Investigating patterns in art
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore different patterns in art and discuss how they are used for decoration.
Key learning points
- Patterns and decoration are used in art and design across different cultures.
- Artists and designers create patterns using repetition, symmetry, and different shapes.
- Sketchbooks can be used to record and explore patterns, helping to develop ideas.
Keywords
Pattern - a design in which lines, shapes, forms or colours are repeated
Line - a mark made by a moving point, such as a pencil or brush
Common misconception
Patterns in art are always symmetrical and repetitive.
While many patterns do follow symmetrical or repetitive structures, patterns in art can also be organic, irregular, and asymmetrical.
Teacher tip
Whilst this is a research lesson, show real life examples and examples from different cultures and time periods to highlight the diverse ways artists use patterns.
Equipment
Computer/tablet, mark-making media.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the words to their meaning.
a design in which lines, shapes, forms or colours are repeated
a mark made by a moving point, such as a pencil or brush
a pattern which is the same on both sides
Q2.Which of these are natural patterns?
Q3.Match the type patterns.
lines which curve around in a spiral
a pattern which is repeated
a pattern is the same on both sides
Q4.When artists look for inspiration, how might they make their patterns unique?
Q5.We can explore the lines and shapes in nature by over them.
Q6.Match the words to the definition.
to focus on the main features, leaving out smaller details
to make the features of something more obvious
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Patterns are always symmetrical.
Q2.Yayoi Kusama is known for using in her art.
Q3.What type of pattern is often symmetrical?
Q4.Match these artists to their style of work.
dots
optical illusions that trick the eyes
repeated lines
intricate, cut out patterns like in Islamic art
Q5.Patterns can be inspired by ...
Q6.What is an example of a material an artist might use to create patterns?
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Investigating patterns in art, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Investigating patterns in art, 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.