Mandala Making & Math Outdoors

3 Easy Steps to Making a Natural Mandala

Do you ever wonder how to incorporate natural materials into your curriculum? Are you often left wondering, “How can I use loose parts such as sticks, shells, greenery and river stones in a Math lesson?” Create a Mandala using Natures Loose Parts. Mandala making not only offers a therapeutic experience, but it also invites a group to work together cooperatively, explore math outdoors, and discover art extension activities. 

Creating Mandalas out of Natures Loose Parts is a great way to reconnect children with nature while also offering unique learning opportunities. In my live workshop called Outdoor Curriculum & Nature Studies: 15 Ways to Cultivate an Outdoor Classroom & Reconnect Children with Nature teachers explore Mandala Making using Natural Materials. Teachers work together to create their own design. Each time I do this, I am always amazed at how different each groups’ Mandala turns out. The design truly speaks to the character of the group. Mandala Making will transform any space into a Natural-Based art and math show.

The dictionary defines Mandala as “a geometric figure representing the universe in Hindu and Buddist symbolism.” It goes on to note that it is “a symbol of a dream representing the dreamer’s search for completeness and self-unity.” 

3 Easy Steps to Making a Natural Mandala

Step 1: Collect Your Materials

Your mandala may take on a theme. Mandala’s can have a beach theme that uses only shells or be more open-ended with a variety of natures loose parts. It is up to you.

Materials:  Shells, Rocks, Pressed Flowers, Sticks, Acorns, Pine Cones, Ferns….

Step 2: Organize your Materials by Size

Step 3: Choose a center point and work your way out. This is open-ended and can evolve as you go. Encourage the group to work together.

Now I want to hear from you? Have you ever made a Mandala? Have you introduced Mandala to your children? What natural materials did you use?

Want to learn more about how to add Math Outdoors? Come join us in the Let’s Grow Math Outdoors e-Course.

Enjoy,

Victoria