Art and Design · Year 2 · Patterns in Print · Spring Term

Creating Simple Block Prints

Introduction to relief printing by carving simple designs into printing blocks.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• KS1: Art and Design - Printing and Pattern

About This Topic

Creating simple block prints introduces Year 2 pupils to relief printing. They carve basic shapes and lines into soft blocks like foam or erasers, apply ink or paint to the raised surfaces, and press paper onto the block to transfer the design. This process teaches the concept of positive and negative space: areas left raised print, while carved sections stay blank. Pupils predict how their carved lines will appear reversed in the print, linking directly to the KS1 Art and Design standards for printing and pattern making.

In the Patterns in Print unit, this topic builds skills in design planning, fine motor control, and repetition. Pupils draw simple motifs first, such as stars or zigzags, then translate them into repeatable prints. It connects to maths through symmetry and sequencing patterns, while encouraging creative expression within structured steps.

Active learning shines here because pupils gain instant feedback from each print attempt. They experiment with carving depth and ink application in pairs, observe results side-by-side, and refine designs iteratively. This hands-on cycle fosters problem-solving and confidence in artistic processes.

Key Questions

1. Can you explain the steps to make a print using a block?
2. What do you think the lines you carve into your block will look like when you print it on paper?
3. Can you draw a simple shape that you could carve and then print?

Learning Objectives

• Demonstrate the steps involved in creating a simple block print.
• Explain how carved lines will appear reversed in a printed image.
• Design a simple repeating motif suitable for block printing.
• Compare the results of prints made with different carving depths.

Before You Start

Drawing Simple Shapes and Lines

Why: Students need to be able to draw basic shapes and lines to plan their designs before carving.

Exploring Color and Texture

Why: Understanding how colors mix and how different textures can be created is helpful when applying ink and observing print results.

Key Vocabulary

Relief printing	A printing technique where the image is created from a raised surface. The parts of the block that are carved away will not print.
Printing block	The material, such as foam or an eraser, that is carved into to create a design for printing.
Ink/Paint	The substance applied to the raised surface of the printing block to transfer the design onto paper.
Positive space	The areas on the printing block that are left raised and will receive ink to create the printed image.
Negative space	The areas on the printing block that are carved away and will not print, creating blank spaces on the paper.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Carved lines will print as dark lines on paper.

What to Teach Instead

Raised areas print with ink; carved parts stay white, creating negative space. Pair printing trials let pupils see this reversal immediately and adjust designs. Discussion of 'what prints, what doesn't' clarifies the relief process.

Common Misconception

Deeper carving makes the print darker or bolder.

What to Teach Instead

Print quality depends on even inking and pressure, not depth alone. Hands-on testing in small groups reveals that excessive carving removes too much surface. Peer feedback during trials reinforces balanced carving.

Common Misconception

Any scribble on the block will make a nice pattern.

What to Teach Instead

Simple, bold shapes carve and print best. Sketching first on paper helps pupils plan. Group critiques of test prints build judgment on effective designs versus messy ones.

Active Learning Ideas

Demo and Guided Carve: First Block Prints

Model carving a simple shape into a foam block, inking it, and printing. Pupils then select a basic shape from a template, carve their own block following numbered steps, ink, and print twice to compare. Circulate to check tool safety.

30 min·Individual

Pairs Swap: Design and Print Exchange

Pairs draw interlocking patterns on paper first. Each carves their half into a block, prints it, then swaps blocks to print the partner's design. Discuss how carved lines appear reversed on paper.

35 min·Pairs

Small Groups: Pattern Chain Prints

Groups create a chain of prints: first pupil carves and prints a motif, passes block to next for addition, inks and prints again. Continue around group, then mount as a class frieze.

45 min·Small Groups

Whole Class: Print Critique Circle

Pupils display prints around room. Class walks gallery-style, noting successful patterns and predictions versus outcomes. Vote on favourites and suggest one tweak per print.

20 min·Whole Class

Real-World Connections

• Textile designers use block printing techniques to create patterns for clothing, upholstery, and wallpaper. They often carve intricate designs into wood or linoleum blocks to produce repeating motifs.
• Printmakers in art studios create limited edition prints using carved blocks. These artists experiment with different inks and papers to achieve unique textures and visual effects, similar to how Year 2 pupils explore their designs.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with a small card. Ask them to draw a simple shape they could carve and write one sentence explaining why it would make a good printing block shape. Collect as they leave the art area.

Quick Check

Observe students as they carve their blocks. Ask questions like: 'What part of your block will make the print?' and 'Show me the part you are carving away.' Note which students can identify positive and negative spaces.

Discussion Prompt

After printing, ask students to hold up their best print. Facilitate a brief class discussion: 'What did you learn about how carving affects the final print?' 'What would you do differently next time?'

Frequently Asked Questions

What safe materials work for Year 2 block printing?

Use soft foam sheets, erasers, or polystyrene trays for carving with blunt tools like pencils or lolly sticks. Water-based paints or rollers with thick ink prevent mess. Pre-cut blocks ensure safety; pupils focus on design. These let 6-7-year-olds handle independently while meeting health and safety standards.

How can active learning help students with block printing?

Pupils learn relief printing through direct carving, inking, and pressing, with immediate prints showing cause and effect. Pair swaps and group chains encourage prediction, trial, and refinement. This tactile iteration builds fine motor skills and design thinking faster than worksheets, as pupils collaborate and celebrate successes together.

How to teach positive and negative space in block prints?

Start with a demo print of a carved shape; highlight raised ink versus blank carved areas. Pupils predict outcomes before printing their designs. Display pairs of block and print side-by-side for class talk. This visual comparison cements the reversal concept, linking to pattern repetition.

What assessment checks understanding of block printing steps?

Observe pupils sequencing steps verbally or on checklists: draw, carve, ink, print. Note predictions about line appearance. Collect prints with self-reflections like 'My zigzag printed straight'. Use key questions from the unit to probe explanations during sharing.