Core Skills Analysis
Art & Design
Evie explored art and design by selecting mosaic tiles, sorting the colours, and planning an intricate pattern before gluing the pieces into place. She learned how repeated shapes and colour choices could create a neat, decorative effect, and she practiced careful placement so the coasters would look balanced and attractive. By making the grout, filling the gaps, and varnishing the finished pieces, Evie experienced the full making process from raw materials to a polished final product. She also learned that art projects often require patience and waiting for each stage to dry before moving on.
Maths
Evie used maths when she sorted the tile colours and worked out an intricate pattern for the coasters. She had to think about order, arrangement, and repetition, which helped her notice how shapes and colours could be organized in a planned way. The project likely involved practical problem-solving as she fitted tiles together to make the coaster size and design work neatly. By packaging and sending the finished coasters overseas, Evie also experienced an early real-life connection to distance and international delivery.
Design & Technology
Evie followed a clear making process in design and technology by gathering supplies, assembling the tiles, creating grout, and completing the coasters with varnish. She learned that products are often made in stages and that materials need to be prepared and used carefully for the result to be durable. Waiting for the grout to dry before varnishing showed her the importance of sequencing and following instructions in the correct order. Packaging the coasters for overseas sending also showed she understood that finished products need to be protected so they can travel safely.
PSHE / Personal Development
Evie showed patience, perseverance, and responsibility throughout the activity, especially while waiting for the coasters to dry before finishing them. She learned to take care with her work so the final items could be given or sent to someone else, which supported a sense of pride and consideration for others. The card and gift her nan sent back suggested the activity also helped Evie experience the happiness of giving and receiving thoughtful messages. This likely made the project feel meaningful and rewarding, not just creative.
Tips
To extend Evie’s learning, she could design a second set of coasters using a different colour rule, such as alternating warm and cool colours or creating a repeating symmetry pattern. She could also compare how the look of the coaster changes when the tiles are arranged in rows, spirals, or borders, which would deepen her understanding of pattern and design choices. A short reflective write-up or oral explanation about each step of the making process would strengthen vocabulary and sequencing skills. For a practical challenge, she could plan packaging for a fragile item and test which materials would best keep it safe during travel.
Book Recommendations
- The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds: A story about creativity, confidence, and making art step by step.
- SWATCH: The Girl Who Loved Color by Julia Denos: A colorful picture book that celebrates noticing, naming, and playing with colours.
- A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams: A warm story about making something special with care and saving up for meaningful goals.
Learning Standards
- Maths: Evie sorted colours, recognized and created patterns, and used ordering and arrangement skills, matching UK National Curriculum ideas around pattern and problem solving.
- Art and Design: She planned and made a decorative object using colour, pattern, and finishing techniques, linking to creating and evaluating artwork and craft.
- Design and Technology: She followed a sequence of making steps, selected materials, and improved the durability of a product by grouting, varnishing, and packaging it safely.
- English / Spoken Language: The activity supports sequencing, explaining process steps, and reflecting on a finished outcome.
- PSHE: Patience, perseverance, and consideration for others were shown through careful making, waiting for drying, and sending the finished work overseas.
Try This Next
- Make a step-by-step sequencing worksheet for the coaster process: supplies, tile sorting, pattern planning, gluing, grouting, drying, varnishing, and packaging.
- Draw three alternative coaster designs and label the pattern rule used in each one.
- Write 3 reflection questions: What was the trickiest step? How did you decide the colour order? Why was drying important?