Wingdings are a unique set of pictorial symbols that were created in the early 1990s and have since become an interesting part of the typographic landscape. They represent various computer-related concepts and objects, as well as some more obscure or whimsical symbols. Teaching about Wingdings can be a fun way to introduce students to the world of fonts, symbols, and visual communication.
Lesson 1: Introduction to Wingdings History and Purpose
Begin by providing a brief history of Wingdings and discussing their purpose. Explain that they were originally designed by Charles Bigelow and Kris Holmes as part of a suite of typefaces called Lucida, which was developed for Microsoft. Discuss how these symbols were intended as a playful way to enhance written communication in the digital age.
Lesson 2: Exploring the Wingdings Font Set
Provide students with access to the Wingdings font set or printed examples of the full Wingdings collection. Encourage students to explore the various symbols and try to decipher their meanings. This can be done individually or in small groups, depending on the class size.
Lesson 3: Using Wingdings in Creative Writing Exercises
Challenge students to incorporate Wingdings into their own creative writing projects. For example, they could write a short story or poem where each paragraph must include at least one Wingding symbol that helps convey the meaning or theme of that section.
Lesson 4: Designing Custom Wingdings
Invite students to design their own custom Wingdings based on their interests or current events, using basic illustration software or hand drawing techniques. This will help them understand the process behind creating these symbol fonts and also encourage creativity in visual communication.
Lesson 5: Discussing Alternate Uses for Wingdings
As a closing activity, lead a discussion about alternative uses for this unique font type, such as emoji predecessors, early online chat room communication, or even as elements in graphic design and advertising. Encourage students to share their thoughts on the lasting impact and potential future of Wingdings in our increasingly digital world.
In conclusion, teaching about Wingdings offers a unique and engaging approach to learning about typography and visual communication. Through exploration, creative writing exercises, and hands-on design projects, students can gain a deeper understanding of this fun and whimsical font set while also expanding their skills in digital communication.
