The
realization that the school curriculum, ‘squeezed full’
of SATS and tests and academic advancement is not creating academic
improvement to a satisfactory level is slowly dawning. Despite millions
being spent on literacy and numerousy improvement is not as good
as many would hope. There is a growing belief that learners are
so bombarded with facts and figures and pressure to succeed in academic
terms that they have no space to tune in to and centre themselves.
When people are centred they are far more able
to learn and take in information, but not only this, they are much
more aware of their interactions with others and usually more able
to interact in a much more positive way. Research has been carried
that suggests meditation in schools has massive benefit for learning
and behaviour improves greatly.
Sacred Circle Project: A project developed to introduce
meditation and visualization and awareness through creativity.
‘Mandala’ means Circle and centre in
Sanskrit. It represents our world. It is a picture that tells a
story, it takes us on a journey to the centre of the circle that
is symbolically our inner self and our relationship to the outside
world.
The circle is a potent and universal symbol of wholeness
and eternity. The sun and the moon are circular. Throughout history
cultures have tried to understand their place in the cosmos, many
use this circular symbol to establish their understanding.
This explores the form of circle and looks
at cross-cultural links of its importance in different cultures
and communities throughout the world. Learners will explore their
self-awareness through creativity and visualization. They will be
able to use mixed media to create a Mandala (‘Sacred circle’
in Sanskrit). The final images that are made can be individual pieces
or joined together to form a collective body of work.
This project can be adapted to include cross-cultural,
religious awareness, numeracy and literacy elements.
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