Students in fifth grade are beginning to learn about radial symmetry, balance, as well as reviewing our color families, specifically complimentary colors. Students first learned about mandalas. The word mandala originates from the Indian language of Sanskrit. Mandala can can translated to mean circle, which is what mandalas are-circular and beautiful pieces of artwork.
Students learn how to create a a design on one part of the mandala, and then how to transfer the design by "rubbing" the lead from the pencils onto the next part of the mandala. Students watched this video http://wn.com/radial_symmetry before I did a demonstration on folding the mandala paper into even parts, as well as creating a design. I think as much repetition and as much repetition in different forms (video verse live) is great for the students.
Once students have their paper folded and ready to begin creating their radial symmetry mandala designs students can choose what to incorporate into their radial symmetry design. Students may use their names and/or create an abstract design of shapes and lines. Students want to make sure not to create too many small details. Small details do not transfer as well as larger images do.
Below you will find examples of mandalas which I also showed to my students. I will be sure to post pictures of our final mandala results.
