Watercolor Mandalas (New and Improved)–Fifth grade lesson

One of my first–and favorite–lessons I’ve taught was my watercolor mandala lesson (I’ve actually written an older blog post about it right here)! It was a big step forward for me: it was the first time I dipped my toes into video-making for the classroom, and since then, I’ve been hooked. I did do a little revamping for this lesson (lesson plan, standards, and instruction here), including a brand-new Google Slides presentation that I’m really proud of.

While I think I have improved a lot since I made it, I feel like this old video still holds up…and this batch of fifth graders did too!

I was also lucky enough to teach a version of this lesson at my local library as part of their Teen Innovation STEAM program. We did this with colored pencils instead of watercolor, which made this much easier to finish and take home. We of course had less time than we do in the classroom, so not everyone finished, but all of the kids expressed how much fun they had and how they couldn’t wait to finish coloring it at home! This was my first time teaching at the library and I absolutely loved it. I hope I can go back someday soon!