Creating Simple Block Prints

Active learning works because pupils experience relief printing firsthand, seeing how carving and ink create patterns. Physical trials let children test ideas, correct mistakes, and grasp the link between design and print outcome faster than watching or listening alone.

• Year 2
• Art and Design
• 4 activities
• 20 min–45 min

Learning Objectives

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

Experiential Learning

⏱ 30 min·Individual

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.

Prepare & details

Can you explain the steps to make a print using a block?

Facilitation Tip: During the Demo and Guided Carve, model holding the carving tool safely and moving away from the body to prevent slips.

Setup: Varies; may include outdoor space, lab, or community setting

Materials: Experience setup materials, Reflection journal with prompts, Observation worksheet, Connection-to-content framework

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

Experiential Learning

⏱ 35 min·Pairs

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.

Prepare & details

What do you think the lines you carve into your block will look like when you print it on paper?

Facilitation Tip: While pairs Swap Designs and Prints, give them one minute to study each other’s block and print before discussing observations.

Setup: Varies; may include outdoor space, lab, or community setting

Materials: Experience setup materials, Reflection journal with prompts, Observation worksheet, Connection-to-content framework

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

Experiential Learning

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

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.

Prepare & details

Can you draw a simple shape that you could carve and then print?

Facilitation Tip: In Small Groups Pattern Chain Prints, demonstrate how to align prints evenly to build a continuous pattern.

Setup: Varies; may include outdoor space, lab, or community setting

Materials: Experience setup materials, Reflection journal with prompts, Observation worksheet, Connection-to-content framework

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

Experiential Learning

⏱ 20 min·Whole Class

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.

Prepare & details

Can you explain the steps to make a print using a block?

Facilitation Tip: During the Print Critique Circle, hold up two prints side by side to highlight differences in line quality and ink coverage.

Setup: Varies; may include outdoor space, lab, or community setting

Materials: Experience setup materials, Reflection journal with prompts, Observation worksheet, Connection-to-content framework

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

Teaching This Topic

Start with a clear, big demonstration of the entire process so pupils see the sequence from carving to printing. Avoid giving students multiple tools or surfaces at once, as this can overwhelm. Research shows that focused practice on one material at a time builds confidence and skill. Use frequent, quick print tests to help pupils see the effect of their carving immediately.

What to Expect

Successful learning looks like pupils confidently carving bold shapes, predicting print reversal, and discussing how raised and carved areas behave. They should explain their process and adjust based on quick print tests, showing growing control over the medium.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

During the Demo and Guided Carve, watch for pupils who expect carved lines to print as dark marks on paper.

What to Teach Instead

Pause after the first print and ask pupils to trace with their finger the raised surface that printed. Have them compare what they carved away with the blank space on the paper to clarify that only raised areas print.

Common Misconception

During Small Groups Pattern Chain Prints, watch for pupils who believe deeper cuts will make their prints darker.

What to Teach Instead

Provide each group with two test erasers, one carved lightly and one carved deeply. After inking and pressing both, guide pupils to observe which print shows clearer edges and even ink coverage.

Common Misconception

During Pairs Swap Design and Print Exchange, watch for pupils who think any scribble will create a nice pattern.

What to Teach Instead

After printing, ask partners to circle the boldest, clearest shapes on each print. Discuss why simple, uncluttered designs transfer best and how messy cuts can fill in with ink incorrectly.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

After the Demo and Guided Carve, provide small cards and ask pupils 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

During Small Groups Pattern Chain Prints, observe pupils as they carve. Ask: 'Point to the part of your block that will print.' and 'Show me the part you are carving away.' Note which pupils can identify positive and negative spaces.

Discussion Prompt

After the Print Critique Circle, ask pupils 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?'

Extensions & Scaffolding

• Challenge: Ask early finishers to create a second block that prints as a mirror image of their first, using the same simple shape.
• Scaffolding: Provide templates of simple shapes (circles, stars, squares) for pupils who need help planning their design.
• Deeper exploration: Introduce texture tools (straws, combs) to carve patterns into erasers for more advanced prints.

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.