Paper

Paper is a versatile material to use in early childhood education. Although it is a processed material, it is sustainable. Paper can be found for free in the recycling bin, and businesses can donate unwanted office materials.

Paper can be used in STEM, visual arts, design and communication learning experiences. It makes a great loose part.

The educational benefits of paper include sensory awareness.

EYLF learning outcomes

Paper aligns with the Early Years Learning Framework as it is a material (4.4).

Learning experiences

Make things from paper

Children can use paper to make beads, boats, feathers, hats, or masks. Paper is used to make books, greeting cards, paper airplanes, paper chains, paper dolls or paper fans.

Scrunch paper balls

Teach children to make balls by scrunching paper or wrapping it in layers like it's done in pass the parcel. Can you make tiny balls the size of peas? Do you have enough scrap paper to make a giant ball?

Finally, use them to play a ball game.