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Activity 1: InkPad Print (back to top)

Age: PreK-2nd
Activity: Children will use their fingers on an inkpad to make stamped impressions on paper. Then use markers to make fingerprints into something else. Children can also press a variety of small objects onto an inkpad.
Materials: Inkpads, paper, small objects (corks, coins, buttons, seashells, spools, erasers)
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Children will need access to a sink/paper towel after completing this activity.
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 2: Food Print (back to top)

Age: Pre K-2nd grade
Activity: Children will use a variety of foods to make prints on paper.
Materials: Paper, Foods (orange, potato, radish, apple, carrot, onion, tomato), paint or ink, drying rack
Preparations/Safety Precautions: N/A
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 3: Kitchen Gadget Printing (back to top)

Age: PreK-2nd
Activity: Children will use a variety of kitchen gadgets to make prints on paper. Encourage the children to creatively combine and overlap the printed shapes to form designs and pictures.
Materials: Paper, Kitchen Gadgets (utensils, spatula, whisk, cookie cutters, pie tin, jar lids), drying rack
Preparations/Safety Precautions: N/A
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 4: Glue Print (back to top)

Age: PreK-2nd
Activity: Use white liquid to draw a design or picture on a piece of cardboard. Let the glue dry and then spread the design with ink or paint. Gently press paper on the glue to create a print.
Materials: Paper, glue, and cardboard pieces, ink or paint, drying rack
Preparations/Safety Precautions: N/A
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 5: Ceramic Tile Print (back to top)

Age: PreK-2nd
Activity: Roll over a ceramic tile with paint or ink. Etch a picture or design using a cotton swab and then press a piece of paper on the tile to create a print. Carefully remove the paper.
Materials: Paint or ink, ceramic tile, rollers, paper, drying rack
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Young children may need adult assistance when completing this activity. Access to paper towels is also necessary.
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 6: Bubble Print (back to top)

Age: PreK-2nd
Activity: Fill a shallow container with water and tempura paint or liquid watercolor to which dishwashing detergent has been added. Stir. Cut a notch near the top of a straw. Blow bubbles over the rim of the container using the straw and then place white paper over the bubbles to get a print.
Materials: Container, water, tempura paint, straw, paper, dishwashing detergent, drying rack
Preparations/Safety Precautions: The dishwashing detergent should be handled only by an adult. Children may also need assistance when removing paper from the liquid.
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 7: Fold-a-Print (back to top)

Age: PreK-2nd
Activity: Children will fold a sheet of paper in half. They can use a spoon to drop one or more colors of liquid tempura paint onto one side of their paper. Slowly fold over and press down, using hands to rub over the paper. Gently unfold to see the mirror image print.
Materials: Paper, tempura paint, drying rack
Preparations/Safety Precautions: N/A
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 8: Nature Print (back to top)

Age: PreK-2nd
Activity: Items collected from a nature walk can be inked and printed.
Materials: Paper, tempura paint, various nature items, drying rack
Preparations/Safety Precautions: The nature walk should be completed prior to this activity.
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 9: Game Piece Print (back to top)

Age: PreK-2nd
Activity: Dip various game pieces (dominoes, checkers, game tokens) in paint and use as a stamp to make prints.
Materials: Paper, tempura paint, game pieces, drying rack
Preparations/Safety Precautions: N/A
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 10: Watercolor Tablet Print (back to top)

Age: Pre-K-2nd
Activity: Children will wet their fingers with water and press them into watercolor tablets. Gently press fingers onto paper, making creative designs and prints.
Materials: Paper, watercolor tablets, water, cups, drying rack
Preparations/Safety Precautions: This activity may require an adult to help in preparation with the water.
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 11: Push-up Stick Print (back to top)

Age: Pre-K-2nd
Activity: Cut a design or shape out of Styrofoam and glue it onto a push-up stick. Dip the Styrofoam in paint or on an inkpad and press it on paper.
Materials: Styrofoam, paper, paint or ink pad, push-up sticks, drying rack
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Push-up sticks can be saved or donated. The push-up sticks should be prepared before completing the printmaking activity.
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 12: Baby Shoe and Sneaker Print (back to top)

Age: PreK-2nd
Activity: Use a brush to apply paint to the sole of a shoe. Carefully rock the entire shoe from heel to toe or vice versa onto the paper to make prints.
Materials: Shoes, paper, paint, paintbrushes, drying rack
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Old shoes should be collected or donated prior to completing this activity.
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 13: Recycled Junk Print (back to top)

Age: PreK-2nd
Activity: Dip recycled junk into paint and place on paper to make various designs and shapes.
Materials: Paper, drying track, paint, recycled junk (corks, spools, keys, toy cars, combs, bottle tops)
Preparations/Safety Precautions: N/A
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 14: Paraffin Block Print (back to top)

