Through mixed-age collaboration, this two hours STEAM program aims to develop empathy and connectednessof the 1st greade 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 use 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 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. 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.

SPIRIT Skill Focus

• Valuing people and nature
• Connectedness
• Empathy
• Emotional awareness regulation and communication

Basic Information Sheet

Age group	Student number	Duration	Number of stages	Subjects connection and relevance
Mixed group 1st grade with support of 2/3rd grade in a mixed group	whole class in teams of 8 students	80 – 120 minutes	5 stages	Environmental Science and Literacy

This STEAM project sharpens emotional awareness as children use 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 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. 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.

National curriculum Link and Objectives

• Understand recycling as a way to reduce waste and protect the environment (paper cycle, reuse of fibres).
• Observe and describe the basic process of making recycled paper (pulping, forming sheets, removing water, drying).
• Practice expressive literacy: writing a structured message of gratitude using emotionally appropriate language.
• Strengthen vocabulary related to emotions and sustainability (e.g., gratitude, appreciate, recycle, pulp, care, protect).
• Collaborate in mixed-age teams, giving and receiving help respectfully.