Printmaking allows kids to see cause & effect in action!

Why do it?

When making prints in the sand or on paper, tamariki have an opportunity to:

  • be creative
  • observe patterns and prints in the natural world
  • try making patterns using different colours and shapes
  • strengthen the practice of going from left to right, which helps with both reading and writing.

How to do it

At the beach:

  • Look for different footprints made by people, birds or animals.
  • Take time to look carefully at the footprints. Ask your tamaiti: ‘What is the same or different about them?’ (smaller, bigger, longer), ‘I wonder why this one is deeper?’
  • Make prints in the sand — footprints, handprints and wheel prints. Try making prints using different stones and shells.
  • Try to copy some prints you’ve seen.

At home:

  • Look for everyday objects that can make a print. They work best if they have at least one flat side. Try different blocks and lids, a potato masher, your thumbs and fingers.
  • Make a ‘stamp pad’ using a folded cloth or a sponge and some liquid paint squirted into it.
  • Provide paper for your tamaiti to make prints on.
  • Make repeating print patterns. Encourage them to start on the left and move to the right.

Using more reo Māori

Footprint

Tapuwae

Bird footprint

Te tapuwae o ngā manu

To stamp

Tā(ia)

To stamp your foot

Takahia

Deep

Hōhonu

Shallow

Pāpaku

Left

Mauī

Right

Matau

Press lightly

Kia māriri tō tānga

Press hard

Kia mārō tō tānga

Start on the left

Me tīmata koe i te taha mauī

Go to the right

Me haere koe ki te taha mata