Mini Minds Hub · Free printable
Pixel Picture Postcards: Free Printable Worksheet for Year 2
- ForYear 2
- StageKey Stage 2
- CostFree
- FormatPrintable PDF
Pixel Picture Postcards is a free printable art worksheet for Year 2 (ages 6 to 7). Children follow a number code, shade squares on a grid and uncover a mystery picture. Then they design a pixel picture of their own and write the code for it. It needs only a pencil, and page 2 gives the grown up notes, help ideas, a stretch idea and the answers.
It comes from the Mini Minds Hub, the free library of printables from Jaques of London, the British games and toy company that has been making games for families since 1795. Print both pages, give page 1 to your child and keep page 2 for yourself. Black and white printing works well.
What is on the sheet
Children start with a small table of codes, shade the grid one row at a time and see the mystery picture appear. Then they turn designer. They draw their own pixel picture in a box and write it out as a code, so that someone else could shade it. There are lines for writing and boxes for drawing or notes.
- Code
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- My pixel picture
- My picture as a code
How the activity builds
Read the code
Children look at the code table and the numbers in each row. They decide what to do before they pick up a pencil.
Shade row by row
Working along one row at a time keeps the place and makes mistakes easier to spot.
Check the picture
When the rows are done, children step back and look at the whole picture. Does it look right? Page 2 has the answers.
Invent a code
Children draw their own pixel picture, then write its code. They have to think about how to tell someone else what to shade.
Why pixel pictures?
Pixel pictures are made from small squares on a grid. Each square is filled or left blank, or given a colour, and together the squares make a picture. Children often see this style in screen games and on icons, so it feels familiar. Shading by hand is slower and calmer. It also shows clearly how a picture can be built from simple parts.
A code is a set of instructions that someone else can follow. When children shade from a code, they learn that numbers can carry information. When they write a code for their own picture, they have to be clear and careful, because a friend must be able to follow it. This is a gentle first step into precise, step by step thinking, and it still counts as proper art.
Pixel facts for curious children
- The word pixel is short for picture element.
- Pictures on many screens are made of tiny dots of colour called pixels.
- A grid has rows that go across and columns that go down.
- A mosaic is a picture made from lots of small pieces, a bit like pixels.
- Cross stitch patterns often use a grid of squares to show where each stitch goes.
Skills and curriculum link
- Reading number codes
- Shading neatly
- Making a pattern
- Following instructions in order
- Inventing a code
Ideas to talk about while you work
- RowsA row goes across the page from side to side. Reading one row at a time helps children keep their place.
- Squares and picturesMany small squares can add up to one big picture. Looking from far away can help children see it.
- CodesA code is a short way of giving instructions. It only works if the person reading it follows it carefully.
- Neat shadingShading inside the lines makes the picture clear. Slow, steady pencil strokes help.
Key words
- PixelOne small square in a picture made from a grid.
- GridRows and columns of squares that fit together.
- RowA line of squares going across the page.
- ColumnA line of squares going down the page.
- CodeA set of numbers or signs that gives instructions.
- PatternShapes or colours that repeat or follow a rule.
How to use it
- Print both pages. Page 1 is for your child. Keep page 2, which has the notes and answers.
- Read the code table together. Ask your child what they think they need to do first.
- Shade one row at a time. Cover the other rows if it helps, and check each row before moving on.
- Look at the finished picture together. Use page 2 to check, and ask, "What do you notice?"
- Now draw a pixel picture in the box and write its code. Come back another day to swap codes with someone.
Help, stretch and game ideas
If it feels too hard
Cover every row except the one being read. Use a finger to count the squares along, and say each number aloud. Tick or mark each row once it is shaded, so your child can see where they are. Take a short break between rows if needed.
To stretch confident children
Draw a bigger grid and make a new pixel picture on it. Write the code carefully, then swap with a friend. Can they find your picture from the code alone? Ask them to tell you if anything was unclear.
Make it a game
Swap codes with a partner. Each person shades the other's picture, keeping the original hidden. Then both guess what the picture is before comparing. Take turns being the designer, and try to make a code that is easy to follow.
Talk about it
- What do you think the mystery picture could be, before you start?
- How did you know where to begin?
- What helped you keep your place along a row?
- Which part of your own picture was hardest to turn into a code?
- How could you make your code clearer for a friend?
- What would you draw on a bigger grid?
Take it off the page
Squared paper pictures
Draw a small picture on squared paper by filling in squares. Look at it from across the room. Does it look different from far away?
Mosaic collage
Tear or cut small paper squares and stick them down to make a simple picture. Talk about how many small parts make one whole.
Postcard design
Draw a postcard on card or paper. On one side make a pixel picture, and on the other write a short message to someone you know.
Who it is for
Parents
Sit with your child for the first go, then let them lead. Short sessions work best. If they get stuck, cover all but one row and count along with a finger. Praise careful thinking as well as neat shading.
Teachers
Use it as a starter, plenary, early finisher task or table activity. It links art with following instructions. Page 2 offers support and stretch ideas, so it suits mixed ability groups. Children can swap codes with a partner to give the activity a purpose.
Home educators
Print it as part of a wider art plan. It pairs well with squared paper, mosaics and cross stitch patterns. The sheet is free to print again, so brothers and sisters can try it too, or your child can repeat it later with a new design.
Where this fits
Before this sheet, children benefit from colouring carefully, counting along a line and making simple repeating patterns. They also need to recognise numbers and follow short instructions in order.
After it, children can try larger grids, make patterns with more than one rule and design their own codes for friends to follow. These skills lead on to using symbols, simple instructions and careful planning in art and other subjects.
Questions parents and teachers ask
- What age is Pixel Picture Postcards for?
It is written for Year 2, ages 6 to 7, in Key Stage 1. Younger children may manage with help, and older children can use the stretch idea on page 2 to make it more challenging.
- What do children practise?
They practise reading number codes, shading neatly and making a pattern. They also invent a code for their own pixel picture, which means explaining a picture clearly so another person can follow it.
- Where are the answers?
Page 2 is for the grown up. It has notes on how to use the sheet, help for children who find it hard, a stretch idea and the answers. Keep it separate from page 1 until your child has finished.
- How long does it take?
There is no fixed time. Children work at their own pace, and the sheet can be done in short sessions. Come back to the drawing and code another day if your child is tired.
- Is it free?
Yes. It is free to print for home and classroom use. You can print it again for brothers and sisters, or for another go a few weeks later.
- Do I need to print in colour?
No. It prints well in black and white on plain A4 paper. Children only need a pencil to shade, though you can let them use other drawing materials if you wish.
- Can teachers use it in class?
Yes. It works as a starter, plenary, early finisher task, homework or table activity. It needs no preparation beyond printing, and the stretch and game ideas help with mixed ability groups.
Preview the full PDF
Made by Jaques of London, making games for families since 1795. A printable supports classroom learning and does not replace a teacher.