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

Art and Craft — Pattern Making

Subtopic: Leaf Printed Patterns (Majani ya kuchapisha)

Learner age: 8 years (Kenya). In this activity you will make prints with real leaves to create patterns. Ask an adult to help when using paints.

Learning Goals

• Learn how to make leaf prints.
• Make repeating patterns (ABAB, ABC).
• Use colours and shapes to design a simple artwork.

Materials (Vifaa)

• Leaves (majani) — try mango, guava, pawpaw, or hibiscus. Choose different shapes and sizes.
• Poster paint / non-toxic paint (rangi zisizo hatari).
• Paper or old newspaper, card (karatasi).
• Brush or sponge, small bowl of water, old cloth, apron.
• Rolling pin or empty bottle to press (optional). Grown-up for help.

Simple Steps — How to make a leaf print

1. Wash the leaf and dry it. Remove the stem if it gets in the way.
2. Put paper on a flat table and cover the working area with newspaper.
3. Put paint on a plate. Dab a brush or sponge into the paint.
4. Paint the top of the leaf lightly on the side with veins (this is the textured side). You can also paint the back; try both to see the difference.
5. Place the painted side down on the paper. Press gently with fingers or roll with a bottle. Count to 5.
6. Lift the leaf carefully—wow! You will see the print with veins and shape.
7. Let the print dry. Make another print nearby to form a pattern.

Pattern Activities (Fun tasks)

• Make an ABAB border for a card: use two different leaves and alternate prints.
• Try ABC pattern: three different leaves or colours in order (red, green, blue).
• Make a repeating row of the same leaf but change colour every time (A A A A).
• Create a picture: two leaves can be wings of a butterfly. Add a painted body with a brush.
• Count and write: How many leaves in your pattern? Draw small boxes and colour them to show the pattern order.

Vocabulary (English — Swahili)

• Leaf — Majani
• Pattern — Mfumo / Muundo
• Print — Chapisho / Kuchapisha
• Paint — Rangi
• Repeat — Rudia

Safety and tips

• Use non-toxic poster paints. Wear an old shirt or apron.
• Ask an adult before picking leaves. Do not pick poisonous plants.
• Test a small paint amount first to see how the leaf prints.
• Try both sides of the leaf: the vein side usually makes a clearer print.

Short activities for the classroom (5–15 minutes)

1. Mini challenge: Make a short ABAB strip using only 2 leaves — show to class.
2. Counting game: Make 6 prints and colour every second print in a different colour (even/odd).
3. Creative corner: Make a greeting card using a leaf-print border and write a short message in English or Kiswahili.

Questions to check learning

• Which leaf gave the clearest print? Why?
• Can you make a pattern using three colours? Show the order.
• How many prints repeat in your pattern? Write the rule (for example ABAB).

Prepared for Kenyan primary learners. Always work with a grown-up when using paints and when picking leaves.