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Year 3 - Art and design

Patterns in nature

Perfect Patterns: drawing and design

Unit Summary

Pupils will create a range of art outcomes based on the theme of patterns. They will look at patterns in the natural world and investigate how pattern and decoration forms a fundamental part of art making. They will make a pattern motif and use it to create their own repeat pattern.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to carefully observe patterns in nature and record them in your sketchbook.

Key Notes

  • Patterns can be found in nature, such as in leaves, shells, animal markings and flowers.
  • Natural patterns can be symmetrical, spiral, or repeating.
  • Observing and recording patterns in a sketchbook helps us develop ideas for artwork.
  • Thick, thin, wavy or curvy lines can be used to create unique patterns.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • 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
  • symmetry: a shape or object that can be split into two matching halves

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Pupils may think that all repeating patterns are natural patterns, even if they are man-made.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

Patterns can be found in nature, such as in leaves, shells, animal markings and flowers. Natural patterns can be symmetrical, spiral, or repeating.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'pattern'

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

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Pupils may think that all repeating patterns are natural patterns, even if they are man-made. Correction: To help clarify, you could emphasise that natural patterns are found in nature. Nature walks can be a hands-on way to help students discover natural patterns.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 3 Art and design guide library.