New
New
Insect printmaking: block print
I can create an insect block print.
Lesson 4 of 6
New
New
- Year 3
Insect printmaking: block print
I can create an insect block print.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Block printing is a form of relief printmaking.
- Carving a design into a printing plate creates a reusable stamp for block printing.
- Applying ink evenly using a roller and pressing the inked block firmly onto paper creates a clear and bold print.
Keywords
Print/ printing - a way of making a copy of something
Roller (brayer) - a tool used to spread ink evenly
Carving - removing parts of the surface to create a design
Negative space - areas carved away that remain unprinted
Common misconception
Pupils may think that all parts of the plate will print.
Show and remind pupils that only the raised parts of the plate will print, and the carved parts will stay blank.
These next two printing lessons can be combined and delivered in one afternoon session for a more continuous creative flow.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Roller, printing ink, printing tray, polystyrene foam plate, scissors, newspaper, paper towels.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Monoprinting is .
Monoprinting is .
colouring with crayons
drawing the same picture many times
cutting and sticking paper shapes
Q2.What makes a monoprint unique?
What makes a monoprint unique?
It’s easy to erase mistakes
You can only use pencils to make it
You can draw it over and over again
Q3.Which of these materials could help create interesting texture in a monoprint?
Which of these materials could help create interesting texture in a monoprint?
A smooth glass sheet
A flat plastic ruler
A crayon
Q4.Who is Sarah Gillespie?
Who is Sarah Gillespie?
A photographer who takes pictures of cities
A painter who only uses bright colours
A sculptor who builds large animal models
Q5.What could you use to create textured prints?
What could you use to create textured prints?
glue
Q6.Match the technique or tool with its purpose:
Match the technique or tool with its purpose:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is block printing?
What is block printing?
Drawing directly onto paper with a pencil
Cutting out a shape and gluing it to a page
Folding paper to make a butterfly shape
Q2.What does carving mean in block printing?
What does carving mean in block printing?
Colouring with pencils
Rolling ink over a picture
Gluing paper onto the block
Q3.What does the roller (brayer) do in block printing?
What does the roller (brayer) do in block printing?
It cuts the paper for printing
It presses the block onto the paper
It carves the design into the block
Q4.To carve your design into the foam printing plate you should use a:
To carve your design into the foam printing plate you should use a:
Sharp pencil
Crayon
Q5.What do we call the areas in a print where there is no ink?
What do we call the areas in a print where there is no ink?
Q6.Put these steps in the correct order to create a block print of an insect:
Put these steps in the correct order to create a block print of an insect:
