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Art

Create a Pattern, Build a Design

Overview

Students explore patterns in their environment and then create their own repeating designs.

Learning Objective
Students understand how patterns are created through repetition and can design their own repeating patterns.

Resources needed

  • Paper
  • Pencils
  • Optional: colored pencils or markers

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Introduce pattern: something that repeats in a predictable way.
  2. 2 Students look around and identify patterns (e.g., tiles, clothing, nature).
  3. 3 In pairs, describe patterns they see.
  4. 4 Students design a simple repeating unit (shape, line, or symbol).
  5. 5 Repeat the unit across the page to create a pattern.
  6. 6 Add color or variation if possible.
  7. 7 Share designs — discuss what makes a pattern effective.

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Create symmetrical patterns.
  • Use only geometric shapes or only organic shapes.
  • Design patterns for a real-world object (e.g., fabric, wallpaper).
More information

Teach: pattern, repeat, sequence, design, unit. Use frames: 'My pattern repeats…', 'The rule is…'.

Provide templates or grids to support repetition. Allow copying a pattern before creating one independently.

Can students identify and create a repeating pattern? Do they understand the idea of a repeating unit?

Draw patterns in dirt or sand. Use body movements (clap-stomp patterns) as a starting point.

Students may create random designs instead of true repeating patterns.

Pattern is fundamental in both art and mathematics and appears in many cultural designs worldwide.

Activity details
Primary Medium 25 minutes no prep Individual, Pairs Indoor & Outdoor
Topics
Pattern Repetition Design