Objectives

Students will become familiar with the history, importance, and styles of Arabic calligraphy. They will create a radial design that incorporates calligraphy, repetition, and bright colors.   

National Core Standards

Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding

Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work

Grades

6-8

Time Required

One 45-minute class period to create the initial segment. One additional partial lesson to assemble.

Materials

• Fan-shaped pieces of paper or cardstock
• Markers, crayons, and colored pencils
• Color-copier
• Tape
  

Lesson

1. To prepare, read this background about Arabic calligraphy:
   
   Importance: The Arabic language, the physical written words, are important to Muslims because the Qu’ran was originally revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century in Arabic. Not all calligraphy is religious, however. Other types of inscriptions include poems, praise for rulers, and aphorisms or proverbs.
   
   Development: A system of proportion was developed based on the width of the nib. Arabic script is always cursive, not printed in separate letters. Arabic is always written on a baseline, and read right to left. Calligraphers were among the most highly regarded artists in Islamic societies, and this remains the case in many places today.
   
   For more information on Arabic calligraphy, see the teacher resource provided by the Victoria & Albert Museum: http://www.vam.ac.uk/content/articles/c/calligraphy-in-islamic-art/
   
   
2. Students should begin with one fan-shaped segment, approximately 6 inches high. The segment is divided into thirds, vertically.
   
   
3. In the top section, students write their name in English. Bright colors work well.
   
   
4. In the middle section, students write their name in Arabic.
   
   
5. In the bottom section (by the point), students create a geometric design.
   
   
6. Color copy the design segment eight times. Tape these segments together to create a full circle, resulting in a colorful radial design.
   
   
7. For student examples and in-depth instructions, see Alejandra Chavez’s Art Lessons For Kids: http://artlessonsforkids.me/tag/arabic-calligraphy/