Insect printmaking: monoprint
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can experiment with different monoprinting techniques to create unique prints.
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.
Teacher tip
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.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does it mean to refine your drawing before printing?
Q2.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)?
Q4.What should you check before your drawing is ready to print?
Q5.How can you show texture in a drawing of an insect?
Q6.Put these steps in the correct order when preparing a drawing for print:
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a monoprint?
Q2.Which tool is used to roll ink smoothly onto a surface in printmaking?
Q3.Which of these can help add texture to your monoprint?
Q4.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:
Q6.Match the key word to its meaning:
A thick liquid used to make prints
The way a surface feels or looks like it feels
A tool used to roll out ink evenly
To help you plan your 3 art and design lesson on: Insect printmaking: monoprint, 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: monoprint, 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.