Pattern and Printing
To develop understanding of pattern through printing and repeating designs.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Expressive Arts & Design
- Learning area: Expressive Arts and Design
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Creates repeating patterns
- Uses printing techniques accurately
- Recognises patterns in the environment
- Develops increasingly complex patterns
Materials
- Printing blocks (foam, wooden, homemade)
- Printing ink and rollers
- Fabric and paper for printing on
- Pattern examples and reference materials
Instructions
Begin with pattern recognition. 'Look at this wallpaper—can you see the pattern? Circle, square, circle, square... what comes next?' Build awareness of patterns around us.
Teach printing techniques carefully. 'Dip the block in the ink, press firmly on the paper, and lift straight up. Look at the print you made!' Demonstrate the process.
Guide pattern creation. 'You've made a print. Now make another one next to it—the same way! And another... you're creating a pattern!' Build from simple repetition.
Extend to more complex patterns. 'What if we add a different print in between? Star, moon, star, moon...' Progress from AB patterns to ABB, ABC, and so on.
Connect to real-world patterns. 'Look at the patterns on this fabric from Ghana! See how the shapes repeat?' Explore cultural patterns and designs.
Print on different surfaces. 'We've printed on paper—shall we try printing on fabric to make a tablecloth?' Apply skills to purposeful outcomes.