Make a repeat pattern print
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create a repeating pattern using an insect motif.
Key learning points
- Artists can use a printing block multiple times to create a continuous design.
- Artists can explore symmetry, rotation and spacing to develop an effective repeat pattern.
Keywords
Printmaking - making pictures by pressing a design from a block, plate, or screen onto paper or fabric
Print / printing - a way of making a copy of something
Motif - a repeated pattern, image, or theme
Common misconception
Pupils may think that a repeat pattern means just stamping the same image randomly.
Demonstrate how patterns can follow a structured repetition, showing examples of tiling techniques.
Teacher tip
When cleaning foam plates, remind pupils to be gentle so they don’t bend/snap. Use soft cloths or damp sponges instead of running water and provide support for younger pupils. The lesson references the work of Yinka Shonibare. It may be useful to have relevant images of his work available for view.
Equipment
Roller, ink, tray, printing ink (multiple colours), paper towels, various card / paper or sketchbook and newspaper. Images of Yinka Shonibare's artwork may be useful.
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Printing is a way of ...
Q2.Why is negative space important in printmaking?
Q3.What must you do before printing your insect design?
Q4.Woodblock and linoleum are examples of ...
Q5.Why should you be careful not to press too hard when tracing your design onto a foam printing plate?
Q6.Put these steps of how to to transfer your insect design to the foam printing plate in the correct order :
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a motif in printmaking?
Q2.Why do artists use repeat patterns in their prints?
Q3.Why is careful spacing and alignment important when creating a straight repeat pattern?
Q4.What do we call it when the same image is printed again and again in a row or pattern?
Q5.Put these steps in the right order to make a repeating pattern with a print:
Q6.Match the word to the definition:
Transferring a design onto paper using ink
A design that repeats
The same image shown again and again in rows or shapes
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Make a repeat pattern print, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Make a repeat pattern print, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 art and design lessons from the Insects: drawing and printmaking unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.