Christmas is a magical time of year! But along with that magic comes stress, even for our little ones. The research on coloring is clear – it’s a great stress reliever. So at this time of year, coloring Christmas mandalas can help both you and your students with some calming creativity. You might also like to check out my earlier post on Thanksgiving coloring.
the benefits of coloring mandalas
Research has shown us the many benefits of coloring. Mandalas take the benefits up a notch simply because of their form. Because of the symmetrical designs, the mind enters into a state similar to meditation.
- Helps increase coordination – coloring mandalas requires fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination. This will carry over into other aspects such as tying shoes and using scissors.
- Helps improve concentration – kids tend to be quiet and focused while they’re coloring these designs.
- Great stress reliever – the repetitive actions used when coloring a mandala create a feeling of calmness and reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Make a great brain break – kids use both hemispheres of their brain while coloring these designs, which helps the brain to work in a more balanced way. Because of the intricate designs, both analytical and creative parts of the brain are used.
- Helps spark creativity – you can talk to students about color combinations, the color wheel, or just let them choose whatever colors they like.
- Great for kids with special needs – students with ADHD or autism will benefit from the symmetry of the designs and the repetition of the coloring.
- Can improve spatial awareness – the more kids color mandalas the more spatially aware they become. It can also introduce geometric designs.
Using Christmas Mandalas in your classroom
Making Christmas mandalas available for your students to color during the holiday season will add more of that “Christmas feeling” in your classroom.
Leave some mandalas out for early finishers to work on. Or they can use them as gifts for their family … they would look great in a simple frame and hung on the wall! Set aside a certain time each day or week for students to simple color and relax. Play some soft Christmas music and watch everyone de-stress!
Christmas Mandalas Coloring Pages and Cards
I’ve put together a pack of Christmas mandalas for you and your students to enjoy!
These Christmas patterned mandalas coloring pages and cards are perfect for this time of year! Students can be lively and excitable, or perhaps quick to finish their given tasks. The pack contains 10 different designs in total, which I have utilized in three ways.
USES:
- fun and focused activity for early finishers
- art/coloring competition with rewards
- gifts and seasonal greetings
COLORING PAGES:
These could be used as a gift for family members and friends. Leave colored or add a holiday message or quote. A simple wooden frame could be bought by the gift recipient for hanging in the home.
CARDS:
Use these to send loving messages to family members and friends. The cards come in two sizes: the larger card requires just 1 fold and the smaller card requires 2 folds. Let students choose the designs, but some guidance may be needed on card size, depending on coloring/fine motor skills!
Just put out some markers or colored pencils and let the relaxation and creativity flow!
You might also like this Christmas Coloring Book!
I hope you and your students enjoy coloring these!
