Kindergarten students sometimes have difficulty learning the idea of repeated patterns. I introduce many lessons working with patterns in a straight line. In order to reinforce the idea that patterns are made from repeating a line or shape over and over again, I developed a lesson using patterns in a circle rather than in a line.
As a kindergartner's attention span is shorter than at other grade levels, this is a good lesson because it can be completed in one 40-minute class period.
To begin, each student receives a piece of drawing paper with a 9" circle drawn on it. A dot in the center of the circle identifies the side that will be painted. They then get some practice using their scissors by cutting out the circle.
I then hand out the paint supplies. My students use watercolors, although any type of paint would work nicely. I instruct them to dip their brush into their favorite color. From the front of the art room, demonstrate on a larger circle. Students are instructed to first make a line above the dot in the middle, then below the dot, and then finally on each side of the dot.
When everyone is finished, they are reminded to give their brushes "a good bath." Then they are asked to pick another color. They again follow along as I illustrate how to make a line or shape in between the previous four lines.
They continue to follow along using a third color, repeating the words, "top, bottom, side, side." Next, they use a fourth color, repeating along with me the words "in between," as they make the shape or line all around the circle in between the patterns that they have already painted.
By this time, they have caught on to the concept of pattern and have made a game of repeating instructions. They now realize that they have made a beautiful design by painting patterns around the circle.
Now is the time in this lesson that the students have an opportunity to be more creative. They will paint their own designs out to the edge of their circle, while always using repeated patterns. They are again reminded that in order to make a pattern they must use the same color and shape all the way around the circle. It is amusing to hear them repeating the words, "top, bottom, side, side," as they complete their artworks.
Most of the students are extremely proud of their completed designs. In fact, the end of this lesson can get quite messy as some of the children will run up to you with their wet papers. They are excited and probably will want to show you their masterpieces before they put them on the rack to dry. So, be prepared!
By Pat Johns
Pat Johns teaches art at Cold Springs School in Gloucester City, New Jersey.
