- Definition
A motif is a repeating pattern, idea, or image in a piece of art or story that helps create a theme or decoration.
If a quilt has a repeating flower design on many squares, that flower is a motif.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A motif is like a special shape, like a star or a flower, that you see over and over again on wrapping paper.
Ask your child: What shape or picture do you see repeating on your clothes right now?
Common mix-up: Kids might think a motif is just any picture in an artwork. A motif is a special picture or idea that repeats on purpose to create a feeling or pattern.
Examples
- A pattern of little anchors repeated all over a shirt is a motif.
- The leaf shape carved over and over again into a wooden chair is a motif.
motif is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
