Kids easily learn to draw relaxing mandalas. We’ve included 3 free printable page options to help make this project easy for various ages, both in the home or classroom.
What is a Mandala?
A Mandala (Sanskrit for “circle”) is an artistic representation of higher thought and deeper meaning given as a geometric symbol used in spiritual, emotional, or psychological work to focus one’s attention.
Mandalas are a wonderful way for kids to express their creativity while drawing soothing patterns of color and line. This activity encourages kids to see how they can use lines and colors to form various designs.
Related: Younger kids may enjoy coloring these easy printable zentangle patterns.
Supplies Needed to Make this Mandala Art Project for Kids
- Mandala Template – Free Download Below
- Tracing Paper
- Pencil
- Permanent Marker
- Coloring Medium of Choice – Crayons, Colored Pencils, Markers, etc.
- Washi or Painters Tape
- Ruler
Download the Mandala Template Printable Here
This download offers 3 different template options to choose from, based on skill level of the child.
- A basic mandala grid that I generally use for my younger students.
- A detailed mandala guideline for older kids. This grid offers guidance while granting kids more freedom in their design process.
- A grid that only includes the circles, where kids are free to add their own design segments.
Directions to Make The Mandala Art Project for Kids
Step 1 (Optional)
Depending on template choice, use a ruler to add cross lines to the grid to create a mandala guide. More lines added to the grid can result in a more intricate pattern.
Skip this step for younger students or those wishing to follow the first mandala template.
Step 2
Tape tracing paper on top of the mandala guide.
Important: Use a less sticky tape, and consider sticking tape to clothing before attaching it to the paper. This will help remove some of its stickiness in effort to protect the tracing paper.
Step 3
Using the mandala template as a guide, kids draw repeating shapes and lines within each segment of the grid. Lines should repeat within each segment until that circle row is complete. These lines, repeated around the grid, will result in various patterns.
Continue adding patterns to the mandala until complete.
Step 4
Trace completed pattern with a permanent marker. This allows students to adjust their designs and easily erase any unwanted sketches or guidelines.
Step 5
Use medium of choice to color the mandala.
Tip: At this point we found it less distracting to color with a white background. To do this, simply flip over the grid paper.
Finished Mandala Art Project For Kids
I love seeing how these projects turn out! Each child begins with the same template and tools, but they create their own unique designs. Since these projects are made on paper, they are easily framed, clipped, or displayed in your preferred style.
Our Experience Making this mandala art project
This is such a wonderful and easy project to lead that I often use this as a quick lesson for substitutes. Kids receive initial instructions and then spend the remainder of class drawing their intricate designs.
As with all projects, students vary in interest and skill level. I have some kids that skip drawing all together and choose to simply use color patterns. Others spend the entire class period on their intricate patterns and do not have enough time to color their designs. This project truly gives each child a chance to express their own creativity and skills.
Prep Time
5 minutes
Active Time
40 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Cost
$1
Materials
- Mandala Template – Free Printable
- Tracing Paper
Tools
- Pencil
- Permanent Marker
- Coloring Medium of Choice – Crayons, Colored Pencils, Markers, etc.
- Washi or Painters Tape
- Ruler
Instructions
- Optional: Use a ruler to add cross lines to the grid to create a mandala guide.
- Tape tracing paper on top of the mandala guide. Use a less sticky tape, and consider sticking tape to clothing before attaching it to the paper to remove some stickiness.
- Draw repeating shapes and lines within each segment of the grid until mandala is complete.
- Trace completed pattern with a permanent marker and erase unwanted pencil lines.
- Color the mandala.
Notes
Mandala Art Project Variations
- Some kids prefer to draw directly on the mandala template.
- Transfer mandala drawing from tracing paper onto another style paper. Color with desired medium.
- Skip the tracing paper and use copy paper instead. Use the assistance of a lightbox (or sunny window) to trace grid onto copy paper.
- Have kids use a compass or trace circular items to create their own template.
- Younger kids can skip drawing and simply repeat a color pattern for their mandala.
Mandala Art Project Variations
- Some kids prefer to draw directly on the mandala template.
- Transfer mandala drawing from tracing paper onto another style paper. Color with desired medium.
- Skip the tracing paper and use copy paper instead. Use the assistance of a lightbox (or sunny window) to trace grid onto copy paper.
- Have kids use a compass or trace circular items to create their own template.
- Younger kids can skip drawing and simply repeat a color pattern for their mandala.
Other Fun Patterned Art Projects from Kids Activities Blog
Did your kids enjoy making these mandalas? What colors or pattern combinations were their favorite?
