Lead them through a lesson on writing using a calligraphy brush or soft, pointed brush substitute, or if possible schedule a visit from a calligrapher, who could demonstrate and perhaps lead the students through the process of using a calligraphy brush.

The students then choose their most successful symbol from the two developed in the previous exercise.

Using a suitable brush and ink, dye or thin paint, students practice painting it onto newsprint.

When they become more confident, they can use cartridge paper. Remind them to apply the techniques they used in the calligraphy lesson/demonstration, such as lifting the brush after each stroke, varying the pressure on the brush when they make a stroke, so parts of the letter vary in thickness, and dipping the brush into the pigment between strokes when necessary, to recharge it with ink. They need to practice painting A5 versions of their symbol and to paint at least one good version at only 2cm tall.

*In preparation for task 7, have your students carefully cut out their best 2cm version of their symbol. Collect all of these symbols and combine them in rows on an A3 page, to create a "text". Make a class set at 100 percent and at 50 percent, or other, as desired, and retain for the students to use in task 7.