Materials

White paper with one big circle on it

Pencil

Black marker

Color pencils
Breath Bubble
 Mandala
Objective: Students will discuss the use and
importance of mandalas in various cultures and
create their own mandala.

Art Standards: VA:

Re.7.2.5a Identify and
analyze cultural
associations suggested
by visual imagery.
• The Elements of Art
are what artists use
to create art.
Elements of Art: Shape and Line
 Vocabulary
• Mandala – a circular symbol that represents
the universe.

• Radial Symmetry – having similar parts

around a central axis.
 What kinds of shapes do you see here?
What do you think the shapes symbolize?
What kinds of lines and colors were used in this
mandala? Why do you think it was designed this
way?
Who do you
think
designed
this?
Have you seen this mandala before?
Mandalas in Nature
 HISTORY
• A mandala is a drawing, usually in the form of
a circle or polygon, that is often used as a tool
for reflection and centering.

• Religious or sacred mandalas seem to have

their origins in Buddhism and Hinduism.

• Mandalas are made out of sand and other

mediums, such as paint, chalk, stones, collage
materials, etc.
 Where in the world are they made?
Who makes them?
• India
• Tibet
• Ireland
• China
• South America
• …many more
places!
 Sand Mandalas .
• In Tibet, Buddhist monks
pour millions of grains of
sand to create the mandala.
The finished mandala is
about five feet by five feet
in size, and takes three to
five days to complete.
 Then the mandala is dismantled.

After all of the sand is

brushed away and mixed
together, it’s blown out to
sea, symbolizing that
everything comes to an end.
Mandalas from India - Hindu Symbols
In India, mandalas are drawn outside entrances
to homes.
 How Mandalas are Used Today

Mandalas are used as

healing tools in support
groups, art gatherings,
retreats, etc…

They are used for spiritual

and intellectual balance and
well-being. It’s a great
exercise for color, design,
pattern, shape.
Inspiration
 Your Assignment
• Create your own mandala.
• Think about different lines and shapes
you can use.
Share your artwork. Hold it up. Be
proud.
 Journal Entry
• What are some things in your environment
that have radial symmetry?
 Rubric
• 4 – Student completes a mandala that has
radial symmetry. Artwork is neat and
aesthetically pleasing.
• 3 – Student completes a mandala that has
radial symmetry. Artwork is neat.
• 2 – Student either completes a messy
mandala that does not have radial symmetry
OR does it neatly but doesn’t finish it.
• 1 – Student’s mandala is messy and
unfinished.
Good-bye.