1. Mandalas

2. EQ: How do symbols come together to communicate the essence of who you are?

3. What is a symbol? An object that stands for an idea – Flag = Nation – Heart = Love – Cross = religion – Light bulb = idea – Skull/crossbones = danger – “V” hand = peace – Butterfly = change

4. What is a Mandala? Originated in Tibet 2000 years ago – Tibetans use it to calm themselves and think about the meaning of life Intricately illustrated Used for meditation Show individual or cultural uniqueness Many cultures use it – Aztec – Asian – Native Americans

5. Aztec Calendar – Timekeeping – Religious uses

6. Taoist Yin-Yang Symbol To show opposition and interdependence

7. Native Americans Medicine wheels Sand painting

8. Why a circle? Represents harmony and wholeness of life – Universal shape: eye, sun snowflake, moon, circle of friends, the atom, cells, nucleus A simple representation of WHO YOU ARE – Using symbols that represent you Peace, love, friendship, etc

9. . Assignment: Create your mandala – symbolic pictures represent you! – Essay ties it together – Present

10. Sample 1

11. Sample 2

12. Sample 3

13. Basic Design Most important symbol(s) in the middle Think of connecting design Unifying theme Symmetrical pattern Determine colors Draw a basic outline Beautify it!

14. After the Mandala… Write a reflective essay… How do they represent significant aspects of you? How do these symbols come together to demonstrate your wholeness?

15. Then… Write and present a 2 minute speech explaining your mandala and essay content. [NOT a reading of your essay to class]

16. How am I graded? 10 Mandala Quick writes 1 Mandala diagram 1 Reflective Essay 1 Oral Presentation