Creative Arts — Weaving

Subtopic: Plain paper

Paper weaving is making a pattern by putting paper strips over and under each other. We can make small mats, bookmarks or pictures. It is like plaiting but with flat paper.

• Old newspapers, magazine pages, or scrap paper
• Ruler, pencil, scissors (use child-safe scissors)
• Glue stick or tape
• Colour pens or crayons (to decorate)
• Adult helper (for cutting or safety)

1. Fold a paper in half (this makes the base stronger).
2. Draw and cut 6 long strips from another paper (about 2 cm wide).
3. Make a base: on the folded paper, draw and cut short slits (leave top and bottom joined).
4. Weave strips: push a strip over, under, over, under through the slits.
5. Push the strip to the top, then add the next strip starting under, over, under, over (alternate).
6. When full, glue the ends of strips on the back so they do not fall out.
7. Decorate your bookmark with drawings or stickers.

• Always cut with child-safe scissors and with an adult nearby.
• Use paper you found at home (recycle old newspaper and magazines).
• Keep your workspace clean — pick up small paper pieces and throw them in the bin.

• Make a colourful bookmark to keep your reading place.
• Make small coasters for cups — adults help with a glue layer.
• Make a card front with a woven square for a family member.

• Fine motor control — cutting and weaving strips.
• Pattern thinking — remembering over, under, over, under.
• Care for the environment — using old paper again.
• Creativity — choosing colours and decorating.

• Show once slowly: say "over" and "under" while weaving.
• Let the child try with wide strips first (easier to hold).
• Praise them — display their woven work in class or at home.