Unit Plan 20 (Grade 3 Art): Texture & Pattern Design
Grade 3 art unit where students apply texture and repetition to create organized, visually interesting patterned compositions with clear design.
Focus: Apply texture and repetition to create organized, visually interesting patterned compositions.
Grade Level: 3
Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students explore how artists use texture and pattern to make artwork more interesting and organized. Through hands-on activities, they discover different kinds of visual texture (drawn or painted) and actual texture (rubbings or collage materials), and learn how repetition of lines, shapes, and marks can build patterns. Students then plan and create a small composition that uses intentional pattern and texture to guide the viewer’s eye and fill space thoughtfully.
Essential Questions
- What is texture in art, and how can I show it with lines, shapes, and marks?
- What is a pattern, and how does repetition make a design more interesting?
- How can I use texture and pattern to create an artwork that feels organized instead of messy?
- How do artists decide where to put patterns and textures so the whole composition works together?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Identify and describe texture and pattern in artworks and classroom examples.
- Experiment with drawing and rubbing techniques to create at least three different textures on paper.
- Use repetition of lines, shapes, or marks to build patterns that feel organized.
- Plan and create a small composition that places patterns and textures in specific areas to make the design clear and visually interesting.
- Reflect on how their use of texture and pattern helps organize their artwork and guide the viewer’s eye.
Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (NCAS-Aligned)
- VA:Cr2.3a — Apply elements of art and basic design principles to create organized and visually interesting compositions.
- Example: Students use repetition and contrast to strengthen a design.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can point to parts of an artwork and tell where I see texture and pattern.
- I can use repeated lines, shapes, or marks to make clear patterns.
- I can place texture and pattern in certain areas so my design looks organized, not random.
- I can show careful craftsmanship when I draw textures and patterns (neat, thoughtful marks).
- I can explain how my use of texture and pattern makes my composition more interesting.