Kendra Hedrick Art Teaching Portfolio

The Circle inside a Square Project

The Mystic Mandala

Have the word “Mandala” written on the board as students walk into class. Have students raise their hands to guess what “Mandala“ means. When you have received multiple guesses show one of the pictures below and have the students guess some more. When all the answers are exhausted explain to them that “Mandala” is the Sanskrit word for “circle” and is a form of art stemming from the Buddhist and Hindu traditions. Tell them that mandalas were often used as a spiritual teaching tool to help strengthen meditation and increase focus.

Supplies:

Bristol board 12X12

Compass

Pencils

Colored pencil

Marker

Watercolor pencils

Micron pens

Watercolor paints

Procedure:

The students will view a video of how Tibetan monks build a ritualistic mandala using colored sand.

Explain to the students that there are many different ways to begin your mandala design. It can be as simple as combining simple shapes. The shapes can be constructed in concentric circles. Some students may choose to illustrate various events in their lives. The Main point is that there is no right or wrong answer to the visual question.

Students may use many resources’ such as the internet to view mandalas of the world. They may look at the printed resources available to them such as mandala ideas handouts and student examples.

The Mandala will be drawn on 12X12 Bristol board

Students may use a variety of mediums to achieve their desired outcome.

Evaulation:

Class critique done at the midpoint of the project and the final evaluation.

Grading Rubric as follows:

1. The drawing or design must fill the entire 12X12 format

2. The Mandala must incorporate the element and principles of design such as balance, pattern, color, line etc.

3. The students must make critical judgments in the use or color or grayscale.

4. Excellent craftsmanship must be used.