2nd Grade Art Activities Using Patterns

Complete the pattern art activities below after a review during which you define pattern. By second grade, children should be able to identify patterns in their surroundings. They should also be able to create a pattern example with colored blocks or something similar. They may not yet be able to verbalize that a pattern is a repeated design, so be sure and go over the definition and samples before beginning the activities.

Paper quilts

Use real quilts, if available, or quilt pictures to show students the examples of patterns they provide. Supply students with square paper to recreate one of the patterns on a piece of paper with crayons, then piece together all their work into one big paper quilt.

Pattern creature

Students create different pattern designs with marker on each of six pieces of 5-inch by 7-inch paper. When finished, students cut shapes from the papers, then piece together the shapes with glue to create a multi-patterned creature.

Patterned stationery

Have students create patterned stationery using plain white paper and rubber stamps. Students create a patterned border around the edges of the paper with rubber stamps, then use the paper for writing.

Paper mosaics

If available, show students pictures of real mosaic art and its patterns. Students then use tiny paper squares, a background paper and glue to create mosaic-patterned pictures of their own.

Shape design

Students draw a curved shape such as a heart in the middle of a large sheet of paper, then fill it with a curved-line pattern design. They then fill in the background area around the curved shape with a straight-line pattern design.

Resources

• Elementary art lessons