the
children picking them up to eat later on. The glue also needs to be child-safe and
non-toxic.

When is the best time and place for this experience?

This should be conducted after afternoon tea, when the class will be smaller and
easier to manage. It should be carried out at the table, away from carpet to assist
with cleaning up afterwards.

How will I interact with the children to scaffold their learning?

Provide a quick introduction to the culture of Hinduism and the concept of the
mandala. Provide some photographic examples to help explain to the children what
the craft is. Give each child a sample of the grains and ask them to comment on the
texture and smell. Provide them with appropriate language: smooth, rough, spicy,
sweet.

Allow the children time to explore the grains and draw a pattern onto their
cardboard circle. Then allow them time to begin adhering the grains to the pattern,
enabling them to explore their creative ability.