New
New
Year 3

Print a repeat pattern using a motif

I can print a repeating pattern using a motif.

New
New
Year 3

Print a repeat pattern using a motif

I can print a repeating pattern using a motif.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Foam printing can be used to transfer a motif onto paper or fabric.
  2. Repeating, rotating, and mirroring a motif creates different pattern effects.
  3. Careful spacing and alignment help to create a neat and effective repeated pattern.

Keywords

  • Printmaking - making prints by pressing a design from a block, plate, or screen onto paper or fabric

  • Print - a way of making a copy of something

  • Motif - is a repeated pattern, image, or theme

Common misconception

Pupils may think pressing down hard makes the print clearer.

Applying even pressure will result in a clearer print.


To help you plan your year 3 art and design lesson on: Print a repeat pattern using a motif, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

This lesson can take two days for experimentation. You could provide examples of how background colours can change the mood of the motif. Make sure pupils clean their fingers between prints.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Polystyrene printing tiles, printing ink (water soluble) pen or pencil, paper towels, rollers, scrap paper

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.
Which of these is a motif?
Correct answer: a)
b)
Q2.
Where might you find motifs in everyday life?
Only in museums
Only in books
Correct answer: In wallpaper, clothing, and architecture
Only in paintings
Q3.
Which of the following is an example of a motif?
A single colour on a canvas
Correct answer: A repeated geometric pattern on a mosque wall
A random sketch with no repetition
A single word written in different fonts
Q4.
What is an important aspect of designing an effective motif?
Using lots of colours and details
Correct answer: Keeping it simple and bold
Making sure it is very complex
Only using straight lines
Q5.
What should you do first when designing your own motif?
Draw lots of random shapes
Correct answer: Start with a simple sketch
Use only straight lines
Add lots of details immediately
Q6.
Which cultural motif is known for its curved teardrop shape?
Kente cloth
Islamic geometric patterns
Correct answer: Paisley
Japanese wave designs

5 Questions

Q1.
What is printmaking?
Creating pictures using only pencils
Correct answer: Making copies by pressing a design onto a surface
Drawing freehand without any tools
Painting directly onto fabric
Q2.
A motif is a pattern, image, or theme.
Correct Answer: repeated, repeating, repetitive
Q3.
Match the terms with their definitions.
Correct Answer:Printmaking,Creating copies using a printing method

Creating copies using a printing method

Correct Answer:Motif,A repeated design

A repeated design

Correct Answer:Transfer,The process of moving a design to another surface

The process of moving a design to another surface

Q4.
Why do some artists prefer printing over drawing by hand?
It takes longer to create designs
Correct answer: It allows for consistent designs quickly
Each design looks different
It can only be used on fabric
Q5.
To create a print, you must apply to your foam plate.
Correct Answer: ink, paint, paints