Papermaking as independent work

Modern paper making is not much different from the techniques honed by the Ancient Chinese.

The Ancient Chinese made the first paper that resembles what we use today. They mixed hemp, bark, and rags. Then they mashed it into a pulp, squeeze all the excess water, and finally hung in the sun in sheets, to dry. In my classroom the children has been practiced paper making for a while, with wonderful results as Recycled paper booklet, greeting cards, posters, maps, etc.

There is an activity that children enjoy while doing paper making in independent way: Tearing papers

As one of the main steps in making paper is tearing used paper to use it later to make the new pulp. Children have the task to collect used paper in a basket and when they decide to make paper the first step is to tear enough paper to add in the blender.

What are the benefits of paper tearing activity?

Easy to set up, we just need a little basket to collect the paper and children tear the paper and fill half way the blender .

Refinement of tactile sensory perception, using fine motor strength to help the child to refine the tactile skill, improving his ability to hold the pencil in writing and pre-writing activities.