The Off the Shelf Festival of Words has always offered an extensive range of workshops, performances and graphic art displays to encourage children to read.

But this year it is plunging youngsters into new waters with a Chinese calligraphy writing morning - run in conjunction with the Confucius Institute - for children aged five and over.

Children can use calligraphy brushes to copy and learn Chinese symbols, characters, words and sayings at the event, which is designed to teach them about the origins and evolution of Chinese calligraphy.

The morning, to be held at Bartolome House, University of Sheffield, is free, but children under 11 must be accompanied by an adult.

And for young scientists there is also a Horrible Science Show on Tuesday 25 October at the Showroom Cinema, Sheffield, where presenter Nick Arnold will work his way through an array of rotten experiments and scary stories.

To order tickets for the Chinese Calligraphy Writing morning call the Confucius Institute on 0114 222 8447.

For more information about other events in the Off the Shelf festival, go to www.offtheshelf.org.uk

What else?

Try trixitat’s resource for an investigation into the origins of Chinese calligraphy.