Unit Plan 20 (Grade 5 Art): Texture & Pattern Design

Focus: Apply texture and repetition (pattern) intentionally to create organized and visually engaging compositions, using elements of art and principles of design on purpose.

Grade Level: 5

Subject Area: Art (Visual Arts • Creating)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 weeks, 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore how texture and pattern can make artwork feel more interesting, organized, and expressive. They experiment with actual and implied texture through mark-making and use repetition of shapes, lines, and colors to build patterns. Then they apply these tools in a small composition, deciding where to place textures and patterns so the viewer’s eye is guided around the page and the image feels balanced and intentional.

Essential Questions

• How does using texture and pattern change the way an artwork looks and feels?
• In what ways can repetition help organize a composition and guide the viewer’s eye?
• How can I use elements of art (line, shape, color, texture) and principles of design (pattern, balance, emphasis) on purpose in my work?
• What choices make a texture and pattern design feel organized instead of random or cluttered?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Define and identify texture (actual and implied) and pattern (repetition of elements) in artworks and classroom examples.
2. Experiment with a variety of mark-making techniques and repeated shapes/lines to create different textures and patterns.
3. Design a small composition that uses intentional repetition and texture to create an organized, visually engaging layout.
4. Apply principles of design such as balance, emphasis, and pattern when deciding where to place textures and repeated elements.
5. Reflect on how their choices of texture and pattern affect the look, feel, and organization of their artwork.

Standards Alignment — 5th Grade (NCAS-Aligned)

• VA:Cr2.5a — Apply elements of art and principles of design purposefully to create organized and visually engaging compositions.
  • Example: Students use contrast and emphasis to guide viewer attention.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can show texture in my drawing by using different kinds of marks and repeated shapes/lines.
• I can create patterns by repeating elements on purpose, not randomly.
• I can organize my composition so textures and patterns create balance and emphasis.
• I can explain how my choices of texture and pattern make my artwork more interesting and clear to a viewer.
• I can use art vocabulary like texture, pattern, repetition, balance, and emphasis when I talk about my work.