Folding paper in preschool

Folding paper is a great way to help young children work on those fine motor skills as well as a way to give children guides for processes like writing, sorting, and counting.

This little one spent time coloring a picture this morning and when she was finished, she decided she wanted to fold it up and put it in her cubby.

I watched as she worked to fold her paper. She rolled and unrolled the paper…

She stacked, folded, rolled, unrolled, repositioned, and in the end her papers were folded or rolled in all sorts of directions.

I love to watch children as they naturally gravitate towards wanting to fold their papers. As this little girl continues to develop her skill she will be quite proficient at using the folding process as a way to extend learning.

Folded paper can be used in the learning process in others ways. I often teach the children how to fold paper to form four squares. Long edge to long edge and short edge to short edge.

Once the children finish folding their paper, they will now have four spaces designed by the folded creases of their paper.  We can use those four spaces for sorting, counting, and sequencing.

Another type of folding I like to use is to fold the paper into long lengths. Short edge to short edge once. Then folded again.

Now our paper has long four long spaces divided by the crease in our paper. We can also use these long spaces for activities such as writing, creating patterns, cutting, and counting.


Remember that when sorting, patterning, and counting, always start with simple concepts that are very clear. This pattern above would be more complex because it has many different shapes and colors but I am sharing it to give you the basic idea of how to use the folded paper.

Deborah J Stewart

Deborah J Stewart

Every time I think I know everything I need to know about teaching young children, God says, "Hold on a minute!" and gives me a new challenge.

Let me tell ya...

With each new challenge that you overcome, you will find yourself better equipped and more passionate about teaching young children.

God didn't call wimps to lead, teach, or care for His children. Nope, he has high expectations, so get ready. You will have to give your very best but after teaching for over 30 years, I can tell you that it is a wonderful and rewarding journey.

Whenever your calling feels hard, just remember, 'He who began a good work in you (and in the children you serve) will be faithful to complete it.'

Subscribe to My Newsletter

Latest Blog Posts

P is for Pizza!

While learning about the letter “P” we decided to explore with pizza! Pizza is an all-time favorite food for many preschoolers, and activities involving pizza

Read More »