Pattern: Paper Weaving

1st graders have been introduced to the element of design, pattern. Pattern is an important part of art making and it is important to be introduced at a young grade level for future use. The students were given verbal introduction to pattern. To my surprise, most of the students already knew what pattern was and how to explain it in words that didn't consist of them using an example of a pattern to describe it. We looked around the room and tried to find patterns that existed within the classroom! Some of the students pointed out patterns that even I have never noticed before! We then played a pattern game. 2 students came up the board and I gave them parameters (i.e. the first to make a pattern using 2 shapes and 6 shapes long wins) Well, they sure LOVED this and were even cheering each other on as the students created patterns on the board. After the majority of the class got a chance to play, we moved onto creating 10 different patterns in their sketchbooks. The students were reminded that patterns can consist of shapes, images, numbers, letters and designs. They first drew these patterns in their sketchbooks and colored them in using markers and crayons.While coloring, the students were again reminded that color was an important part of their patterns and they couldn't just be colored at random! After they created their patterns, they were told to transfers those patterns onto a 12"X13" lined paper. After they transferred the patterns to the lined paper, I drew a line horizontally across the paper and folded it. They cut on the lines up to the horizontal line to create a loom-like structure. The students then were given strips of colored paper to weave in and out of the "loom" they created also, using a pattern of the colors. Paper weaving is a great fine motor exercise for all students, especially at this age.  To finalize the project, they glued their finished masterpiece onto a piece of construction paper and created a pattern around the border. They came out so aesthetically pleasing! 


Learning Objectives: Pattern, paper weaving, fine motor skills, cutting


ART WORDS:
pattern: an image that repeats itself in an even sequence.