Pattern Tiles

Students were introduced to pattern earlier (like in the pattern scavenger hunt). Then, we worked on creating our own patterns. On 3”x3” construction paper tiles, students drew 12 different patterns. Inspiration came from looking at decorative patterned paper, geometric quilt patterns, and their imaginations.

Quilting with Mrs. Black

In third grade art, we have been closely studying pattern. Quilting is something that connects with many different parts of third grade art including: pattern, storytelling, and Faith Ringgold. It also connects to the social studies curriculum in the future when third grade begins a pioneer unit.  I felt very lucky when I found out that Mrs. Black is a quilter. I knew very little about quilting, and, frankly, the idea of making a quilt intimidates me. Mrs. Black kindly offered her expertise to my art room by presenting some quilting basics, along with some quilting history. She drew from things that the students already know and things that the students will learn in the near future. Mrs. Black brought in some of her own quilts to share with the students, giving them an interactive learning experience. I think this valuable opportunity will provide the students with a more distinct understanding of Faith Ringgold’s story quilts when I introduce her in the near future. 

A Pattern Scavenger Hunt

Patterns in our school

Patterns, patterns, everywhere! In third grade art, we closely looked at pattern and how it can be dissected into some of the basic elements of art: line, shape, and color. A pattern can repeat any combination of those three elements. Then, we zoomed-in and examined some familiar patterns that I photographed around the school. After we were feeling pretty confident in the pattern department, we embarked upon a Pattern Scavenger Hunt on school grounds. In their sketchbooks, students were on the prowl for several different kinds of patterns: a geometric pattern, an organic pattern, a pattern using lines, a pattern in nature, and a favorite pattern. Pattern is the foundation of our first major project in the third grade. More to come on that later…

Recording pattern in sketchbook