New
New
Year 3

Insect printmaking: monoprint

I can experiment with different monoprinting techniques to create unique prints.

New
New
Year 3

Insect printmaking: monoprint

I can experiment with different monoprinting techniques to create unique prints.

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These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Monoprint is a unique technique that applies ink to a surface and draws into it
  2. Using a roller to spread the ink evenly on a printing surface can help to make an effective print
  3. Pressing paper onto an inked surface transfers the design
  4. 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.


To help you plan your year 3 art and design lesson on: Insect printmaking: monoprint, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What does it mean to refine your drawing before printing?

Colour it with bright paints
Add extra drawings all over the page
Correct answer: Improve the lines and details so it’s clear and neat
Scribble to fill in the gaps

Q2.
What do we call the first, quick drawing you do before the final version?

Correct Answer: Sketch, Sketching, Sketches, A sketch

Q3.
What word describes how a surface feels or looks like it feels (e.g. smooth, rough, spiky)?

Correct Answer: Texture

Q4.
What should you check before your drawing is ready to print?

That your pencil is sharp
That you've included colour
Correct answer: That your lines are clear and textures are shown
That you have drawn on every part of the paper

Q5.
How can you show texture in a drawing of an insect?

By using lots of colour
Correct answer: By adding lines, dots or patterns that show how it feels
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:

1 - Make a light sketch of the insect
2 - Decide which sketch to use for your final design
3 - Refine the sketch by adding clear lines and texture

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is a monoprint?

A print that can be made many times exactly the same
Correct answer: A one-of-a-kind print made by transferring ink from one surface to another
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?

Pencil
Sponge
Correct answer: Roller (brayer)
Paintbrush

Q3.
Which of these can help add texture to your monoprint?

Rolling more ink on top
Drawing with a pencil only
Correct answer: Pressing with different tools or materials like fabric or string
Cover it in glitter

Q4.
What is the name for the thick coloured liquid used to make prints?

Correct Answer: Ink

Q5.
Put these steps in the correct order to create a monoprint:

1 - Roll ink onto the printing surface
2 - Place paper on top of the ink
3 - Draw or press onto the back of the paper to transfer the image

Q6.
Match the key word to its meaning:

Correct Answer:Ink,A thick liquid used to make prints

A thick liquid used to make prints

Correct Answer:Texture,The way a surface feels or looks like it feels

The way a surface feels or looks like it feels

Correct Answer:Brayer,A tool used to roll out ink evenly

A tool used to roll out ink evenly