◷ 15 minutes◎ Ages 5–10✦ Drawing
Quick start

Choose two or three easy marks, repeat them in a predictable order and notice when the pattern changes.

Finished example for Draw patterns using just three colours
Inspiration image: one possible finished result. Your artwork should be your own.
Your creative mission

What you will learn

A pattern is a sequence with a repeatable rule.

Skills: Pattern recognition, repetition and prediction

Jump to picture steps ↓

What you’ll need

  • Paper
  • Three coloured pencils
  • Ruler (optional)

Get ready: Pick three contrasting pencils and draw a spacious square.

Six-frame visual journey for Draw patterns using just three colours, ending in a colourful creative variation
Visual journey: use the numbered guide below for complete instructions. The final inspiration image is one imaginative variation, not a required result.
Follow along

Make it, one picture at a time.

Look at the picture, try that step on your paper, then move to the next. Follow the numbered stages, then choose your own colours and details.

  1. Stage 1 of 5: Choose three colours and draw a big square on your paper.
    STEP 01

    Choose three colours and draw a big square on your paper.

  2. Stage 2 of 5: Fill the first row with simple shapes such as dots, waves and stripes.
    STEP 02

    Fill the first row with simple shapes such as dots, waves and stripes.

  3. Stage 3 of 5: Repeat the same three shapes in the next row but change their order.
    STEP 03

    Repeat the same three shapes in the next row but change their order.

  4. Stage 4 of 5: Continue until the square is filled. Leave some white space so the pattern stays clear.
    STEP 04

    Continue until the square is filled. Leave some white space so the pattern stays clear.

  5. Stage 5 of 5: Point to the part of the pattern that repeats and invent a name for it.
    STEP 05

    Point to the part of the pattern that repeats and invent a name for it.

Make it your own

For younger children, use only two shapes. For older learners, try a rule such as “every third shape is a star.”

Talk about it: Which marks repeat, and where does the rule change?

Help a young artist learn

These practical notes are for parents, carers and teachers. Children can follow the picture steps above.

For parents and carers — teach together

Start together

Pick three contrasting pencils and draw a spacious square.

During the activity

Ask the child to describe their repeat rule aloud.

Afterwards

Ask: Which marks repeat, and where does the rule change?

For teachers — classroom adaptation

Learning focus

Pattern recognition, repetition and prediction

Demonstrate and guide

Start a pattern together, then stop and have students predict the next mark.

Observe, do not grade the artwork

Ask learners to describe one choice they made and one thing they would try differently.

Make it easier or take it further

Make it easier

Alternate two shapes or colours.

Extra challenge

Create an A-B-B pattern and explain the rule.

Keep creating

Make animals using circles, triangles and squares

An easy drawing challenge that shows how complex pictures begin with simple shapes.

Build a colourful paper-collage city

Use cut-out shapes to invent a street full of imaginative buildings.

Activities are suggestions, not assessments. Adapt materials and supervise as needed.