Rolling Paper

7 months ago · Updated 7 months ago

The Montessori activity of Rolling Paper is a key part of the Practical Life curriculum, specifically within the control of movements, providing a practical, hands-on approach to early childhood development.

Benefits of Montessori Rolling Paper

Montessori Principles of Rolling Paper

How to Present the Rolling Paper activity

Child smiling while rolling paper in Montessori Rolling Paper activity. — This activity helps children develop and refine their fine motor skills by encouraging precise movements of the fingers and hands as they roll the paper.

📏 Range Age: 2.5 - 6 years (activity should be adjusted based on the child's age and skill level).

🧠 Prerequisites: Practical Life Activities (Folding Cloth, Rolling and Unrolling a Mat), Language Activities (vocabulary building activities for materials and actions involved in handling paper), Cognitive Activities (understanding of care and storage of materials, spatial awareness)
🛠️ Enhancement Skills: Practical Life Skills (developing coordination and care in handling large items), Cognitive Development (planning and execution of paper setup), Fine Motor Skills (precise movements to unroll and cut paper without tearing).

This article explores the importance of this activity in the Montessori environment and offers guidance on how to effectively integrate it into your child's learning experience at home.

Content

What is Rolling Easel Paper?
Benefits of Rolling Easel Paper
Purpose of Rolling Easel Paper
Direct Aim
Indirect Aim
Control of Error
Point of Interest
How to Present the Montessori Rolling Paper activity?
References

What is Rolling Easel Paper?

In Montessori classrooms, Rolling Easel Paper involves the task of rolling paper onto an easel for use in drawing or painting activities.

This simple yet fundamental activity is designed to help children develop their fine motor skills and learn to handle materials with care, providing a clear and structured way to engage with creative tools.

Benefits of Rolling Easel Paper

Introducing children to the Rolling Easel Paper activity offers multiple developmental benefits:

🖐️ Enhanced Fine Motor Skills: Manipulating the paper and rolling it neatly requires precise hand movements that strengthen fine motor skills.
🎨 Preparation for Artistic Activities: Preparing the easel promotes independence and readiness for subsequent creative tasks.
🔄 Encourages Task Completion: Completing the setup of the easel gives children a sense of accomplishment and responsibility.
👁️ Develops Visual and Spatial Awareness: Aligning the paper correctly involves visual judgment and spatial reasoning.
🛠️ Promotes Organizational Skills: Managing and storing art materials effectively helps develop organizational capabilities.

Purpose of Rolling Easel Paper

The primary purpose of this activity within the Montessori framework is to assist in developing practical life skills that underpin artistic and creative expressions in young children.

Direct Aim

The direct aim of Rolling Easel Paper is to enhance fine motor control and preparation for creative expression. This activity helps children develop the dexterity and coordination needed to handle and roll easel paper, an essential skill for various artistic and educational tasks.

Indirect Aim

Indirect benefits of this activity include fostering concentration, independence, and self-regulation as children prepare their environment for artistic activities. Managing the easel paper not only prepares them for writing but also enhances their ability to focus and manage tasks independently, vital for their overall educational development.

Control of Error

The ability to roll the paper evenly and smoothly onto the easel serves as a control of error in this activity. When the easel paper is uneven, loose, or wrinkled, or if it is rolled lengthwise with a loose rubber band, children can self-assess and adjust their technique. This process promotes self-correction and precision in handling materials.

Point of Interest

The transformation of a simple roll of paper into a ready canvas for artwork forms a significant point of interest in this activity. Observing the easel paper edges become even, the paper surface smooth, the rubber band perfectly centered, and noticing the way their wrists twist during the process, keeps children engaged and excited about the creative possibilities that await once the setup is complete.

Girl carefully rolling a sheet of paper in a Montessori Practical Life activity. — Rolling paper requires children to pay close attention to detail, which helps in cultivating their ability to focus and maintain concentration over extended periods.

How to Present the Montessori Rolling Paper activity?

Rolling Paper - Handling the Paper Roll: Initially, children are taught how to handle the paper roll correctly, including how to carry it without tearing or crumpling the paper.

Materials

One piece of easel paper, providing a large, blank canvas for drawing, painting, or other creative activities.
One rubber band, used to secure the easel paper roll, ensuring it stays neatly rolled and manageable for handling and storage.

