Exploring African Patterns

Lesson Overview

• Subject: Art and Design
• Level: Key Stage 1 (Year 1)
• Time: 40 minutes
• Class Size: 30 students
• Curriculum Link: National Curriculum for Art & Design – “Use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share ideas, experiences and imagination.”
• Key Learning Outcome: Students will use colour and simple shapes to create their own interpretation of an African tribal pattern.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Recognise and describe African tribal patterns.
• Experiment with colour and shape to design their own pattern.
• Use repetition and symmetry in their artwork.

Required Materials

• A3 white paper (1 per student)
• Coloured pencils, crayons, or oil pastels
• Templates with African tribal patterns for inspiration
• Visuals of traditional African textiles (printouts or a digital display)

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Hook: Show students a selection of African tribal patterns. Ask: "What do you notice about these designs?"
• Discussion Points:
  • Use of bold colours
  • Repeating patterns
  • Symmetry and shapes (triangles, circles, zigzags)
• Interactive Element: Encourage students to trace some of the shapes in the air with their fingers.

2. Demonstration & Guided Practice (10 minutes)

• Step 1: Demonstrate how to create a simple pattern using bold colours and repeated shapes.
• Step 2: Model how to alternate colours to create contrast.
• Step 3: Show how to build a symmetrical design by repeating shapes on either side of a central line.

3. Independent Activity (15 minutes)

• Students choose three colours and begin designing their own African-inspired pattern.
• Encourage them to use repetition and bold shapes.
• Float around the classroom, offering guidance and positive reinforcement.
• Ask open-ended questions like, "How could you make this pattern even bolder?"

4. Reflection & Showcase (5 minutes)

• Students hold up their artwork and share one thing they like about their design.
• Class discussion: "How do African patterns make us feel? Do certain colours or shapes stand out?"
• Display student work around the room for a classroom gallery.

Assessment & Differentiation

• Assessment: Observe how confidently students use repetition, shape, and colour. Use questioning to gauge understanding.
• Differentiation:
  • Support: Provide templates with simplified patterns.
  • Challenge: Ask students to experiment with layering colours to create texture.

Extension Activity

For early finishers, offer black paper and white chalk to create a reverse-colour tribal pattern.

Plenary

Ask students: "What did you enjoy most about today’s activity? How do patterns help tell stories in different cultures?"

Teacher’s Note: Keep the atmosphere lively and interactive—African patterns are full of movement, so encourage expressive creativity! 🎨