When a student has a large or challenging assignment, it is easy for them to become frustrated, stressed and unfocused. When other relaxation techniques such as deep-breathing fail, coloring a mandala may be the answer to relieving the student’s stress.
A mandala is a geometric or pictorial design often enclosed in a circle. Coloring one can help to calm the mind and kindle creativity.
How they work:
- Coloring from the center to the edge broadens attention
- Coloring from the edge to the center focuses attention
- Relaxes the body
- Activates the right brain
- Visual prompt/structural map for writing feelings in a poem, song or composition
A good source for mandalas can be found at http://www.mandali.com
Mandalas can also be a useful tool in the classroom to help calm a rowdy, inattentive class, or help students focus before a test.