The following instructions are montessori presentarion of Rolling Easel Paper - Handling the Paper Roll:

Presentation

Invite the Child: Approach a child or group of children and introduce the activity, explaining that they will learn how to handle and roll easel paper.
Gather Materials: Walk together to the storage area and select a piece of easel paper and a rubber band.
Prepare the Workspace: Place the easel paper in front of you on the table, positioning the rubber band to the left side of the workspace.
Begin Rolling the Paper: Using the fingertips of both hands, begin to tightly roll the paper upward and away from your body, starting from the bottom edge.
Release with Dominant Hand: Temporarily let go of the paper with your dominant hand to maintain the roll’s tension.
Pick Up Rubber Band: With your dominant hand, pick up the rubber band while maintaining the roll with your non-dominant hand.
Secure the Paper: Stretch the rubber band and slide it over the end of the rolled-up paper.
Adjust the Rubber Band: Use both hands to carefully move the rubber band to the middle of the roll, ensuring it is secure and tight.
Utilize the Rolled Paper: Carry the rolled-up paper to the art area and encourage the child to make a drawing on it.
Re-roll the Paper: After the drawing activity, show the child how to roll the paper back up tightly.
Secure the Roll Again: Reapply the rubber band to keep the paper rolled for storage.
Clean Up: Assist the child in returning the rolled paper and any other materials to their proper places.
Invite Participation: Encourage another child to participate in the activity, fostering independence and peer learning.

Vocabulary

Paper Roll - "This is the paper roll."
Easel - "We use this easel for painting and drawing."
Unroll - "Unroll the paper from the roll."
Roll Up - "Roll up the paper when you are finished."
Tear - "Tear the paper along the edge."
Hold - "Hold the paper steady."
Smooth Out - "Smooth out the paper on the easel."
Clip - "Use these clips to hold the paper."
Edge - "Hold the edge of the paper."

Progressive Extensions

Unrolling the Paper: The basic task of unrolling the paper from the roll onto a flat surface is introduced. Children learn to control the unroll, ensuring the paper lays flat and is aligned properly.
Cutting the Paper: Once the paper is unrolled, children are shown how to measure and cut the paper cleanly using safety scissors or a paper cutter, depending on their age and skill level.
Rerolling the Paper: Children practice rolling the paper back onto the roll. This requires them to maintain tension on the paper to avoid wrinkles and ensure the roll is tight and neat.
Using the Paper for Projects: In more advanced stages, children use the paper for various projects, which might include drawing, painting, or creating a collage. This integrates their skills in rolling and cutting the paper with their creative expression.
Storing and Organizing Materials: The final stage involves teaching children how to store the paper roll and other materials properly, emphasizing organization and care for materials.

Variations & Extentions

Variations

Incorporate different types and sizes of paper to provide the child with various rolling experiences, such as thicker poster paper or thinner tracing paper.
Challenge the child to roll the paper in different directions or starting from different edges to develop spatial awareness and dexterity.

Extension

Introduce decorative elements such as stickers or stamps that the child can apply to the paper before rolling, making the activity more engaging and creative.
Extend the activity to include cutting the paper into strips with safety scissors before rolling, enhancing fine motor skills and coordination.

Recommendations

Ensure the rubber band is appropriate for the child's finger strength and size of the paper to avoid frustration.
Demonstrate the activity in a clear and step-by-step manner, ensuring each child understands the process before inviting them to try.
Use this activity as an opportunity to discuss concepts like 'tight' and 'loose', enhancing the child’s understanding of physical properties.
Consider using a tube instead of a rubber band for larger or more delicate papers to prevent creasing and to simplify handling for younger children.

References

Montessori, M. (1972). The Secret of Childhood. New York: Ballantine Books. pp. 105-120.
Lillard, A. S. (2005). Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius. New York: Oxford University Press. pp. 95-110.
Education Blog - Rasmussen College
Montessori Education Programs - Montessori Academy

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Chris Palomino

Hi! I'm Chris Palomino, a B.S. in Psychology, and a mother of a precious one-year-old girl. Over the past eight years, I've been guiding children, particularly those aged 3 to 6 facing developmental and learning challenges, with a special focus on autism and ADHD.