My Life's Mandala

School:: Lorenzo Walker Technical High School
Subject:: Other
Teacher:: Kristy Meghreblian
Students Impacted:: 150
Grade:: 9
Date:: August 4, 2020

Investor

Thank you to the following investor for funding this grant.

Naples Luxury Builders - $70.00

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 150

I have been doing this project every year with my students for the past three years and, year after year, they tell me it was the most meaningful project they have ever done. This journey of self-discovery allows them to really delve deep inside and examine the various layers of their identity through symbolism. Even the most non-artistic student feels success with this project because it is so much more about unveiling their true identity and identifying symbols and colors that uniquely represent that qualities that make them who they are.

After creating their mandala, students do a 3-minute presentation to the class. Even though many of them are nervous, they are surrounded by peers who have been encouraged to cheer each other on and celebrate each other's successes -- no matter how big or small. Not only is this a fun project for the students, but it allows me to know each of them on a deeper and more personal level as well. Some students are comfortable sharing some personal things about their upbringing, etc., and it truly does create a bonding experience for the entire class.

Once again, I cannot thankNaples Luxury Builders and Champions for Learning for making this project happen!

grant photo

Original Grant Overview

Goal

A mandala is a story without words. Through symbols and color, it represents the various layers of a person's life. In this introductory activity to my Critical Thinking class, I would like students to embark on a journey towards self-discovery, understanding who they are and embracing the unique qualities that lie beneath the various layers of their day to day life.

What will be done with my students

Students will examine each of the layers of their life and identify symbols and colors that uniquely represent that qualities that make them who they are. They will create their mandala and, in their first public speaking activity of the year, present it to the class. Finally, their mandalas will be hung in the classroom as a reminder of the unique qualities that blend together to form a diverse yet unified Class of 2024.

Benefits to my students

As 9th grade is a transition year, full of both fear and excitement. Many students know themselves on a surface level, but this activity allows them to delve a little deeper. With students coming from schools all over the county, many of them do not know each other. To that end, this activity is a great way for students not only to express their uniqueness, but to find things they have in common with one another.

Budget Narrative

Cake circles will be purchased through Amazon. Cost includes tax and shipping.

Items

#	Item	Cost
1	12" Corrugated White Cake Circle - 250/Case	$70.00
	Total:	$70.00

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