New
New
Year 3

Investigating patterns in art

I can explore different patterns in art and discuss how they are used for decoration.

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New
New
Year 3

Investigating patterns in art

I can explore different patterns in art and discuss how they are used for decoration.

Link copied to clipboard

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Patterns and decoration are used in art and design across different cultures.
  2. Artists and designers create patterns using repetition, symmetry, and different shapes.
  3. 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.


To help you plan your year 3 art and design lesson on: Investigating patterns in art, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Computer/tablet, mark-making media.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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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6 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to their meaning.
Correct Answer:pattern,a design in which lines, shapes, forms or colours are repeated

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

Correct Answer:line,a mark made by a moving point, such as a pencil or brush

a mark made by a moving point, such as a pencil or brush

Correct Answer:symmetry,a pattern which is the same on both sides

a pattern which is the same on both sides

Q2.
Which of these are natural patterns?
stripes on socks
Correct answer: a zebra's stripes
Correct answer: a ladybird's spots
a blue and white football shirt
Q3.
Match the type patterns.
Correct Answer:spiralling pattern,lines which curve around in a spiral

lines which curve around in a spiral

Correct Answer:repeating pattern,a pattern which is repeated

a pattern which is repeated

Correct Answer:symmetrical pattern,a pattern is the same on both sides

a pattern is the same on both sides

Q4.
When artists look for inspiration, how might they make their patterns unique?
only paint
only numbers and letters
Correct answer: shapes, symmetry, repetition and colours
Q5.
We can explore the lines and shapes in nature by over them.
Correct Answer: tracing, Tracing
Q6.
Match the words to the definition.
Correct Answer:simplify,to focus on the main features, leaving out smaller details

to focus on the main features, leaving out smaller details

Correct Answer:exaggerate,to make the features of something more obvious

to make the features of something more obvious

6 Questions

Q1.
Patterns are always symmetrical.
True
Correct answer: False
Q2.
Yayoi Kusama is known for using in her art.
Correct Answer: dots, spots
Q3.
What type of pattern is often symmetrical?
random
Correct answer: repeating
chaotic
Q4.
Match these artists to their style of work.
Correct Answer:Yayoi Kusama,dots

dots

Correct Answer:Bridget Riley,optical illusions that trick the eyes

optical illusions that trick the eyes

Correct Answer:Becky Allen,repeated lines

repeated lines

Correct Answer:Anila Quayyum Agha,intricate, cut out patterns like in Islamic art

intricate, cut out patterns like in Islamic art

Q5.
Patterns can be inspired by ...
Correct Answer: nature
Q6.
What is an example of a material an artist might use to create patterns?
water
Correct answer: paint
air