Grade 3 Art And Craft Pattern Making – Block Printed Patterns Notes

Art & Craft — Pattern Making

Subtopic: Block Printed Patterns (for age 8 — Kenya)

Block printed patterns are pictures or shapes you make many times with a stamp (block) to make a design on cloth or paper. People in Kenya make bright patterns on fabrics like kitenge and shuka. You can make your own block prints at home or at school.

Materials (easy and safe)

• Old newspaper or cardboard to protect the table
• Paper or plain cloth (cotton works well)
• Potato, sponge, soft rubber, or foam sheet for the stamp
• Child-safe paint (tempera or fabric paint) — bright colours like red, blue, green, yellow
• Plastic plate or tray for paint
• Paint brush or sponge for spreading paint
• Scissors and pencil — adult to help when cutting or carving
• Cloth pieces to clean hands

Simple steps (easy to follow)

1. Draw a simple shape on the potato or foam — a circle, a flower, or a small animal like an elephant.
2. With an adult, cut around the shape so it sticks out a little bit (this becomes the stamp).
3. Pour a little paint on the plate. Dab the stamp lightly into the paint so it is covered but not dripping.
4. Press the stamp down on your paper or cloth. Lift straight up to see your print.
5. Repeat the print to make a pattern. Try a straight row, a grid, or a staggered (brick-like) layout.
6. Let your prints dry. If using cloth, ask an adult how to heat-set the paint so it lasts.

Safety tips

• Always ask an adult to help when cutting or carving the stamp.
• Use non-toxic paints safe for children.
• Wear old clothes or an apron — paint can stain.

Design ideas inspired by Kenya

• Kitenge-style: small flowers and leaves in bright colours repeated in rows.
• Maasai-style: dots and stripes in red, black and white, repeated in bands.
• Animals: tiny elephants, giraffes or birds repeated to make a fun border.
• Nature: leaves, acacia trees or sun shapes in green, yellow and orange.

Easy pattern examples (see below)

Mini class activity (20–30 minutes)

1. Each child makes a simple stamp (potato or foam).
2. Choose two colours and try three rows: straight, staggered, and a mixed row with different motifs.
3. Compare patterns and talk: Which one looks like kitenge? Which looks Maasai?

Try to keep your prints tidy. Save your best design on a small cloth and show it to your family — they will be proud!

Notes for teachers/parents: Encourage creativity and safe handling of tools. Use washable paints and give children time to practise stamping on scrap paper before printing on the final cloth.