Concept

Students studied the UN Charter on the Rights of the Child.

Afterwards they engaged in a process to generate a common list of their ideas. They arrived at ten general areas of concern: housing, food, education, love, freedom, play, family, friends, no violence and war, and a clean healthy environment. The list was posted in the classroom as a reminder of our vision.

Students researched symbols for each of these areas. The mandala format was selected because the class had already worked with the form and was familiar with its history and significance. Not long before, Buddhist monks had visited the Capitol Theatre in Windsor where they created a mandala for peace. The idea that the monks had worked collaboratively to create the mandala was intriguing to the students and was an important factor in our project.

While they were working on the piece, the students learned drawing and painting skills. At the same time, their collaboration and exploration of the themes became a significant focus of our work together and “collaboration” was posted with their list of needs.

Learn more about the process involved in the project.