This lesson is a great ‘filler’ lesson. You can use indian ink and oil pastels to create ‘Indian Ink Bugs’. It includes a lesson PowerPoint (2 lessons in total) with information about how to draw the bugs in an experimental/fun way. Then the students are encouraged to add patterns before using some oil pastel blending techniques to work from dark to light. There is also two slides of bug templates that you are able to use with students who may struggle to draw the bugs from scratch. To extend the lessons, you could photograph each students work and ask them to edit them digitally before using for pattern making workshops!

In this introductory lesson, students explore the elements of line, pattern, and colour to draw a vibrant “patterned landscape.” Through guided instruction, students learn how to experiment with repetition and arrangement to establish captivating patterns within their compositions. This lesson is great for cover and it has an interesting ‘register pattern bingo’ that the children love :). You will need A4 paper and pens for your students.

This is 1 x A4 JPEG aid about ‘Experimental Drawing’. It is not a full lesson! It would be good to have in the middle of tables as a starter activity or something to allow pupils to do in groups or to use as a homework task. It has some timed experiments such as; drawing with non-dominant hand and changing pen sizes and thickness etc!

You can use this in both an Art or Textiles lesson. The resource has one plain tote bag template outline, which the students are asked to design with patterns and colours. Around the bag, it includes questions and prompts such as; colour choice, technique, fabric choice, artist inspiration, positives, design choice, motif and possible changes. There is a completed example sheet on the second page so you are able to show your students a visual examplar.