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Lesson 4 of 4
  • Year 4

Printing symbols: banners and identity

I can design and print a symbol on fabric to show my identity.

Lesson 4 of 4
New
New
  • Year 4

Printing symbols: banners and identity

I can design and print a symbol on fabric to show my identity.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Symbols can show identity, ideas and values.
  2. Artists can use mono-printing to design and print a symbol on fabric.
  3. Banners use images, colour and words to share a message.

Keywords

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

  • Print/printing - a way of making a copy of something

  • Banner - a flag with a design or writing on it that represents an organisation or a movement

Common misconception

Symbols are just pictures - they don’t really mean anything.

Remind pupils that symbols are pictures with power. People use them to show who they are, what they believe in, or what they want to change. On banners, every shape and colour can tell a story.


To help you plan your year 4 art and design lesson on: Printing symbols: banners and identity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage pupils to plan their message before they print. Many will focus on decoration, but remind them that a symbol should communicate meaning.
Teacher tip

Equipment

A piece of cardboard, kitchen foil, masking tape, glue stick, brown card, scissors, a circular object to draw around, pencil, images of banners, paint, paint palette, paintbrush and scratching tools.

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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
A pattern is made by repeating shapes or colours.

Correct answer: true
sometimes true
false

Q2.
A symbol is a shape or image that stands for an __________ or meaning.

emotion
ideal
Correct answer: idea

Q3.
Artists always use bright colours to show meaning.

always true
Correct answer: sometimes true
false

Q4.
Match the pattern to what it most commonly represents:

Correct Answer:waves,peace or strength

peace or strength

Correct Answer:tortoise shell,long life

long life

Correct Answer:circle,unity

unity

Q5.
Which tools would create a rough texture in clay?

Correct answer: a fork
a flat piece of paper
Correct answer: a pencil tip
a sponge

Q6.
Put these steps in order for decorating a clay bead:

1 - roll the bead
2 - add texture
3 - let it dry

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
A print is a way of making a copy of something.

Correct answer: true
sometimes true
false

Q2.
A banner is a flag with writing or designs that represent a __________ or movement.

individual / independent
Correct answer: group / organisation
combination / collaboration

Q3.
What does the word “union” mean on a banner?

a sports competition involving different nations
a kind of fabric used in a textile artwork
a dance group who join together to perform
Correct answer: people joining together to protect each other’s rights

Q4.
Match the symbol to its meaning:

Correct Answer:scales,justice

justice

Correct Answer:shaking hands,friendship or unity

friendship or unity

Correct Answer:sun and moon,time and truth

time and truth

Q5.
Each monoprint is ...

Correct answer: unique
identical
colourful

Q6.
Put these printing steps in order.

1 - paint a layer onto your foil pad
2 - scratch your design into the pad
3 - press down to make your print