Areas of Learning: Mathematical Development, Creative Development
Context: Exploring colours and patterns.
Learning Intentions: To talk about, recognise and create simple patterns (MD).
To express and communicate ideas, thoughts and feelings through a range of materials (CD).
To choose colours and tools for a purpose (CD).
Success Criteria: I know/can create a simple pattern.
I know/can share my ideas using a paint program.
Key Vocabulary: pattern, repeating, shape, circle, square, rectangle, triangle, star, colour, palette, tool, mouse, arrow, click, paintbrush, size, line, fill, undo, print, before, next, after.

Explore choosing colours and making marks developing mouse control using a simple paint program.

Activity one:
You will need: simple paint program.
Create a rainbow by selecting colours. Reinforces basic mouse control.

Activity two:
You will need: simple paint program.
Talk about how different colours make you feel for example hot, cold, happy, sad. Create your own colour picture using a simple paint program.

Compare the picture created on screen with colour pictures created using different media.

Activity one:
You will need:Active Primary patterns (right click on this link to save on your computer), beadstring pattern game.
Finish or create your own pattern of beads on the string.

Activity two:
You will need: Textease 2000 or Studio, patterns (right click on this link to save on your computer).
Can you finish the patterns?

Activity one:
You will need: CD Rom for example SumOne (Resource).
Explore repeating patterns using a CD ROM.

Activity two:
You will need: paint, sponges, materials, fruit, vegetables, paper.
Create repeating patterns by printing using paint.

Activity three:
You will need: paint, paper, paintbrushes, collage materials, digital camera.
Use the digital camera to take photographs of repeating patterns in nature. Create your own repeating patterns using photographs as a stimulus.
Additional activity: explore animal patterns and camoflague.

Thinking Questions: How does the colour make you feel?
Which colours have you choosen to create your picture? Why?
Can you finish the repeating pattern?
Which shape comes next in the pattern?
Can you create your own repeating pattern?