Division 5 planned and created chalk mandalas this week. When I came across this giant box of 64 different chalk colours, I KNEW we had to do this project!
First, we looked at examples of mandalas and learned that the word “mandala” is Sanskrit for circle. A mandala balances visual elements symbolizing unity and harmony. Then, students worked in small groups to design and plan a mandala on paper. They practiced how to use a compass to draw a circle, and were introduced to the concepts of radius and circumference. Next, we learned how to use a pencil as a centre point, connected to a piece of chalk with string, to recreate our designs on a larger scale outside. Students worked together to create beautiful mandalas. We discussed how this type of art is temporary and becomes a part of the community, enhancing and beautifying the space its in, even if for a short time.
You can check them out before the rain washes them away near the entrance to University Highlands, or enjoy them in perpetuity on this blog!
In September students learned how to write numbers in binary (a base-2 number system). Today students learned that letters can also be coded in binary! Each student mapped out their names on grid paper, chose their colours, and beaded their names into a bracelet.