Let It Snow, Let It Snow...

 This week, 6th grade English Learners explored a fun and creative project inspired by Temple Grandin’s book, Calling All Minds, —making paper snowflakes! Temple Grandin talks a lot about creativity, curiosity, and hands-on learning.  In the book,  she includes directions for several projects that students can do in hopes of inspiring their creativity.

Making paper snowflakes is not only fun but also good for your brain. First, it helps with fine motor skills—using your fingers to fold and cut the paper. This is great for developing coordination and control. It also teaches about symmetry. When the paper is folded and cut shapes into it, the designs repeat in a mirror image. 

This activity also helps with language learning. While we worked on our snowflakes, we talked about shapes, symmetry, and patterns. Words like "fold," "crease," "corner," "shapes" and "design" are important vocabulary words that we practiced. Additionally, coaching each other was a great way to practice speaking and listening in English! While making paper snowflakes might be old hat to many students, for children new to the country, it was their first time making paper snowflakes. It was fun to watch them open theirs up and see their creations.

Below are the directions that were given in the book. So, grab some paper and scissors, and let your imagination soar. As Temple Grandin shows us in Calling All Minds, simple tools like paper and scissors have been part of incredible inventions—and you might just create something amazing, too!