Rubin Museum's Mandala Lab in Your Classroom Reaches 1,600 Students, Evaluation Shows Emotional Gains
The Garibay Group conducted an independent assessment of the Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art's Mandala Lab in Your Classroom, revealing that 90% of students involved were able to recognize their emotions, while 83% expressed more complex feelings. Compassion was noted in 90% of the classes. Since its inception in 2025, the initiative has reached over 1,600 students, integrating Himalayan art with Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning® concepts. It tailors activities for a variety of learners, including those in special education and English language learners. Jacqueline D. Smith highlighted that high school students with special needs appreciated the experience of using a prayer wheel. The evaluation spanned the 2025–2026 academic year across multiple classes, also introducing students to Himalayan geography and traditions, enhancing cultural understanding.
Key facts
- Mandala Lab in Your Classroom launched in 2025 and has served over 1,600 students in New York City and beyond.
- An evaluation by Garibay Group during the 2025–2026 school year found that 90% of participants could identify their emotions and 83% could articulate difficult emotions.
- Students demonstrated compassion towards each other in 90% of observed classes.
- The program integrates Himalayan art with Social, Emotional, and Ethical (SEE) Learning® principles.
- In special education classrooms, activities are adapted for neurodivergent students and those with limited or nonverbal communication.
- English language learners use drawings to explore emotions, memories, and their home countries, facilitating conversations difficult in English alone.
- The program introduces students to Himalayan geography and Hindu and Buddhist traditions, often for the first time.
- Jacqueline D. Smith, Senior Manager of Curriculum Development and Education at the Rubin, highlighted students' engagement with a touchable prayer wheel from the collection.
Entities
Artists
- Jacqueline D. Smith
- Sarah Richard
- Christina Watson
Institutions
- Rubin Museum of Himalayan Art
- Garibay Group
- High School for Law, Advocacy, and Community Justice
- New York City Department of Education District 75
Locations
- New York City
- United States
- Himalayas
- Nepal
- Africa
- Mount Everest
- Tibet
- Mongolia