Project Summary: Making Paper From Scratch

Overview:
We go through so much paper every day. This paper project was designed to engage students in a fun, hands-on sensory experience while fostering gratitude and appreciation for the classroom resources we often take for granted. I allocated more time than usual for this STEAM project to ensure students could fully immerse themselves in the process and to accommodate the extended cleanup afterward.

Event Details:

• Date: March 3, 2024

• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: Kids Connection, Monte Vista

• Format: A morning sensory project that extended into the early afternoon

Participation:
Eight of the fifteen enrolled students arrived on time and fully participated in the activity. Three additional staff members joined in to assist and engage with the students.

Community Contributions:
We received generous donations from our immediate downtown community, including:

• Recycled paper materials from the local craft store.

• Tools and workspace from the neighborhood wood shop.

• A blender and mesh screens from the Kids Connection directors.

• Milk containers donated by Kona Coffee.

• Frames and t-shirts contributed by two local consignment shops.

Projected Outcomes:

• Increased student awareness and respect for the origins of classroom materials.

• Stimulated sensory development and engagement through a hands-on, creative process.