Pattern Animals: KS2 Art Lesson Pack

Teach repeated patterns and mark spacing with this KS2 art lesson, including printable worksheets, turtle templates and a classroom display PDF.

Pupils explore how a simple mark becomes a pattern, practise repeating motifs and compare closely spaced marks with widely spaced marks. They then apply these techniques to an animal design, using a divided turtle template or planning their own sections.

What’s included?

• A 2-page teacher guide with a lesson sequence, preparation notes, support options, extension ideas and assessment prompts.
• Four student worksheets covering pattern examples, guided practice, a divided turtle template and an independent design task.
• A4 and US Letter versions of the student worksheets. These contain the same activities in different paper sizes.
• An 8-page landscape PDF for classroom projection, including a worked example and discussion questions.

Learning focus

Pupils identify and repeat a motif, explore how spacing changes the appearance of a pattern, and explain a choice in their finished design. Examples include dots, dashes, waves and zigzags.

Classroom use

Allow approximately 40-45 minutes, with extra time for finishing if needed. Begin with the displayed examples, model a short repeat, and use the practice sheet before introducing the animal design.

For additional support, offer the divided template, limit the choice of motifs or focus on one shell section. For further challenge, ask pupils to create their own sections and gradually change the spacing within a repeated pattern.

Preparation and printing

Provide black markers, scrap paper and optional crayons. Student worksheets print in black and white. Choose the A4 or US Letter file to match your paper size. No cutting, glue or specialist equipment is required.

Suggested for ages 7-11, with teacher adaptation to suit the class. All essential lesson materials are included in the downloads. The classroom display is a PDF, not an editable PowerPoint. The turtle is a stylised art template rather than a scientific illustration.

For another outline to practise the same pattern techniques, explore these printable coloring pages.