Printing – Rocks and Fossils – Year 3

Printing- Rocks and Fossils – Year 3

This half term year 3 have been learning how to print. They made links with their learning in Science and looked at Rocks and Fossils. The children began by looking at a variety of rocks and fossils and used lots of different drawing tools to observe them carefully. They used charcoal, oil pastels, graphite, chalk pastels and black marker pens. The observational drawing sessions allowed them time to notice the size, shape, patterns, texture and marks on the objects. Following on from this they used information books to find out about the process of how a fossil is made and the different types of rocks. The children used their sketchbooks to record their ideas using drawing and annotations to record their findings. 

Next, they went outside to look for items that they could use to create their own fossils. They looked carefully in the school grounds and collected plants, sticks, berries, feathers etc. They created their own fossil prints using clay by placing the items into the clay to make an imprint of the object. The children loved this process! The children had the choice to leave their fossil in its natural state or add colour using shoe polish.

Using real fossils and images of fossils the children created a monoprint using lots of colourful oil pastels. The results were impressive. They had to work out the right amount of pressure to add to their drawing tool in order to make a successful, bold monoprint. 

Using their drawings from their sketchbooks they had to create a composition of fossils that could be used to create a block print using a polystyrene tile. The children tried out their ideas in their sketchbooks before deciding on what their printing block would look like. They had to learn to apply the right amount of pressure to their pencil so as not to go through the polystyrene tile but make enough of a groove so that they would get a successful print. They loaded up their print rollers with ink , again being careful not to have too much or too little ink!

What The Student Says

"I loved looking at the fossils and being able to draw them in my sketchbook."

"It was fun to go outside and look for objects that could be made into fossils. When I printed the object into clay it made a very clear print. I would like to do this again."

"I loved mono printing. I didn't know you could make a print that way. It was easy to do and you can do it with any picture!"

" It was hard not to go through the polystyrene tile. I made a hole in my tile because I pressed on too hard."

What knowledge and skills have been developed?

  • observational drawing skills were developed

  • learnt how to make a monoprint using an image

  • Created a clay imprint using found objects

  • learnt how to make a block print successfully

  • learnt to apply the right amount of pressure to the surface of the polystyrene tile

  • learnt how much ink to use on their roller and how much pressure to apply when printing

  • know that they need a good sized drawing to create a successful block print

  • learnt how to line up the paper so that the block print is printed straight

What the Teacher says

"The year 3 children really loved creating their prints using clay prints, mono printing and block prints. They enjoyed looking at and handling the fossils. Having opportunity to draw the fossils first in their sketchbooks helped them to notice the details, shape, size, marks, pattern and texture. The results were amazing and the children felt proud of their finished prints. Lots of skills were learnt as they tried out different print processes. Well done year 3!"

School Address:

Clapgate Primary School
10 Cranmore Drive
Belle Isle
Leeds
LS10 4AW

School Contacts:

Headteacher: Mrs Singleton
Deputy Headteacher: Miss Taylor
SENDCO: Mrs Lawton
Office: Mrs Austin, Miss Johnson, Mrs Belt and Miss Stamp
Chair of Governors: Mr Bache

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Tel: 0113 271 6700
Email: clapgate@clapgateprimaryschool.org

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