Duration: 30 – 40 minutes
SPIRIT Skills:
- Valuing people and nature
- Connectedness
Brief Description:
Students rotate through paper making (pulp → mold/deckle → press → dry) and writing refinement. Older students mentor younger peers
How does this develop particular SPIRIT skills
- Develops valuing people & nature by turning waste paper into something useful and beautiful
- Builds connectedness through mixed-age teamwork, mentoring, shared roles, and helping hands
- Supports empathy and emotional communication by improving messages with care (choosing words that protect and uplift)
What do we want to achieve regarding SPIRIT skill development (student understanding and/or behaviour)?
As a result of this activity, students (will be able to/understand/do …):
- Valuing people and nature: explain how recycled paper reduces waste and supports Earth (in simple terms).
- Connectedness: collaborate in a station role (mixer, mold holder, sponge presser, dryer helper) and help someone succeed.
- Emotional awareness/communication: revise one part of their message to sound kinder, clearer, or more meaningful.
Academic/Curriculum Objective connection
Environmental science (recycling process, fibres + water) + literacy (revision).
Materials and tools needed for implementation
Paper scraps, pulping tools, tubs, mold/deckle, sponges, drying area; writing drafts.
Preparation notes
Pre-soak paper scraps if possible. Label station steps visually (1–2–3–4).
Guided Questions
- “Why is making paper from old paper good for Earth?”
- “What do you notice about the pulp—too thick or too watery?”
- “How can you make your message sound more caring and specific?”
Stage Debriefing Questions (Optional)
- “What surprised you about making paper?”
- “Did you change any words after thinking more?”
Tips and Tricks for dealing with stage challenges
- Challenge: Paper sheets tear when lifting.
Tip: Use a thicker pulp or a slower lift; support with a buddy’s hands. - Challenge: Waiting time at stations.
Tip: Give clear micro-tasks (wipe area, label sheet, add name tag, revise one sentence).