### Year 3 Art Lesson Plan: Introduction to Printmaking
**Lesson Title:** Introduction to Printmaking
**Grade Level:** Year 3
**Duration:** 1 hour
**Topic:** Printmaking
**Learning Objectives:**
1. Understand the concept of printmaking and its basic techniques.
2. Explore different textures and patterns to create an interesting print.
3. Develop fine motor skills and creativity through hands-on activities.
4. Appreciate printmaking as a form of artistic expression.
**Materials Needed:**
- Polystyrene sheets (or foam sheets)
- Pencils
- Printing ink or paint
- Brayers (rollers)
- Palettes or flat plates (for spreading ink)
- A4 white papers
- Craft sticks (optional)
- Newspaper or table covers (to protect surfaces)
- Aprons (to protect clothing)
**Lesson Outline:**
**1. Introduction (10 minutes):**
- Begin with a brief discussion about printmaking. Explain that printmaking is a way of creating art by making prints on paper or fabric.
- Show examples of prints made by famous artists (e.g., Albrecht Dürer, Katsushika Hokusai) and discuss the differences between these prints and hand-drawn pictures.
- Explain the concept of creating a mirror image when making prints.
**2. Demonstration (10 minutes):**
- Show the students the materials they will be using.
- Demonstrate how to create a design on a polystyrene sheet using a pencil.
- Emphasise that they should press firmly but not too hard to avoid tearing the foam.
- Demonstrate how to apply ink to the polystyrene sheet using a brayer.
- Roll out the ink on a palette until it is even and smooth.
- Show how to place a sheet of paper on top of the inked polystyrene and press down evenly to transfer the ink.
- Use hands or a craft stick to ensure even pressure.
- Carefully peel the paper back to reveal the print.
**3. Activity (30 minutes):**
- Distribute the materials to the students.
- Have the students create their own designs on the polystyrene sheets.
- Encourage them to think about texture and patterns rather than just drawing pictures.
- Once their designs are ready, guide them to apply ink and make their prints.
- Allow each student to make multiple prints if time permits.
**4. Clean Up (5 minutes):**
- Ensure students clean their work areas and return all tools and materials to their proper places.
- Collect and store the polystyrene sheets for future use.
**5. Reflection and Sharing (5 minutes):**
- Display the students' prints on a wall or board.
- Have a quick gallery walk where students can view each other's work.
- Ask the students to share what they enjoyed most about printmaking and what challenges they faced.
**Assessment:**
- Observe students' engagement and creativity during the activity.
- Check the completed prints for understanding of the techniques demonstrated.
- Ask students to explain their process and what they learned during the reflection part.
**Extension Activities:**
- Repeat the activity with different themes or materials (e.g., using leaves or other textures).
- Explore historical and cultural contexts of printmaking in different parts of the world.
- Create a collaborative printmaking project to be displayed in the school.
### Notes for the Teacher:
- Remind students about safety when handling inks and tools.
- Provide additional support for students who may need help with fine motor skills.
- Encourage creativity and experimentation with different designs and textures.
### Resources:
- [The Tate Kids Website](https://www.tate.org.uk/kids) – for more art activities and examples
- [National Gallery of Art Kids](https://www.nga.gov/education/kids.html) – for educational resources and printmaking concepts
Enjoy making prints with your students and watching their creativity come alive through this engaging art form!