Age: PreK-2nd
Activity: Children can carve their own designs using a pointed tool like craft stick or key. Use a brush to spread paint over the carved block and press onto paper. Rub over the surface with hand and gently remove.
Materials: Pointed tool (craft stick, key), paintbrush, paint, paper, paraffin blocks, drying rack
Preparations/Safety Precautions: The paraffin blocks are sold inexpensively at craft stores and grocery stores.
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 15: Crayon Sandpaper Print (back to top)

Age: Pre-K-2nd
Activity: Draw a design with crayons on a piece of sandpaper. An adult will help the child place a piece of white paper over the sandpaper and use a warm iron to melt the wax from the colored sandpaper. The design will transfer to the white paper.
Materials: Sandpaper, crayons, white paper, iron
Preparations/Safety Precautions: An adult will need to assist the child when using an iron.
Standards: VA.A.1.1, VA.B.1.1

Activity 16: Printing with Fruits and Veggies (back to top)

Age: 4-10
Activity: Have students either dip fruits and vegetables into paint or printing ink or apply paint or ink directly to the vegetables with a paintbrush. Then have students stamp fruits and vegetables onto paper in random or ordered patterns. Repeat using other fruits and vegetables, objects, or colors.
Materials: Paint (to make tempera paint thicker and stickier, add a touch of flour or glue); Sponges; Old cookie tray or styrofoam tray; Paintbrushes, water and water containers; Paper; Fruits and veggies of all kinds, good ones are: carrots, star fruit, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, avocados, and apples
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Put the paint on a sponge so that when an object is dipped into the paint, the sponge will only let off a little bit of paint. Have adults cut the fruit or vegetable in half.
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1; Health Education- Health Literacy, Standard 1: HE.A.1.1

Activity 17: Shaved Crayon Monoprint(back to top)

Age: 4-10
Activity: Create crayons shavings with a potato peeler or knife and then put the shavings onto a piece of wax paper or heavy white paper. When you have the crayon shavings arranged the way you like, put a piece of wax paper on top of the one with crayon shavings and then put a towel over the wax paper and crayons and run the iron over the top of it. Melt the crayons and then take the towel off and see what it looks like.
Materials: Crayon shavings from old crayons; Wax paper or heavy white paper; Iron
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Adult supervision is required while children create shavings and while ironing the paper.
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1

Activity 18: Tennis Ball Prints (back to top)

Age: 4-8
Activity: Dip the balls into the paint. Dab, drop, or roll the balls onto the paper to make a print. Hang the prints to dry. Some dripping may occur, which adds interest to the finished work.
Materials: Paper; Thin paint. (This can be water-based paint of any kind. If you use tempera or acrylic, make sure to add lots of water so the paint is very, very thin.); Containers for paint ; Tennis or other small balls; Aprons or old shirts
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Children should wear an apron or old shirt.
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1; Physical Education– Physical Education Literacy, Standards 1, 2, 3: PE.A.1.1, PE.A.2.1, PE.A.3.1; Physical Education- Responsible Physical Activity Behaviors, Standards 1, 2: PE.B.1.1, PE.B.2.1; Physical Education- Advocate and Promote Physically Active Lifestyles, Standards 1,2: PE.C.1.1, PE.C.2.1

Activity 19: Play-Dough Prints (back to top)

Age: 4-10
Activity: Have students create shapes using play-dough and apply paint directly to 1 side of the shape with a paintbrush. Have students stamp shapes onto paper in random or ordered patterns. Repeat with other shapes made with play-dough.
Materials: Paint (to make tempera paint thicker and stickier, add a touch of flour or glue); Sponges; Old cookie tray or styrofoam tray; Paintbrushes, water and water containers; Paper; Play-dough, any color
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Put the paint on a sponge so that when an object is dipped into the paint, the sponge will only let off a little bit of paint.
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1

Activity 20: Monoprinting 1 (back to top)

Age: 4+
Activity: Using a thick paintbrush spread an even layer of ink out onto the Plexiglas, covering it completely. Using the end of a popsicle stick, draw an image on the Plexiglas. Place paper on plexi and rub lightly. Peel away paper.
Materials: Printmaking ink or a thick water-based paint. (Acrylic or tempera ... you can add flour to tempera to make it thicker and stickier like ink); Paintbrushes; Sheets of Plexiglas (approx. 12"x12"); Paper; Popsicle sticks
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Make sure to have a covered work area. Make sure plexiglass has no sharp corners.
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1

Activity 21: Monoprinting 2 (back to top)

Age: 4+
Activity: Using your paintbrush, paint a design onto the plexiglass using as many or as few colors as you like, working quickly and not letting the paint dry. Place paper over the plexiglass and rub lightly with the palm of your hand. Peel away paper.
Materials: Printmaking ink or a thick water-based paint. (Acrylic or tempera ... you can add flour to tempera to make it thicker and stickier like ink); Paintbrushes; Sheets of plexiglass (approx. 12"x12"); Paper; Popsicle sticks
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Make sure to have a covered work area. Make sure plexiglass has no sharp corners.
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1

