Through mixed-age collaboration, this two-hour STEAM program aims to develop empathy and connectedness of the 1st-grade students by collaborating with 2nd or 3rd grades during the intricate paper-making process. Papermaking with kids is a fun and creative activity that can be done with common household items! Making paper teaches children how one of our most commonly used materials — paper — is made, and it’s also a fun sensory project for kids of all ages. This STEAM project sharpens emotional awareness as children choose feeling words and draft a gratitude message that is kind, specific, and respectful. By identifying and solving “production problems”—such as sheets being too thin or too wet — students build resilience and practical problem-solving skills.

The age-mixed structure serves as a powerful “social laboratory” where older students refine their leadership and coaching skills, while younger students gain confidence through peer-led modelling and safe, respectful mentorship.

Brief description of the STEAM program

This STEAM project sharpens emotional awareness as children choose feeling words and draft a gratitude message that is kind, specific, and respectful. The station-rotation technique fosters self-regulation and responsibility, requiring teams to manage their own time, tools, and environmental cleanup. It encourages critical thinking by linking personal “inputs” (kind words) and environmental “inputs” (recycling) to their broader community impact.

Age group/ Grade	Student numbers	Duration	Number of stages	Subject(s)
1st grade with the support of 2/3rd grade in a mixed group	whole class in teams of 8 students	80 – 100 minutes	5 stages	environment sciences, visual arts, native language (emotional vocabulary), mathematics