This Art and design scheme of work video introduces a unit on textiles, helping pupils explore how craft and creativity link to real-world design careers.

In this unit, pupils will begin working like designers, using drawing and textiles to explore fabric pattern design. Tropical rainforests are used for inspiration. If possible, teachers can bring the rainforest to life in the classroom. Add plants to tables, play the accompanying rainforest soundscape and provide real tropical fruits for pupils to observe and draw from.

This lesson encourages pupils to look closely and begin developing their observational drawing skills, especially capturing detail and texture. Pupils will create observational drawings from photographs, real plants and objects. Towards the end of the lesson, pupils will compile their ideas into a mood board. These will provide a visual reference for the rest of the unit and support their final designs.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Year 4 Fabric of nature unit. It gives children a introduction to the world of design and a chance to work like real textile artists.

See more of our Year 4 Art and design scheme of work.

Art and design, Year 4, Craft and design: Fabric of nature, Lesson 1: Inspired by the rainforest.