This fun and creative 'Investigating Patterns' scheme of work enables your class to explore, create and manipulate a variety of different kinds of patterns. Starting with patterns found at home and in the environment, children then move on to study how shapes can be to create interesting patterns. Your class will also have the chance to explore making patterns with stencils and printing.

This series of 5 complete lessons contains everything you need to teach this 'Investigating Patterns' scheme of work, including informative slides, detailed lesson plans, activity ideas, differentiated worksheets and much more.

Patterns Around Us

After thinking about where patterns can be found at home and in the environment, your class will see some work by famous artists' who use patterns in their work. You class will love finding and discussing the patterns they can see in professional pieces. You can then challenge your class to make their own patterns or decorate animal outlines with a range of different patterns.

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Rotation, Reflection and Symmetry

This lesson uses shapes to create interesting patterns for the children to explore. Use the slides to demonstrate how shapes can be reflected and rotated, and how symmetrical patterns can be constructed, before giving your class the chance to create their own patterns using a variety of different techniques.

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Using Stencils

This lesson demonstrates how stencils can be used to create some of the rotated, reflected and symmetrical patterns the children have been studying. Your class will then have the chance to make their own stencils and use these to create their own works of art.

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Printing Patterns

Use the helpful step-by-step instructions on these slides to show your class how to make prints using string and card, then lets them have a go for themselves, encouraging them to be as creative with their patterns as possible.

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Patterns for a Purpose

In this final lesson, your class will have the opportunity to consolidate all the work they have done throughout the series by designing a pattern for a particular person or purpose, such as a pattern for a wallpaper, dress or even a tattoo! Some familiar characters will ask your class for some design help to get them started, from a new bowl design for Goldilocks or a wallpaper for Spiderman!

View Lesson 5