Students will be able to:
- Create a relief print to express an idea about Easter;
- Use repetition of colour and shape to create a pattern; and
- Demonstrate technical accomplishment and creativity.
HAPPY EASTER! – Printmaking, Repetition, Colour
Steps
Step One
Draw your design on the paper side of the craft foam. Make sure it fills the whole space.
Step Two
Cut out the shape.
Step Three
Peel the paper off the craft foam.
Step Four
Stick the craft foam shape onto the foam core board. This is your printing plate.
Step Five
You can make dots and lines on the craft foam by drawing or poking it with a ball point pen. Press hard with the pen to leave an indent in the craft foam.
Step Six
You will be making a total of 3 prints on your card. Think about how you want to use colour for your prints. Apply tempera paint to the printing plate using a small paintbrush. Mix colours and/or use them straight from the container.
Step Seven
Place the printing plate, paint side down, onto the cardstock. Be careful to leave enough room for the other 2 prints.
Step Eight
Hold the printing plate firmly in place and rub over the entire surface. Press hard to transfer the paint from the printing plate to the paper.
Step Nine
Remove the printing plate and examine your print. Notice where the paint did not transfer. Did you need to apply more paint or more pressure in those areas?
Step Ten
Make 3 prints in total. Finish the card by adding details using markers, glitter glue and googly eyes.
Step Eleven
Write a happy message inside the card. You might want to add finger prints and turn them into happy creatures. Just draw washable marker on the tip of a finger and press your finger onto the paper. Use the tip of the marker to draw details.
Learning Goals
Extensions
- Have students share their printing plates to create new repeat patterns in a large group artwork.
- Have students create a class story using their printing plates as part of mixed media illustrations. Place all the illustrations into a bound book to be shared by all.
Prepare
- Create a sample printing plate.
- Cut the craft foam and foam core board to size – 8 cm x 12 cm (3" x 4.5")
- Gather some picture books about Easter, for example, The Golden Egg Book, by Margaret Wise Brown, The Easter Egg, by Jan Brett; The Story of the Easter Bunny, by Katherine Tegen
Introduction
- Read one of the stories and discuss the symbols of Easter.
- Make a class list of various symbols that could be used on an Easter card.
- Review the characteristics of patterns – repeated sets of numbers, shapes or other objects, arranged according to a rule.
- Have students demonstrate patterns using various objects.
- Demonstrate how to make a print with your printing plate.
- Introduce the challenge.
Activities
The Challenge
- Create a relief print to express an idea about Easter.
- Use repetition of colour and shape to create a pattern.
- Demonstrate technical accomplishment and creativity.
The Process
- Make sure everyone understands the challenge.
- Guide students through the steps outlined in this lesson plan.
- Encourage students to think of how they can use colour and reletition to create a pattern.
- Encourage students to make several test prints before beginning their card.
- Observe students as they work.
- Provide individual assistance and encouragement.
Sharing
- Place students in groups of about 6.
- Ask them to share thoughts about the work.
- During the discussion include references to:
- Colour - How does the colour contribute to the pattern? What combination of colours would come next if the card was longer?
- Repetition – How does the pattern repeat itself? What other ways could the shape be repeated to make a pattern?
- Technical Accomplishment - How do the condition of the paper and attention to detail contribute to technical accomplishment? - Ask volunteers to share some ideas with the whole class.
Assessment
- Observe students as they work – thoughtful focus, discriminating, seeking more information, elaborating, experimenting
- Observe students as they discuss the art works – active listening, insightful contributions, supporting ideas with evidence found in the artwork and from personal experience.
- Use a checklist to track progress. (Download - CARD_tracking.pdf)
- Have students use the self-assessment form to evaluate their work. (Download - CARD_self-assessment.pdf or CARD_PRIMARY_self-assessment.pdf)
