Through a child's eye: an especially joyous exhibition of mandalas

Educational value

• The use of this resource could contribute to students attaining the achievement standard in years 3 and 4 Visual arts as it showcases how students can learn about and reconstruct a historical and cultural item, such as a mandala, within a contemporary context. The resource provides creative examples and personal interpretations of fables belonging to a recognised belief system. Each illustration is designed within the mandala circle shape and requires complex organisation of visual design elements to communicate meaning.
• The resource contributes to students attaining achievement levels in year 2 English as it provides an opportunity for students to examine historical and social stories or narratives, observing their language features, text structures and meaning. Students can also become aware of the interrelationship between visual and written texts, the characters, settings and events, not only as a singular object but also as a presentation of multiples to articulate an idea.
• The resource contributes to the cross-curriculum priority of Asia and Australia's relationship with Asia as it provides information about a traditional spiritual object significant to a belief system of Asia. Mandalas represent an interrelationship between visual arts, literature and ideology. They are symbolic and aesthetic objects that are familiar to communities in Australia, Asia and globally.
• The resource contributes to student development of the literacy and intercultural understanding general capabilities as it builds understanding about the significance of mandalas to Buddhist teachings and beliefs and how individuals can interpret these within the context of their own lives.

Year level

2; 3; 4

Topics Communities Regional art Aboriginal English literature Regional literature Cultural imperialism Fables Artists Characters (Narratives) Arts Visual arts Art movements Culture Literature Buddhism Illustration Cultural contexts Narratives Visual texts Mandalas Settings (Narratives)