Jockey Silks: Pattern Making Art Activity for Grand National

The Grand National is famous for the bright, geometric 'silks' worn by jockeys. This simple art activity lets children explore colour and repeating patterns by designing their own racing team uniform, using standard classroom paints and scrap paper.

Step-by-Step Setup

1. Prepare the Templates

Cut out large t-shirt shapes from scrap paper or backing card before the session. Set up painting stations with a few different colours and the pre-cut sponge shapes on paper plates.

2. Discuss the Patterns

Gather the children and look at photos of real jockey silks on the interactive whiteboard. Ask: "What shapes can you see? Are they spotty or stripy? What colours would your team wear?"

3. Model the Printing

Show the children how to dip the sponge lightly into the paint and press it firmly onto the paper template. Demonstrate making a simple repeating pattern, like red spot, blue square, red spot.

4. Create the Silks

Allow the children to freely decorate their templates. Some will enjoy stamping random shapes, while others will meticulously plan their patterns. Offer torn tissue paper for those who prefer to collage.

5. Display and Dry

Once finished, hang the wet 'silks' on a washing line stretched across the classroom. This creates a brilliant, colourful Grand National display that the children can take pride in.

Classroom Adaptations

Large class?

Run this as a free-flow continuous provision table with a limit of 4-6 children at a time.

Limited resources?

Use halved potatoes instead of sponges, and paint on newspaper or brown parcel paper.

EAL learners?

Provide visual flashcards of patterns (stripes, spots, stars) to point to while explaining.

High ability?

Challenge them to create a symmetrical design, ensuring both sleeves match perfectly.