Mandala Fun: Complete the mandala

Topic
- Arts & crafts
Learning skills
- Creative thinking
- Fine motor skills
Activity type
- Drawing
Materials
- Basic
- Printable downloads
Age
- 6 - 11 years
- 12 - 14 years
- 15 - 17 years
5 - 15 minutes
1 player
Intermediate
Calm
Small (office, pavement)

Contributors

Mobile School

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Everything you need to play this game

Chalk or coloured markers, pencils, or crayons
Mandala Fun Poster Download mandala-panel-finaal.jpg (874.4kb)
Optional: Soft background music or any other elements to enhance relaxation

A step-by-step guide to play the game

Begin by examining the game board and the mandalas displayed. Ask questions:

What do you see?
Are you familiar with mandalas?
What colours are used?
Why would you draw/colour mandalas?
…

Discuss the calming and creative benefits of drawing mandalas (optional; see additional game information). Emphasize that it's an opportunity to unwind, relax, and focus on the present moment. Briefly discuss the concept of mandalas and their significance in various cultures as symbols of unity, harmony, and balance.

The player picks one of the half-drawn mandalas to start with. Explain to draw the mandala at a slow and steady pace, focusing on the shape of the chosen mandala. Encourage the players to let go of any judgments or expectations about their artwork and simply enjoy the process of colouring.

The player then completes the mandala by drawing the other half next to the panel, using chalk. As the players draw and colour, encourage them to pay attention to their breathing and the sensations in their bodies. Remind them to stay present in the moment, letting go of any distractions or wandering thoughts.

Once finished, the player can either complete other mandalas on the poster, draw the mandala on paper or chalkboard or start drawing a new mandala from scratch, following the step-by-step guide on the game board.

Conclude the game by asking the players to reflect on their experience (see additional game information for some reflection questions).

Extra game information

Set up a comfortable and quiet space for the activity, ensuring there are enough supplies for all players. If desired, create a soothing ambiance with soft lighting, calming music, and any other relaxation aids.

The repetitive and structured nature of drawing mandalas can help calm the mind, providing a soothing and meditative experience that significantly reduces stress and anxiety, helping children feel more relaxed and secure. Additionally, drawing mandalas requires concentration and focus, diverting children's attention from distressing thoughts and memories. This mindful engagement fosters a sense of inner peace and stability, promoting overall emotional well-being. A mandala is a geometric shape that means “circle” in Sanskrit. It is a common design among many different cultures and often appears as the sun, moon, and earth. In Hinduism and Buddhism, a mandala is a symbol representing the universe and life. The circular design is meant to express the concept that everything is connected in life.

Reflection questions:

What did they think of the game?
What was your experience like while drawing and colouring the mandala? Did you find it calming, relaxing, or meditative? Were there any challenges or distractions you encountered?
How did you feel before starting the activity, and how do you feel now? Did you notice any changes in your mood or energy levels?
How can drawing mandalas (or drawing in general) be a form of meditation, promoting relaxation, focus and creativity?
Were you able to stay focused on the present moment while drawing and colouring, or did your mind wander? If so, how did you bring your attention back to the task at hand?
Would you recommend this activity to others as a way to promote relaxation and mindfulness? Why or why not?
…

These reflection questions can help participants deepen their understanding of their experience and integrate the benefits of the activity into their daily lives.

This game is part of the Trauma-Informed Youth Work toolkit, which is designed to create a safe, supportive environment for all participants by acknowledging the impact of trauma on young people and fostering trust and empowerment. By incorporating activities that use indirect methods to explore emotions and behaviours, the toolkit makes sensitive topics more accessible and less intimidating, especially for younger audiences. The teamwork aspects of these activities foster collaboration and support, aligning with trauma-informed principles. This approach promotes healing, resilience, and positive development in every youth engaged, while emphasizing emotional awareness and understanding.

Variations

Encourage the player to add extra details or colours to personalize their mandala.
Encourage the player to complete the mandala using their imagination and fantasy instead of completing them exactly.
Print some mandalas from the internet as a colouring exercise for children.
For organisations that have the mobile school available, use the dotted grid for creating geometrical figures or mandalas.
....

Specific learning objectives

Enhance psychomotor skills
Learn to work with precision

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