Materials: Ball point pen and paper
Directions:
1. Observe patterns or simple shapes around you, such as in the classroom where the student may see patterns on clothing, wood grain on desks, ceiling paneling and even on the bottoms of sneakers.
2. Have students invent their own 5 patterns. These can be symbolic shapes, numbers or letters that are repeated.
3. Consider spaces between patterns and rotating shapes.
4. Divide the paper into shapes and assign different patterns for each so that no two shapes with the same pattern are touching.
5. Things to consider: Will the paper be divided symmetrically or asymmetrically? Radial design? Will the patterns start from one side or work outward from around a word or fill a word made in bubble letters. Will the patterns become a frame? Do you want to make a shape in a shape and divide it with patterns?
6. Repeat pattern until each shape is completely filled. Add Color!
Reflections from our classrooms: Patterns
This summer 2024, youth were introduced to the idea of doodling and texture making that involves drawing repetitive patterns. Our teacher challenged the young artists to fill their ENTIRE page with patterns.
She encouraged them to split their paper into sections and fill them up with patterns. She was delighted to see them take this task so seriously. As she walked around the room of each classroom, she watched the small artists furiously fill their pages with unique and creative patterns – each so individual to the artist. Some highlights included making patterns with numbers, letters, and so many checkerboards!
Doodle Pattern drawing is perfect for de-stressing and practicing self-care. Repetitive drawing allows artists to relax and focus on only drawing. The teacher notes this was probably the quietest week so far- every single small artist was so focused they forgot to chat!
