The Arts · Grade 7

Active learning ideas

Introduction to Printmaking

Active learning through hands-on printmaking lets students explore cause and effect. Carving, inking, and pulling prints builds tactile understanding of how matrix and pressure shape the final image, turning abstract concepts like 'relief' into tangible experience.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• VA:Cr1.2.7a

• 20–50 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Experiential Learning
• 45 min · Small Groups

Demo and Guided Practice: Linocut Process

Model safe carving on a sample block, from sketch transfer to first print. Students draw simple motifs, carve linoleum, ink with brayer, and pull three prints each. Discuss variations from hand pressure.

Explain the process of creating a relief print from start to finish.

Facilitation Tip

During the linocut demo, emphasize safety with carving tools by demonstrating proper grip and pressure on a practice block before students begin.

What to look for

Before students begin carving, ask them to sketch their design and then verbally explain to a partner how they plan to carve away the negative space. Listen for their use of terms like 'relief,' 'matrix,' and 'negative space.'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

Activity 02

• Experiential Learning
• 30 min · Pairs

Pairs Exploration: Monoprint Textures

Provide gel plates, acrylic paints, and found objects. Pairs paint backgrounds, roll textures, and pull two prints. Compare results and note unique effects from layering.

Compare the unique qualities of a print to an original drawing.

What to look for

Students complete a 'Print vs. Drawing' comparison chart. Provide two columns: 'Print Qualities' and 'Drawing Qualities.' Ask students to list 2-3 distinct characteristics for each column based on their observations and work.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

Activity 03

• Experiential Learning
• 50 min · Individual

Individual Design: Thematic Print Series

Students select a theme and sketch three variations. Carve one block, print editions with colour changes. Mount and label series for gallery walk.

Design a series of prints that explore a single theme through repetition and variation.

What to look for

After students have created their first print from their linocut, have them display their work. Provide a simple checklist for peers: 'Is the ink applied evenly to the raised surface?', 'Is the image clear and legible?', 'Did the student attempt to create a series?' Students provide one positive comment and one suggestion for improvement.

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

Activity 04

• Experiential Learning
• 20 min · Whole Class

Whole Class Critique: Print vs Drawing

Display student prints beside original drawings. Class discusses qualities in pairs, then shares observations on a chart. Vote on most effective series elements.

Explain the process of creating a relief print from start to finish.

What to look for

Before students begin carving, ask them to sketch their design and then verbally explain to a partner how they plan to carve away the negative space. Listen for their use of terms like 'relief,' 'matrix,' and 'negative space.'

• Apply
• Analyze
• Evaluate
• Self-Awareness
• Self-Management
• Social Awareness

A few notes on teaching this unit

Teach printmaking as a cycle of planning, testing, and refining rather than a single attempt. Model trial prints and encourage students to keep their first block for later experiments, which builds persistence and problem-solving. Avoid rushing to finish; the process is the point.

Students show success when they plan designs with negative space in mind, apply ink evenly, and reflect on the differences between prints and drawings. Clear communication about their process and choices demonstrates growing visual literacy.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During the Demo and Guided Practice: Linocut Process, watch for students assuming all prints from their block will be identical.

  After students pull their first print, have them carve a small adjustment to the block and print a second edition. Ask them to compare the two prints, noting differences in ink coverage or pressure, to reinforce that variation is natural in printmaking.

• During the Demo and Guided Practice: Linocut Process, watch for students believing carving mistakes must be avoided at all costs.

  Provide scrap linoleum blocks for students to test carving techniques before starting their final design. Encourage them to embrace 'happy accidents' as learning opportunities by discussing how mistakes can become part of the print's character.

• During the Whole Class Critique: Print vs Drawing, watch for students undervaluing the expressive power of prints.

  During the critique, place a finished print next to a drawing by the same student. Ask them to identify which medium best conveys their theme, guiding them to articulate how bold lines and repeatable textures serve different narrative purposes.

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Methods used in this brief

• Experiential Learning