Activity 22: Puzzle Printings (back to top)

Age: 4-8
Activity: Cut a piece of cereal box down to a nice size (about 6" x 8") and place several puzzle pieces onto the cereal box cardboard as a picture, pattern, etc. Glue pieces down and let the glue dry for an hour or so. Use a paintbrush to cover the puzzle pieces with paint (or ink). Lay a sheet of paper on top of the painted puzzle pieces and rub gently with the palm of your hand. Remove the paper and sign the print. Make additional prints.
Materials: Old puzzle pieces; White glue; Cereal box cardboard; Safety scissors; Paint or printmaking ink; Paintbrush; Construction paper
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1

Activity 23: Fishy Printings (back to top)

Age: 4-6
Activity: Have students use crayons and draw an underwater scene, but don't draw in fish or other sea creatures. Using the oak tag or cardboard, draw a fish and/or other sea creatures and have the students outline it with glue and apply yarn. Let the yarn and glue dry. Using printing ink or paint "print" the yarn fish on the underwater picture.
Materials: Scissors; Glue; Yarn; Cardboard or oak tag; Paper; Printing ink or paint; Crayons
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1; Science- How Living Things Interact With their Environment, Standard 1: SC.G.1.1

Activity 24: Relief Printing (back to top)

Age: 3-8
Activity: Cut the edges off of the trays so that you have a flat surface to work on. Draw an image onto the tray using a pencil or press down areas you don't want printed, remembering that the printed image will be reversed. Use a paintbrush to cover over the styrofoam with paint or ink, lay the paper overtop, press lightly, and remove paper.
Materials: Paint or ink; Styrofoam meat trays; Scissors; Pencils; Paper; Paint brushes
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1

Activity 25: Foam Stamps (back to top)

Age: 3-8
Activity: Create a variety of shapes using the foam. Dip stamps into ink and stamp onto paper to create images. Repeat creating more shapes, changing colors, etc.
Materials: Paint or ink; Plastic foam; Scissors; Paper; Shallow tray for ink
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Foam might be too hard for children to cut and the teacher may need to help them.
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1

Activity 26: String Print (back to top)

Age: 5-8
Activity: Create a stamp by gluing string in a design onto the cardboard. Let sit until dry. Dip stamps into ink and stamp onto paper to create images. Repeat creating more shapes, changing colors, etc.
Materials: Paint or ink; String of various widths; Sturdy cardboard; Scissors; Paper; Shallow tray for ink
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1

Activity 27: Stamping Everything (back to top)

Age: 5-10
Activity: Have students selected colors and objects to stamp onto their paper. These can be used to create pictures, patterns, or just expressive art. Allow students to add to their print with markers.
Materials: White paper; Various colors of stamping ink pads; Small, interestingly-shaped objects (shells, beads, etc); Markers
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1

Activity 28: Seasonal Foam and Texture (back to top)

Age: 5-8
Activity: During a nature walk around the school, have students collect signs of the season such as colored leaves, seeds, or stalks and bring back into the classroom. Have the students paint of paint or ink onto the objects and place in a design on white or colored paper. Pat or rub gently the leaf or item to make the print. Remove objects and let the paper dry. Allow students to decorate the print with a border of leaves cut out in the shape of the printed leaves using different textured paper or fabric.
Materials: Newsprint paper; Brushes; Black water-soluble printing ink or colored tempera paints; Paper towels; Paper with absorbent qualities; Colored paper or fabric
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1

Activity 29: Building a Print (back to top)

Age: 6-10
Activity: Create a stamp by gluing pieces of sturdy cardboard onto a large piece of cardboard in a design onto the cardboard. Let sit until dry. Dip stamps into ink and stamp onto paper to create images. Repeat creating more shapes, changing colors, etc.
Materials: Scissors; Sturdy cardboard of various sizes; Glue paint or ink white paper
Preparations/Safety Precautions:
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.1

Activity 30: Tee-Shirt Prints (back to top)

Age: 6-10
Activity: Create a variety of shapes using the foam. Dip stamps into ink and stamp onto T-shirt to create images. Repeat creating more shapes, changing colors, etc. Lay shirt to dry in a cool, still place for one day.
Materials: Plastic foam; Scissors; Permanent paints or inks; Shallow tray for ink; Thick drawing paper; Short sleeved crewneck undershirts; Brown or white craft paper rolls
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Foam might be too hard for children to cut and the teacher may need to help them. Make sure to place paper between the top and bottom layers of fabric to catch any seepage.
Standards: Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques, Standard 1: VA.A.1.1; Visual Arts- Creation and Communication, Standard 1: VA.B.1.