Words & Pictures #2: Written Language and Illustration. 4 Lessons. (Ages 8-13)

Lesson 1:  Writing Systems
There will be a brief discussion about the writing systems of several different languages (Korean, Cherokee, Arabic, and others).  Some written languages use characters to represent words; others, use symbols which correlate to syllables. A vocabulary list with definitions for words such as logogram, pictograph, cuneiform, and many others will be provided.

Each learner will correspond with a friend or their favorite literary character (for example, Clifford the Big Red Dog, Matilda, Nate the Great), using a written language of their own creation.  Photo and video examples of Egyptian hieroglyphs and prehistoric cave paintings will be shared for inspiration.

Lesson 2:  Bullet Journals and Doodles
There are numerous uses for a bullet journal:  to list weekly, monthly, and yearly goals; to record favorite travel memories; to keep track of income and expenses; to list people and events for whom/which you’re grateful; and so on.

There will be a brief discussion on the popularity of bullet journals, how they’re created and embellished, and their many uses. Examples will be shared. Then, each learner will create their own mini journal.

Lesson 3:  Hand-Lettering and Street Art
There will be a brief discussion about hand-lettering and a demonstration of a variety of hand lettering styles and techniques; shadows; borders; perspective (view from above, below, at an angle, etc.); and shading. 

Then, students will practice various hand-lettering techniques, as each is being demonstrated by the teacher.  These will include styles, such as hatching; floating drop shadow; hollow lettering; serifs; inside a ribbon banner; flourishing; and so on. 

Next, there will be a conversation about street art with photo and video examples and a discussion about the difference between illegal, graffiti vandalism and commissioned public art.

Then, students will create one or more miniature versions of popular street art lettering, such as bubble letters and 3D block letters. 

Lesson 4:  Handwritten Correspondence
There will be a brief discussion about handwritten and hand-addressed envelopes and postcards; fun facts about postage stamps; pen pals; mail art; and the annual Graceful Envelope Contest. There will also be a video tour of The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum in Washington, D.C. and an overview of their Postcards with heART program, which is a collaboration between the National Postal Museum, the Jesuit Refugee Service/USA (JRS/USA), and two DC-area artists

Students will add their own, personal handwritten message to custom-designed postcards (which can be downloaded from the National Postal Museum website). Then, through the Jesuit Refugee Service/USA’s Any Refugee program, these postcard message of kindness will be mailed and delivered to a child in one of the many refugee populations that the JRS/USA serves around the globe.