📖

African Patterns

Art from Different Cultures

Day 132of 180
Week 27of 36
35Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Recognize basic geometric patterns used in traditional African art

2

Create an artwork using bold shapes and repeating patterns

3

Appreciate cultural diversity in artistic expression

📖 Scripture Connection

Exodus 35:31-32

“He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding, in knowledge, and in all craftsmanship, to design artistic works.”

— Exodus 35:31-32 (WEB)

God gives creativity and artistic skill as a special gift, just like the beautiful patterns we'll explore today

📦 Materials Needed

  • White construction paper
  • Colored construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick
  • Markers or crayons
  • Ruler
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

Welcome to today's BibleMouse art adventure! Yesterday we explored art from around the world, and today we'll dive into the beautiful patterns of African art.

💭 Review Question: What interesting art did you see from different countries yesterday?
2Teaching (12 min)

African art is known for amazing geometric patterns and bold shapes. Patterns often tell stories and have special meanings in different cultures.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • African patterns use lots of triangles, circles, and repeated shapes
  • Colors are usually bright and bold
  • Patterns can represent family, nature, or important community stories
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • What shapes do you see in these pattern examples?
  • Why do you think people create patterns in their art?
3Activity: African-Inspired Pattern Collage (14 min)
hands-on

Create a colorful collage using geometric shapes inspired by African textile designs

📝 Instructions:
  1. Choose 2-3 bright colors of construction paper
  2. Cut geometric shapes like triangles and circles
  3. Arrange shapes to create a repeating pattern
  4. Glue shapes onto white paper
  5. Add details with markers if desired
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Pre-cut shapes for younger children

Challenge: Create a symmetrical design with precise pattern repetition

4Closing (3 min)

Let's share our beautiful African-inspired artworks!

📝 Review Questions:
  • What was your favorite shape in your pattern?
  • How are African patterns different from other art we've seen?

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore Asian brush painting and learn about delicate brush strokes

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

African art patterns often have deep cultural significance beyond decoration

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Encourage creativity over perfection
  • Help child understand patterns are about repetition
  • Praise effort and unique design choices
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children might get frustrated with cutting precise shapes

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Emerging understanding of pattern and symmetry

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research traditional African textile patterns online
  • Create a pattern using body movements or dance
  • Use BibleMouse Printables Library for additional pattern worksheets

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 133 →Back to Art