Nature Mandala

This morning we did a big adventure! Well, for the three of us it was :) We drove down to the Ottawa River and took a walk along the path that runs on the shore beside it. Along the way, Monkey kept noticing different nature objects, and when he wanted to start collecting some, I knew exactly what we could do with them! 

A mandala is a circular geometric pattern that represents the universe. (The background is religious or spiritual.) For children, making a mandala uses a lot of mathematical thinking because they are a beautiful example of radial symmetry. 

Supplies: loose parts - we used found natural objects, but any collection of loose parts will work

We started with the biggest rock right in the middle of our mandala. After that I let Monkey choose which objects we would use next. He needed help to get the first few started in terms of placement, but after we had the long grass laid out, he could see better where to place the objects so that they were the same. 

We kept working until we had used all the objects Monkey found. We had collected eight of everything, but I think six of everything would have worked a little better. 

This mandala is definitely a Mommy & Monkey work of art. But we think that made it even more special. 

We left it on the beach, and I hope it put a smile on the face of anyone else who walked by!

Mar