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      Practise calligraphic techniques

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create letters using different calligraphic strokes and styles.

      Key learning points

      1. Calligraphy involves creating letters with artistic flair to make beautiful handwriting.
      2. Learning and practicing foundational calligraphic strokes builds the skills needed to create decorative letters.
      3. Techniques such as strokes and flourishes can help you create calligraphic letters and words.
      4. Practising calligraphy improves fine motor skills.

      Keywords

      • Calligraphy - the art of beautiful handwriting using specific tools and techniques

      • Stroke - the movement of the pen or brush to create a line or mark

      • Flourish - a decorative stroke with details added to enhance a design

      Common misconception

      Calligraphy is just decorative handwriting.

      Calligraphy is an art form with specific techniques, not just decorative handwriting.

      Teacher tip

      Where possible, provide an assortment of calligraphy materials for pupils to try, including calligraphy pens, papers nibs, inks, brush pens, and chisel-nib markers. A whiteboard may be useful for demonstrating different strokes. Encourage pupils to practise developing consistency over time.

      Equipment

      Calligraphy pens, nibs, inks. Brush pens. Chisel-tip markers. Calligraphy paper. Rulers.

      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 is a typeface?

      Correct answer: a set of letters that share a similar shape and design
      the size and weight of letters
      using text and pictures to convey messages

      Q2.
      What material is not typically used in calligraphy?

      paper
      ink
      Correct answer: clay

      Q3.
      A concrete poem is a poem where …

      it uses a specific rhyme scheme.
      Correct answer: the arrangement of words creates a visual image.
      it tells a literal story.

      Q4.
      Why is it important to follow instructions in art?

      Correct answer: to learn new techniques
      to use more materials
      to work faster

      Q5.
      Which artist is best known for their typographic work?

      Vincent van Gogh
      Frida Kahlo
      Correct answer: Paula Scher

      Q6.
      Typography can be used to make letters more readable, as well as making designs.

      Correct answer: interesting and beautiful
      random and nonsensical
      flat and regular

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is calligraphy?

      Correct answer: the art of beautiful handwriting
      the arrangement of text and pictures in design
      digitally created lettering

      Q2.
      What affects the thickness of calligraphic strokes?

      paper weight
      Correct answer: pressure and angle
      using a ruler

      Q3.
      Where are you likely to find examples of calligraphy?

      Correct answer: on an event invitation
      on a ruler
      on a graph

      Q4.
      What is the purpose of a flourish in calligraphy?

      to change between colours
      to shorten the writing time
      Correct answer: to enhance the letter design

      Q5.
      What should you focus on when practising calligraphic letters?

      size of paper
      speed of writing
      Correct answer: consistency of strokes

      Q6.
      Which stroke is crucial to move between two letters?

      Correct answer: upstroke
      sidestroke
      downstroke

      To help you plan your 5 art and design lesson on: Practise calligraphic techniques, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...