Art

Block printing basics

7-8

This lesson is intended to be a fun and personal experience to learn the basics of multiple color block printing

Each of the students will use the basics of creative design to create an original presentation of a selected letter of the alphabet to be produced in 3 colors. The students will then share their "blocks" with each other in class to be able to create their names. The blocks are then printed in stages allowing for everyone to have access to each before they are altered for each sequential step. The finished works are reflections of each students color and design preferences.

The lesson is an art application of the color unit that preceeds it. The application of understanding the origins of each color, mixing it, and using it in the creation of a finished piece of graphic art provides understanding for lessons learned.

The students will select a letter of the alphabet from a random draw. Next, they will be instructed on how they can show/create the letters creatively. The students will then sketch out their ideas for review. Once the idea is developed into a finished design that fits in a 2x2 square, it is then transferred onto a 2x2 printing block. After all of the needed letters of the alphabet have been created, students are instructed to think about an arrangement for the letters of their name in their composition. Once all the decisions have been made, a demonstration is given by the instructor on the proper printing procedures. The printing procedure goes 6 students at a time at a printing area where students are allowed to create their own colors for each step and ink up their blocks before returning to their desk to complete each print. After each round of printing, the students take back their original blocks that they designed and carve out the next layer before printing begins for the next round. The procedure is followed until all of the "names" are complete with at least 3 colors involved with each letter.

Students will work collaboratively & individually. Students will work in groups of 6.

6 class periods. 40 Min. per class.

Seventh grade students still have a need to express themselves in any way that they can. Using their own name as a theme allows them both to become known to the rest of the new kids in their class, and teaches them skills that they need for later in their art career.