Design and make a pattern motif
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can design a motif.
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.
Teacher tip
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.
Equipment
computer / tablet, mark-making media such as pens or colouring pencils.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a kaleidoscope?
Q2.True or False: Kaleidoscope patterns can only be made with digital art.
Q3.What do we mean by "symmetry" in a kaleidoscope pattern?
Q4.Which of the following is not a step in creating your own kaleidoscope?
Q5.What might you see in a kaleidoscope when you look through it?
Q6.What materials can you use to design your kaleidoscope pattern plate?
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Match the term to its definition:
a repeated theme in art
making quick drawings
improving a piece of art
Q2.What is a motif?
Q3.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?
Q5.Match the cultural motif to its origin.
Ghana
Japan
India
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Design and make a pattern motif, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Design and make a pattern motif, 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 Perfect Patterns: drawing and design unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.