Insect printmaking: block print
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can create an insect block print.
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.
Teacher tip
These next two printing lessons can be combined and delivered in one afternoon session for a more continuous creative flow.
Equipment
Roller, printing ink, printing tray, polystyrene foam plate, scissors, newspaper, paper towels.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Monoprinting is .
Q2.What makes a monoprint unique?
Q3.Which of these materials could help create interesting texture in a monoprint?
Q4.Who is Sarah Gillespie?
Q5.What could you use to create textured prints?
Q6.Match the technique or tool with its purpose:
Adds raised or rough areas to the print
Helps spread the ink onto the surface evenly
Presses shapes or details onto the paper from behind
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is block printing?
Q2.What does carving mean in block printing?
Q3.What does the roller (brayer) do in block printing?
Q4.To carve your design into the foam printing plate you should use a:
Q5.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:
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Insect printmaking: block print, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Insect printmaking: block print, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 art and design lessons from the Insects: drawing and printmaking unit, dive into the full primary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.