How can I create a work of calligraphy by writing Korean words?

Carefully written and positioned words create a work of calligraphy.

Students learn to write a few words in Korean han’gul script, then write them with a brush.

Handouts for Korean words with English pronunciation for numbers 1-10, grandfather, house; handout on han’gul writing system

The student creates calligraphy by writing Korean words with attention to elements of line and space.

The student:

1. Accurately wrote two Korean words, reproducing the number and direction of strokes in the diagram.
2. Wrote the words in alignment.
3. Used a single brushstroke to create each line of a character.
4. Wrote with consideration of space and placement on the page.

What the Teacher Does

1. Leads discussion of the Korean writing system, which employs symbols for syllables, using the handout. How is this different from the English alphabet? Discusses positioning of syllables and the change from the traditional vertical right-to-left orientation to the more recent horizontal left-to-right arrangement.
2. Directs students in completing the worksheet to identify a couple of syllables among the word examples given in the handouts.
3. Models stroke order and stroke direction for writing sample words.
4. Demonstrates folding paper into squares to practice writing sample words with a pencil.
5. Demonstrates using a brush to practice with paint or ink, making each stroke of a character with a single brushstroke, and picking up the brush to make the next line. On the dia-grams, each number represents one stroke; for example, the word four has six strokes.
6. For final piece, demonstrates how to consider placement without folding the paper, planning the spacing of words so that they are relatively the same size, in horizontal alignment, with space at the top and bottom of the paper. What happens if you don’t leave enough room?

What the Student Does

1. Practices writing several words in pencil.
2. Practices writing several words with a brush and black paint or ink.
3. Writes two words as a finished product, with attention to the relationship between the words, spacing, alignment, and placement on the page.

Performance-based assessment of student visual art work

Final page of calligraphy

Brush, calligraphy, line, space, positive and negative space, script, han’gul script

Student is aware of alternative writing systems (a syllabary) and art forms using a writing script (calligraphy and graphic design).