The kindergarten girls and I had a blast making paper! We learned a little about China, including pictures from the trip Mrs. Jones and I made to China a few years ago. Paper using pulp was first discovered in China!
So, the girls picked paper in many colors, from magazines, scraps, etc., and tore up the pieces. We took advantage of technology and used a blender to create our pulp. I reminded them that this was not the original way! One benefit of learning to make paper is that the girls will be ready to make margaritas at the next party their parents host. Quite a Hockadaisy skill!
Here is a student mid-puree with her paper, now becoming pulp.
The mixture is poured into the mold, and the girls mix it a little with their hands. The mold is then picked up and drained, then the girls spend a lot of time getting all the water out as well as compressing the paper fibers to make the paper!
A lot of squishing, but the love the outcome! Below are just two examples of the finished product. They practiced making several characters before selecting one to use on their handmade paper. They are merely copying the strokes as they see them, not in any official Chinese way!
We discussed the use of a chop, so most used red to put their name or initials at the bottom of the paper. That also helped me know which way was up! They did an awesome job! No fear of a new language when you are in kindergarten.
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