Visual Arts · 3rd Class

Active learning ideas

Creating Multiples: Simple Block Prints

Active learning works for block printing because students engage directly with the physical process of carving, inking, and pressing. This hands-on repetition builds muscle memory and visual problem-solving skills that static lessons cannot match. When students see their designs transform into repeated images, the connection between intention and outcome becomes immediate and clear.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• NCCA: Primary - Print
• NCCA: Primary - Making Art

• 25–45 min
• Pairs → Whole Class
• 4 activities

Activity 01

• Stations Rotation
• 30 min · Pairs

Motif Design Challenge: Repeating Patterns

Students sketch 3-5 simple motifs using lines and shapes on paper. In pairs, they select one that repeats well and test by drawing tiles. Share and vote on best designs for carving.

Design a simple motif that can be effectively repeated in a block print.

Facilitation Tip

After students arrange their prints on the Pattern Wall, ask them to stand back and identify the strongest visual anchor in their pattern.

What to look for

Observe students as they carve their motifs. Ask: 'Can you explain why this shape will make a good repeating pattern?' and 'What part of your design will be inked?'

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 02

• Stations Rotation
• 45 min · Small Groups

Stations Rotation: Carve and Print

Set up stations: design transfer (trace motif to foam), carve (use pencils to incise), ink (roller with paint), print (press paper). Groups rotate every 10 minutes, producing 3 multiples each.

Compare the process of monoprinting with creating multiple block prints.

What to look for

After students have made several prints, ask: 'How is this process different from drawing one picture? What challenges did you face in making your prints look the same?'

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 03

• Stations Rotation
• 35 min · Small Groups

Quality Control Relay: Consistent Prints

Teams carve identical blocks, then relay: one inks, one presses, one checks alignment. Switch roles after 5 prints, discuss adjustments for even color and registration.

Justify the steps needed to ensure consistent quality across multiple prints.

What to look for

Students draw a small sketch of their block print motif and write two sentences explaining one step they took to make their prints consistent.

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

Activity 04

• Stations Rotation
• 25 min · Whole Class

Whole Class Pattern Wall: Multiples Gallery

Each student prints 4-6 multiples from their block. Mount on a class grid to form a large repeating pattern, noting how individual prints contribute to the whole.

Design a simple motif that can be effectively repeated in a block print.

What to look for

Observe students as they carve their motifs. Ask: 'Can you explain why this shape will make a good repeating pattern?' and 'What part of your design will be inked?'

• Remember
• Understand
• Apply
• Analyze
• Self-Management
• Relationship Skills

A few notes on teaching this unit

Start with small, manageable blocks so students focus on precision rather than scale. Model the entire process slowly, emphasizing how pressure and ink distribution affect the print. Research shows that students learn best when they can see the cause-and-effect relationship between their actions and the print quality, so avoid rushing them through the steps. Encourage peer feedback early to build a culture of revision and collaboration.

Successful learning looks like students confidently designing motifs that tile without gaps, carving cleanly to preserve fine details, and producing consistent prints across multiple pulls. They should explain their design choices and troubleshoot inconsistencies independently. The classroom should show pride in shared work, with a vibrant gallery of prints that students can discuss with confidence.

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Watch Out for These Misconceptions

• During Motif Design Challenge, watch for students assuming that all shapes will tile perfectly.

  Have students cut out their motif and physically arrange it on a grid to test for gaps or overlaps before they transfer the design to the block. Ask them to revise any designs that do not repeat cleanly.

• During Station Rotation: Carve and Print, watch for students believing that more ink always improves print quality.

  Encourage them to test ink amounts on scrap paper first, comparing prints with light, medium, and heavy ink coverage. Discuss why excess ink causes smudging and uneven edges.

• During Quality Control Relay: Consistent Prints, watch for students thinking block prints are as variable as monoprints.

  Display two prints side by side: one from a monoprint and one from a block print. Ask students to compare the consistency of lines and marks to highlight the block's fixed nature.

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Methods used in this brief

• Stations Rotation