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Lesson 3 of 4
  • Year 4

Clay beads: meanings and patterns

I can make and decorate clay beads using pattern, shape and meaning.

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View unit
Lesson 3 of 4
New
New
  • Year 4

Clay beads: meanings and patterns

I can make and decorate clay beads using pattern, shape and meaning.

Download all

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Clay beads can be decorated by repeating patterns and symbols.
  2. Beads carry meaning in different cultures.
  3. African and East Asian patterns inspire design ideas.

Keywords

  • Bead - a small, round object which has a small hole through its centre

  • Repetition - the repeated use of elements (images, colours, text)

  • Symbol - an object, shape, or image that stands for or represents an idea or meaning

  • Pattern - a design in which lines, shapes, forms or colours are repeated

Common misconception

Beads are just for decoration.

Remind pupils that beads can tell stories, show who someone is, or carry messages. In many cultures around the world, beads are worn to remember, to celebrate, or to show strength. The patterns and shapes often have deep meanings.


To help you plan your year 4 art and design lesson on: Clay beads: meanings and patterns, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Model meaning before making. Pupils may focus only on decoration, so remind them that each bead should carry a message or purpose. Use simple prompts like: “What does your pattern stand for?” “Can your bead protect, remember or celebrate something?” Encourage pupils to say their meanings.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Clay, clay board or mat, cut plastic straws, square white paper, oil pastels or coloured chalks, images of Japanese fabric patterns, leather-hard (firm) clay beads, clay tools and found textures.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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

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6 Questions

Q1.
Clay is soft when wet and becomes hard when it dries.

Correct answer: true
sometimes true
false

Q2.
What tools could you use to make texture in clay?

Correct answer: pencil
Correct answer: fork or comb
Correct answer: straw
paint

Q3.
The marks or patterns we press into clay are called ...

Correct Answer: texture, mark-making

Q4.
When you press or roll objects into clay, you create __________ and pattern on the surface.

text
Correct answer: texture
spots

Q5.
Rolling all beads the same size helps make a pattern.

true
Correct answer: sometimes true
false

Q6.
Which step should you do before decorating clay beads?

paint the surface
let them dry
Correct answer: roll and shape them
add string

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Beads can be used for wearing, trading, or telling stories.

Correct answer: true
sometimes true
false

Q2.
What is a symbol?

Correct answer: a shape that stands for an idea or meaning
a colour used in every pattern
a type of clay tool used for sculpture
a kind of bead used for decoration

Q3.
A pattern is made by repeating or colours.

Correct Answer: shapes, shape

Q4.
The Japanese kikkō pattern stands for:

fire
Correct answer: long life
waves
celebration

Q5.
Adding texture to your bead is just for decoration.

true
sometimes true
Correct answer: false

Q6.
Put the steps for decorating beads in order:

1 - think about what your symbols mean
2 - roll smooth beads
3 - press patterns or textures into the clay