New
New
Print a repeat pattern using a motif
I can print a repeating pattern using a motif.
Lesson 6 of 6
New
New
- Year 3
Print a repeat pattern using a motif
I can print a repeating pattern using a motif.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Foam printing can be used to transfer a motif onto paper or fabric.
- Repeating, rotating, and mirroring a motif creates different pattern effects.
- Careful spacing and alignment help to create a neat and effective repeated pattern.
Keywords
Printmaking - making prints by pressing a design from a block, plate, or screen onto paper or fabric
Print - a way of making a copy of something
Motif - is a repeated pattern, image, or theme
Common misconception
Pupils may think pressing down hard makes the print clearer.
Applying even pressure will result in a clearer print.
This lesson can take two days for experimentation. You could provide examples of how background colours can change the mood of the motif. Make sure pupils clean their fingers between prints.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Polystyrene printing tiles, printing ink (water soluble) pen or pencil, paper towels, rollers, scrap 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.Which of these is a motif?
Which of these is a motif?
b)
Q2.Where might you find motifs in everyday life?
Where might you find motifs in everyday life?
Only in museums
Only in books
Only in paintings
Q3.Which of the following is an example of a motif?
Which of the following is an example of a motif?
A single colour on a canvas
A random sketch with no repetition
A single word written in different fonts
Q4.What is an important aspect of designing an effective motif?
What is an important aspect of designing an effective motif?
Using lots of colours and details
Making sure it is very complex
Only using straight lines
Q5.What should you do first when designing your own motif?
What should you do first when designing your own motif?
Draw lots of random shapes
Use only straight lines
Add lots of details immediately
Q6.Which cultural motif is known for its curved teardrop shape?
Which cultural motif is known for its curved teardrop shape?
Kente cloth
Islamic geometric patterns
Japanese wave designs
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.What is printmaking?
What is printmaking?
Creating pictures using only pencils
Drawing freehand without any tools
Painting directly onto fabric
Q2.A motif is a pattern, image, or theme.
A motif is a pattern, image, or theme.
Q3.Match the terms with their definitions.
Match the terms with their definitions.
Q4.Why do some artists prefer printing over drawing by hand?
Why do some artists prefer printing over drawing by hand?
It takes longer to create designs
Each design looks different
It can only be used on fabric
Q5.To create a print, you must apply to your foam plate.
To create a print, you must apply to your foam plate.
