Manipulating Paper Forms

National Curriculum Links

Art and Design—Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2):

• Pupils should be taught to:
  • use a range of materials creatively to design and make products (Art and Design Programmes of Study)
  • use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination
  • develop a wide range of art and design techniques in using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space

Statutory Statements Focused On:

• "Use a variety of materials creatively to design and make products."
• "Use drawing, painting and sculpture to develop and share their ideas, experiences and imagination."
• Develop fine motor skills in manipulating materials, supporting personal development and hand-eye coordination.

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Lesson Overview

Title: Manipulating Paper from 2D to 3D
Duration: 45 minutes
Class Size: 30 Year 1 students
Unit: Birds in 3D: Creative Sculptures (Lesson 3 of 6)
Artist Inspiration: Hoang Tien Quyet (origami artist, known for intricate paper folding)

In this lesson, students will explore how to transform flat, two-dimensional paper into three-dimensional forms by practising different manipulation techniques such as folding, tearing and crumpling. They will experience working with a variety of paper types (newsprint, sugar paper, cartridge paper) to understand how material properties affect texture and form.

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Learning Objectives (linked to National Curriculum)

By the end of the lesson, children will be able to:

1. Identify and demonstrate at least three different paper manipulation techniques (folding, tearing, crumpling).
2. Understand how paper can change from 2D to 3D forms through these processes.
3. Use basic tools and materials safely and independently to create 3D shapes.
4. Collaborate respectfully with peers during paired or group activities.

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Success Criteria

Students will successfully:

• Show three distinct techniques to manipulate paper (folding, tearing, crumpling).
• Create at least one simple 3D form (e.g., paper bird body or wing).
• Handle different paper types demonstrating awareness of texture and flexibility.
• Work cooperatively when required and talk about their work using simple art vocabulary.

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Resources

• Newsprint paper (large sheets)
• Sugar paper (various colours)
• Cartridge paper (thicker, white)
• Child-safe scissors
• Glue sticks
• Templates (bird shapes with fold lines) printed on cartridge paper for guidance
• Examples/images of Hoang Tien Quyet’s origami birds
• Visual step-by-step posters for folding, tearing, crumpling techniques
• Wet wipes and aprons for messy hands

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (10 minutes)

• Gather students on the carpet. Show images of Hoang Tien Quyet’s origami birds. Briefly discuss how paper can be folded and shaped to look like birds. Use simple language and encourage guesses about how flat paper becomes 3D.
• Recap prior knowledge from lessons 1 and 2 about birds and shapes.
• Show the three techniques: folding, tearing, and crumpling on different paper types. Model slowly while narrating.
• Explain success criteria clearly in child-friendly language using visual icons.

2. Guided Exploration (10 minutes)

• Hand out different papers to small groups (3-4 students).
• Demonstrate how to fold along template lines, tear softly along curves, and crumple with intention to create texture.
• Encourage children to try each technique and observe differences.
• Provide tailored support:
  • For children with fine motor difficulties, offer pre-folded or partially torn templates.
  • For children with Autism or ADHD, provide quiet individual workspaces or headphones and clear visual step-by-step instruction.
  • Allow peer buddies or adult support for those needing help.

3. Creative Construction (15 minutes)

• Pupils start creating their own bird parts using the techniques: folded wings, torn feathers, crumpled body shapes.
• Encourage experimentation and sharing ideas.
• Circulate to offer praise, help, and scaffold language for describing shapes and textures.
• Enable cooperative work: pairs can join pieces to build a simple sculpture. Templates can be used or set aside for children who invent freely.

Differentiation:

• Template use and adult support for those needing structure.
• For advanced learners: challenge them to combine techniques to create more complex bird structures (e.g., layered wings or articulated tails). They can also try refining folds like origami shapes or add patterns with crayons.

4. Reflection and Gallery Walk (10 minutes)

• Pupils place their paper bird sculptures on a display table.
• Conduct a gallery walk where students look at peers’ work, describe what techniques they see, and say what they like.
• Prompt with questions: "Can you find a torn feather?" "Whose bird has crumpled wings?" "What new shapes did you make today?"
• Teacher models positive feedback and helps students articulate their thoughts.

5. Plenary and Review (5 minutes)

• Gather whole class and recap: name and demonstrate again the three techniques.
• Ask children to show which one was their favourite and why.
• Reinforce success criteria verbally with the class ticking off the icons together.
• Briefly preview next lesson (assembling bird parts into 3D sculptures).

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Assessment Opportunities (Formative)

• Observation of children’s ability to manipulate paper using at least three techniques.
• Checklist for success criteria during creative construction phase.
• Listening to children’s use of vocabulary describing texture, technique and shape in paired or group discussions.
• Engagement and ability to work independently or with peers respectfully.

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Additional Notes

Supporting SEN & EAL:

• Use clear, simple language with visual supports and gestures.
• Provide additional adult help and peer buddies.
• Allow sensory breaks if needed.
• Use templates and step-by-step prompts to build confidence.

WOW Factor / Creativity Boost:

• Play soft traditional Vietnamese music (Hoang Tien Quyet’s culture) during creative work to give cultural background and mood.
• Show a time-lapse video of paper folding to inspire fascination with turning flat paper into art.
• Use a document camera or projector to display a close-up demonstration live so all children see the details of folds and tears.

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This lesson plan provides a richly scaffolded, sensory, and imaginative experience aligned with Year 1 statutory Art and Design objectives, catering sensitively to diverse learners and stretching advanced students within a 45-minute session.