Exploring Monoprinting

Lesson Overview

Subject: Art and Design
Year Group: Year 1
Lesson Duration: 60 minutes
Class Size: 29 students
Curriculum Link: National Curriculum for Art and Design (KS1)

• Pupils should:
  • Use a range of materials creatively to design and make products.
  • Develop a wide range of art and design techniques using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space.
  • Learn about a range of artists, craft makers and designers.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will be able to:

• Understand what monoprinting is.
• Use different tools and materials to create a simple monoprint.
• Develop skills in exploring and experimenting with textures and patterns.
• Work collaboratively to create a repeating pattern using found objects.

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes) – What is Monoprinting?

• Gather children on the carpet and introduce the lesson by asking:
  • “Has anyone ever noticed patterns in nature or on their clothes?”
  • “How do you think artists make prints?”
• Show a short PowerPoint video explaining monoprinting.
• Discuss the idea that monoprinting allows us to make unique, one-off prints by pressing objects into ink.
• Allow children to ask questions and share their ideas about what might make a good print.

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2. Exploring Materials (10 minutes) – Hands-On Discovery

• Place the printing resources in the centre of the carpet (e.g. rollers, press print sheets, paint, ink trays, cardboard, found objects).
• Encourage children to touch, feel and discuss the textures of objects before printing.
• Ask:
  • “What types of objects might leave an interesting mark?”
  • “How do you think rolling ink on this material will change it?”
• Give pupils time to think about what they would like to print.

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3. Creating Monoprints (20 minutes) – Experimentation in Small Groups

• Organise children into small groups with a tray of paint and materials.
• Demonstrate how to:
  1. Roll printing ink over different objects (e.g. plastic mesh, stencils).
  2. Place paper gently on top and press down to transfer the ink.
  3. Lift paper carefully to reveal the monoprint.
• Allow pupils to explore and create their own prints, offering praise and support.
• Encourage peer collaboration – children can swap objects and discuss their patterns.

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4. Outdoor Exploration (15 minutes) – Finding Natural Patterns

• Take a short walk around the school grounds (garden, playground, field).
• Children collect natural materials (leaves, small twigs, grass, seed pods) they believe would work for printing.
• Return to the classroom and experiment with these materials to make repeating patterns.

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5. Reflection and Discussion (5 minutes) – Sharing Work

• Lay out all prints on the tables or floor to display.
• Guide a short discussion:
  • “Which objects created the most interesting patterns?”
  • “What would you do differently next time?”
  • “How do artists use printing in their work?”
• Celebrate children's creativity by picking a few to discuss their work.

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Differentiation

• For Higher Ability: Encourage children to layer prints by printing one colour, letting it dry, then printing over it.
• For Lower Ability: Provide pre-cut shapes or stencils to press into the ink for a simpler process.
• For EAL Learners: Use visual cues, gestures, and simplified instructions to support understanding.

Resources Needed

• A short PowerPoint video on monoprinting
• Printing ink (various colours)
• Rollers
• Press print sheets (simple foam printing blocks)
• Paper
• Plastic mesh, stencils, found objects (e.g. bubble wrap, textured cardboard)
• Trays for ink
• Aprons (to protect clothing)

Assessment Opportunities

• Informal questioning during carpet discussion.
• Observing children’s engagement during practical activity.
• Evaluating final monoprints and discussing what worked well.

Extension Activity

• Encourage children to bring objects from home that they think would make interesting monoprints in the next lesson.

Cross-Curricular Links

• Science: Exploring materials and textures.
• Maths: Recognising and creating repeating patterns.

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Teacher’s Notes

• Prepare all materials in advance and ensure easy access on the carpet for smooth transitions.
• Encourage children to be curious and experimental—there are no mistakes in monoprinting!
• Use a class display to showcase the best prints and inspire future creativity.

🎨 Let’s get creative and print something amazing!