New
New
Design an expressive letter form
I can create a letterform that expresses a chosen emotion or theme.
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 5
Design an expressive letter form
I can create a letterform that expresses a chosen emotion or theme.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Understand how letter design can express different emotions or ideas.
- Colours and shapes play a significant role in expressing emotions.
- Learn to design an expressive letter form by focusing on how shape, line, and style can communicate mood.
- Explore creative ways to make a single letter a work of art.
Keywords
Letterform - the shape and design of a single letter
Expression - communicating emotion, mood or energy through visual art and design
Colour theory - the study of how colours can affect human perception and emotions
Typography - arranging letters and text in a way that makes them readable and visually appealing
Common misconception
To create an expressive letterform you must have neat handwriting skills.
Expressive letterforms use drawing and designing skills to convey emotions and ideas.
Encourage pupils to explore a range of media when designing their letterforms to help them discover different modes of expression.
Teacher tip
Equipment
A range of mark making media.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are tertiary colours?
What are tertiary colours?
colours made by mixing at least 3 different colours
colours made by mixing primary colours together
Q2.A letterform is…
A letterform is…
a handwritten letter, such as a birthday card or event invitation.
a set of letters that share a similar shape and design.
Q3.Graphic design is the art or skill of combining and __________ in advertisements, magazines, or books.
Graphic design is the art or skill of combining and __________ in advertisements, magazines, or books.
computers and digital tools
pencils and brushes
Q4.A serif is a…
A serif is a…
calligraphy writing tool.
typeface with an even thickness of stroke throughout each letter.
Q5.What role does balance play in typography?
What role does balance play in typography?
It has no effect.
It makes letters bigger.
Q6.What is the purpose of using different styles and colours in graphic design?
What is the purpose of using different styles and colours in graphic design?
to fill space
to understand art history
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What role does colour play in letter design?
What role does colour play in letter design?
It has no effect.
It changes their size.
Q2.What is an expressive letterform?
What is an expressive letterform?
A colourful type of paper.
A formal letter format.
Q3.Colour theory considers how colours...
Colour theory considers how colours...
change the size and layout of an artwork.
behave differently at different times.
Q4.What can soft, curvy lines in a letterform suggest?
What can soft, curvy lines in a letterform suggest?
boldness or strength
heaviness or weight
Q5.What should you consider when designing an expressive letterform?
What should you consider when designing an expressive letterform?
the type of paper used
the size of the letters
Q6.Shape, colour and can be combined to enhance a letterform's typographic impact.
Shape, colour and can be combined to enhance a letterform's typographic impact.
speed
sound
