Written by Pavithra Murugan
Children really enjoy it when they make something that they can put to use on a daily basis or gift to their parents. Activities like making paper bags can be a real treat for kids since they'll be able to take home what they make. Further, this activity can equip them in different forms of paper folds, and impart the knowledge that there's so much opportunity to create even with simple materials like paper.
Jump to Instructions
Time Needed:
30 minutes
Materials Required:
Old newspaper
Glue
Ruler
Thick rope or old shoelaces (for handle)
Compass
Pencil
Concept(s) Taught:
Paper folds | Reduce, Reuse, Recycle ('3R's)
Skill(s) Focussed:
Frugal Innovation
Aligned Profession(s):
Craftsperson | Origami Artist
Instruction Video:
Special Instructions for Teachers:
Enhance creativity by decorating the bags:
Children can use coloured paper to make the bags and gift it to their family or friends. They can even make other decorative materials like paper flowers, butterflies, ribbons or other origami to further beautify the bags. But since this activity is focussed on frugal innovation, ensure that children do not waste resources.
Go for quantity:
Ask children to make as many bags as possible so that they can put it to use for themselves, their home, and circulate it as gifts for all their loved ones.
Encourage kids to find ways to make stronger bags:
While this bag can be used for lightweights, encourage kids to come up with designs for stronger bags that can carry heavier weights. For example, bags with a cardboard base or stronger handles.
Reinforce the importance of upcycling:
The best part about this activity is that something useful can be made with old newspapers. Ensure that children understand the importance of frugality in makerspaces, and ask them to think of other creations with waste materials.
Ensure paper is not wasted:
Since this activity is done with old newspapers, children might take it for granted and waste the newspaper. Make sure just the right amount for each bag is distributed to the children.
Have fun making and share the works of your students with the hashtag #projectprayogshala to get featured!