New
New
Create a kaleidoscope pattern
I can design a symmetrical kaleidoscope pattern by repeating and rotating shapes.
Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
- Year 3
Create a kaleidoscope pattern
I can design a symmetrical kaleidoscope pattern by repeating and rotating shapes.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Kaleidoscope patterns are found in nature, art, and design, such as in stained glass and textiles.
- Kaleidoscope patterns are made by repeating and reflecting shapes to create symmetry.
- Rotation and reflection are key techniques used to form kaleidoscope designs.
- Shapes, lines, and colours can be arranged to create a visually striking and balanced pattern.
Keywords
Kaleidoscope - toys that produce different coloured patterns when you look through them
Repeat / repeating - to make or do again
Reflect / reflecting - to show the image of somebody/something on the surface of something
Rotate / rotating - turning around a centre point
Common misconception
All kaleidoscope patterns are circular.
Remind pupils that while many have a circular appearance, kaleidoscope patterns can also be based on squares, triangles, and other geometric grids.
Have pupils start with a single shape or motif and practise flipping/rotating it before working on the full design. Drawing a grid or guidelines helps to maintain symmetry. Encourage pupils to experiment with high-contrast or monochrome colours to explore their impact.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Card, carboard tube, tin foil, mark-making media, glue, scissors, small wooden stick, paint, tissue paper
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the main purpose of using a grid in art and design?
What is the main purpose of using a grid in art and design?
To make everything messy
To avoid drawing shapes
To only use in computers
Q2.True or false? If one side of a shape looks just like the other side, it has reflection symmetry.
True or false? If one side of a shape looks just like the other side, it has reflection symmetry.
false
Q3.Which of these can you do to make a repeating pattern on a grid?
Which of these can you do to make a repeating pattern on a grid?
Only draw straight lines
Use any colours without a plan
Fill in every square with different pictures
Q4.What type of symmetry do we see in patterns like Rangoli?
What type of symmetry do we see in patterns like Rangoli?
Reflection symmetry
No symmetry
Different shapes everywhere
Q5.Which method is not a good way to create a pattern on a grid?
Which method is not a good way to create a pattern on a grid?
Make a checkerboard pattern
Repeat shapes in a row
Make shapes that are the same
Q6.What natural things can inspire your patterns on a grid?
What natural things can inspire your patterns on a grid?
Shapes like squares and circles
Only made-up designs
Just lines and dots
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What does a kaleidoscope use to create patterns?
What does a kaleidoscope use to create patterns?
Water
Paint
Glass
Q2.A kaleidoscope pattern is made by ...
A kaleidoscope pattern is made by ...
reading and reflecting.
drawing and observing.
Q3.Match the terms with their meanings:
Match the terms with their meanings:
Q4.Which of these is NOT a technique used in a kaleidoscope pattern?
Which of these is NOT a technique used in a kaleidoscope pattern?
Reflecting
Rotating
