Mandala for Kids

This is such an amazing art lesson for children. They will love creating a unique mandala and learning about radial balance.

Mandala Art for Kids: A Creative Journey

Creating mandalas is a delightful and engaging way for children to explore art while learning about symmetry and balance. This fun art lesson provides them with the opportunity to design their own unique mandala that reflects their personality and creativity.

What is a Mandala? A mandala, derived from the ancient Sanskrit word meaning “circle,” is a geometric design that symbolizes wholeness, balance, and unity in many cultures. Traditionally seen in Hinduism and Buddhism, mandalas represent the universe, deities, or celestial bodies. Drawing a mandala can be a meditative experience, and children will enjoy the calming effect as they repeat shapes and patterns to build their design.

Why Mandalas are Perfect for Kids: Mandalas are a fantastic art form for kids because there are no “right” or “wrong” ways to create them. The emphasis is on creativity and expression. Whether they use bright colors or simple geometric shapes, kids can add their personal symbols to make their mandalas one-of-a-kind. The best part? It’s not just about the final piece—it’s about the experience of making art and embracing the process.

Supplies You’ll Need:

  • Cardboard Circles (or paper plates)
  • Tempera Paints (or Tempera Cake Paints)
  • Paintbrushes
  • Water Container
  • Pencils and Markers
  • Optional: Paint Markers (for extra details)

How to Make Your Mandala:

  1. Start with a Circle
    Begin by drawing a circle on your cardboard or paper plate. This will be the base of your mandala.
  2. Divide the Circle
    Draw lines through the center to create 8 equal sections, like cutting a pizza. This will help with symmetry.
  3. Repeat Designs in Each Section
    Start in the center of the circle and draw a shape. Repeat this shape in every slice of the mandala. Keep adding more shapes and designs until your circle is full.
  4. Use Repetition for Balance
    Mandalas are all about balance. As you add designs, make sure each section looks similar to the others to keep that balance intact.
  5. Add Color
    Now comes the fun part! Use your tempera paints to fill in the shapes. Add as many colors as you like to make the mandala pop.
  6. Add Details
    Once the paint dries, use sharpies or paint markers to add finer details and borders. This is a great chance to get creative and finish off your design.

Math Meets Art: Mandala making is a perfect way to tie in some math lessons. You can talk to kids about fractions, symmetry, and equal divisions as they work on dividing the circle into sections. It’s a fun and educational way to enhance their understanding of both math and art.

Displaying Your Art: Once the mandalas are complete, they can be displayed in various ways:

  • Hang them up using fishing line to create a mobile.
  • Place them on small easels to show off your artwork.
  • Pin them on a board or wall to create a colorful gallery.