New
New
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 3
Design and make a pattern motif
I can design a motif.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- A motif is a single design or shape that can be repeated to create a pattern.
- Sketching and refining a motif first helps to create a successful final design.
- Simple shapes and clear details make an effective motif for pattern-making.
- Motifs vary across cultures, reflecting unique styles, meanings, and traditions.
Keywords
Motif - a repeated theme, idea, symbol, or pattern in a work of art
Sketch / sketching - making quick and simple drawings to show ideas or the things we see
Refine - making small changes to improve a piece of art
Common misconception
Pupils may think that intricate designs are necessary, however simple shapes with clear details often work best for creating patterns.
Encourage pupils to sketch a few different simple shapes and test how they repeat in a pattern. You can also cut out your motif and arrange multiple copies to see how they fit together.
Show pupils examples of motifs in everyday life, such as patterns on wallpaper, clothing, tiles, or nature (like flower petals or animal prints). This helps them see how motifs are used all around them and can inspire their own designs.
Teacher tip
Equipment
computer / tablet, mark-making media such as pens or colouring pencils.
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 a kaleidoscope?
What is a kaleidoscope?
A kind of drawing tool
A type of flower
Q2.True or False: Kaleidoscope patterns can only be made with digital art.
True or False: Kaleidoscope patterns can only be made with digital art.
True
Q3.What do we mean by "symmetry" in a kaleidoscope pattern?
What do we mean by "symmetry" in a kaleidoscope pattern?
Colours that are the same
Lines that are different
Q4.Which of the following is not a step in creating your own kaleidoscope?
Which of the following is not a step in creating your own kaleidoscope?
Cutting card and tin foil to size
Gluing tin foil to the card
Q5.What might you see in a kaleidoscope when you look through it?
What might you see in a kaleidoscope when you look through it?
Only one colour
A flat image
Q6.What materials can you use to design your kaleidoscope pattern plate?
What materials can you use to design your kaleidoscope pattern plate?
Only pencils
Just black ink
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the term to its definition:
Match the term to its definition:
Q2.What is a motif?
What is a motif?
A single drawing
A type of paint
A colour
Q3.A motif can be a theme, idea, symbol, or pattern in a work of art.
A motif can be a theme, idea, symbol, or pattern in a work of art.
Q4.Which of the following is an example of a motif?
Which of the following is an example of a motif?
A single leaf
A blank canvas
A random scribble
Q5.Match the cultural motif to its origin.
Match the cultural motif to its origin.
