Art & Craft — Pattern Making

Subtopic: Texture patterns (for age 7)

What is a texture pattern?

A texture pattern is a repeated feel or look. You can see it and feel it. Examples: rough bark on a tree, smooth banana leaf, or bumpy maize cob.

Kinds of textures you can use

  • Smooth (like a clean stone)
  • Rough (like tree bark or mud wall)
  • Bumpy (like maize cob or seeds)
  • Soft (like cloth or kitenge)

Easy texture patterns — little pictures

Stripes — like kitenge
Dots — like seeds
Checks — like floor tiles
Waves — like sand or water

Where to find textures in Kenya

  • Tree bark in the school compound or nearby park
  • Maize cobs and seeds at home
  • Kitenge or cloth at home markets
  • Clay or mud walls in some houses
  • Rocks and pebbles by a stream or path

Fun class activity: Texture Walk + Rubbing

What you need: paper, crayons or pencils, small trays or boxes (optional).

  1. Go for a short walk around the school or home. Look for different textures.
  2. Place paper on a texture (tree bark, stone, maize cob). Hold paper with one hand.
  3. Rub the crayon or pencil gently over the paper. The texture appears on the paper — this is rubbing!
  4. Repeat with different textures. Make a page of many texture rubbings.

Simple art at home: Bottle-cap stamping

Use old bottle caps, potato halves, or safe small stones. Dip in paint and stamp on paper to make repeating dots or shapes. Make a pattern: dot, dot, big dot — and repeat!

Questions to ask children

  • Is this texture smooth or rough?
  • Can you make a pattern that repeats (same shape again and again)?
  • Which textures feel nice to touch? Which do not?

Simple assessment (1–2 minutes)

Ask each child to show one rubbing and say the name of the texture. Give a sticker for effort.

Teacher tips:
  • Keep rubbings short (3–5 minutes) so children stay focused.
  • Use washable crayons and safe materials only.
  • Show one example first, then let children try.

Enjoy exploring textures! Make patterns using what you find in your home and school.


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