Cultural Pattern Exploration

Context

A 40-minute art session designed for Year 2 students in New Zealand focusing on cultural art patterns, especially Māori and Samoan motifs, aligned with the New Zealand Curriculum. This lesson develops awareness and appreciation of cultural diversity through art and connects with the curriculum's arts learning area.

---

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand and recognise simple cultural art patterns inspired by Māori and Samoan designs.
• Create their own artwork using repeating patterns and shapes reflective of these cultures.
• Use appropriate art language to describe patterns and shapes.
• Develop respect and curiosity about cultural traditions represented in art.

Curriculum Links

The Arts Learning Area – Visual Arts

• Achievement Objective: Developing Ideas (Level 1–2)
  • Explore and express ideas, using the elements of the arts, e.g., pattern, shape, and colour.
• Achievement Objective: Communicating and Interpreting (Level 1–2)
  • Respond to works of art and discuss their ideas and feelings.
• Values and Key Competencies:
  • Respect and Diversity: Recognising and appreciating different cultural traditions.
  • Thinking: Exploring and experimenting with patterns and shapes.
  • Relating to Others: Sharing ideas about cultural art respectfully.

---

Lesson Flow (40 minutes)

Materials Needed

• Large sheets of paper or art journals
• Colours: paints, crayons, or coloured pencils
• Samples/images of Māori kowhaiwhai and Samoan tatau or siapo patterns (simple and age-appropriate)
• Pattern stamps or shape stencils (optional)
• Mirrors or tracing paper (to explore symmetry)

---

1. Introduction (7 minutes)

• Welcome and Engagement:

  • Gather students and show images of Māori kowhaiwhai patterns and Samoan siapo or tatau patterns.
  • Use simple language and relate to students’ backgrounds by mentioning the significance of patterns in clothing, tattooing, and carvings.
  • Invite them to notice shapes, colours, and repeated designs.

• Link to Curriculum:

  • Briefly tell students "Today we will learn about art from Māori and Samoan cultures by exploring their special patterns and making our own!" (The Arts - Developing Ideas Level 1–2) .

---

2. Exploration & Discussion (8 minutes)

• Cultural Pattern Exploration:

  • Discuss how Māori and Samoan artists use repeated shapes and symmetry in their patterns.
  • Introduce vocabulary: pattern, repeat, symmetry, shape (triangle, circle, line).
  • Show simple examples of repeating patterns and symmetry using mirrors or tracing paper.
  • Ask students what shapes or colours they notice and how patterns might represent stories or ideas.

• Key Competency Development:

  • Encourage student commenting respecting others’ ideas (Relating to Others).
  • Use think-aloud modelling to demonstrate pattern creation and naming.

---

3. Practical Activity – Creating Cultural Patterns (20 minutes)

• Instructions for Students:

  • Students create their own artwork inspired by the Māori or Samoan patterns.
  • Encourage drawing repeated shapes and using symmetry (fold paper for symmetry if desired).
  • Use colours commonly found in cultural art: black, red, white, ochre.
  • Optionally, use stamps or stencils to create consistent shapes for repeating patterns.

• Teacher Role:

  • Circulate and support creativity, encourage use of art vocabulary.
  • Link to cultural meanings where possible, e.g., "This motif is called a ‘koru’ and represents new life in Māori art."

• Collaborative Sharing:

  • As students work, invite pairs or small groups to share what patterns they are creating and what they notice.
  • Reinforce positive feedback and connections to culture.

---

4. Reflection and Conclusion (5 minutes)

• Group Discussion:

  • Gather students and invite a few to explain their artwork.
  • Highlight the use of patterns, colours, and shapes.
  • Ask how they felt making art from another culture’s tradition.

• Assessment:

  • Informally assess understanding through students’ artwork and their ability to describe patterns and choices.
  • Listen for appropriate use of vocabulary and cultural respect.
  • Note engagement and key competency development.

---

Extension Ideas (Optional/Home Learning)

• Create a class mural incorporating collective cultural patterns.
• Invite a local artist or community member to demonstrate traditional pattern making.
• Integrate te reo Māori words for shapes and colours in art activities.

---

Teaching Notes

• Use age-appropriate and visually engaging resources.
• Ensure respectful handling of cultural art by teaching the significance of patterns.
• Scaffold support to students needing assistance with fine motor skills or pattern recognition.
• Link to Mathematics Curriculum where relevant, especially repeating patterns (algebraic thinking) and geometry (symmetry) .

---

This lesson offers a culturally responsive and creative approach that builds student skills in pattern recognition, artistic expression, and cultural appreciation, fulfilling NZ Curriculum expectations in The Arts and contributing to key competencies development.

If you'd like, I can help craft a detailed worksheet or suggested resources for this lesson.