New
New
Insect printmaking: monoprint
I can experiment with different monoprinting techniques to create unique prints.
Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
- Year 3
Insect printmaking: monoprint
I can experiment with different monoprinting techniques to create unique prints.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Monoprint is a unique technique that applies ink to a surface and draws into it
- Using a roller to spread the ink evenly on a printing surface can help to make an effective print
- Pressing paper onto an inked surface transfers the design
- You can experiment with texture by varying mark-making techniques
Keywords
Monoprint - is the process of making a print using mark-making
Roller (brayer) - used to spread ink evenly
Ink - printing medium
Texture - the feel or appearance of a surface
Common misconception
Pupils may think that monoprinting means making multiple copies of the same image.
Through discussion and observation, remind pupils that each print is slightly different because of the way ink is applied and removed.
Encourage pupils to experiment with different mark-making techniques before committing to their final monoprint. Using cotton buds, pencils, textured materials, or even fingertips can help them explore how pressure and tools affect the texture and detail of their prints.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Pencils, erasers, reference images of insects, tray (for monoprinting surface), printing ink brayers (rollers) inking tray or flat surface for rolling ink cotton buds, sponges, brushes paper towels
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does it mean to refine your drawing before printing?
What does it mean to refine your drawing before printing?
Colour it with bright paints
Add extra drawings all over the page
Scribble to fill in the gaps
Q2.What do we call the first, quick drawing you do before the final version?
What do we call the first, quick drawing you do before the final version?
Q3.What word describes how a surface feels or looks like it feels (e.g. smooth, rough, spiky)?
What word describes how a surface feels or looks like it feels (e.g. smooth, rough, spiky)?
Q4.What should you check before your drawing is ready to print?
What should you check before your drawing is ready to print?
That your pencil is sharp
That you've included colour
That you have drawn on every part of the paper
Q5.How can you show texture in a drawing of an insect?
How can you show texture in a drawing of an insect?
By using lots of colour
By writing the word “bumpy” on it
By drawing it very small
Q6.Put these steps in the correct order when preparing a drawing for print:
Put these steps in the correct order when preparing a drawing for print:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a monoprint?
What is a monoprint?
A print that can be made many times exactly the same
A drawing made with pencils and crayons
A photograph of a drawing
Q2.Which tool is used to roll ink smoothly onto a surface in printmaking?
Which tool is used to roll ink smoothly onto a surface in printmaking?
Pencil
Sponge
Paintbrush
Q3.Which of these can help add texture to your monoprint?
Which of these can help add texture to your monoprint?
Rolling more ink on top
Drawing with a pencil only
Cover it in glitter
Q4.What is the name for the thick coloured liquid used to make prints?
What is the name for the thick coloured liquid used to make prints?
Q5.Put these steps in the correct order to create a monoprint:
Put these steps in the correct order to create a monoprint:
Q6.Match the key word to its meaning:
Match the key word to its meaning: