Introducing the Young Child to Folding
Designing and Presenting the First Folding Exercise
Apr 15, 2009 Carolyn Marie Choo
Folding is one of the life skills young children need to develop. The Montessori early years curriculum includes this skill under the area of Practical Life, which covers activities that help children to develop motor control and coordination, care for themselves and master the environment. These exercises allow them to carry out the daily routines and activities that they see others perform around them. Mastery of these activities helps young children to participate in family and school life and subsequently to adapt to their world.
Material Selection
When the child first tries his or her hand at folding, the right folding cloth must be used. Begin with a piece of square cloth, perhaps 12" by 12" in size. Felt is recommended, for example. Avoid materials that do not fold well like silk and satin which are flimsy and therefore less manageable. Linen on the other hand creases too much. Use also a self-coloured cloth as a patterned piece may be distracting.
A fold line is sewn on to the cloth as a guide, indicating to the child where the fold needs to be made. To make the line stand out, use a nice thick thread of a different colour from the material. The fold line on the first square felt is sewn diagonally across the material.
Position the Material
Present the activity at a table. Begin with the square felt already folded into a triangle. This gives the child a visual impression of what he or she is to achieve.
Orientate the material such the triangle is positioned with the hypotenuse parallel to the table edge closest to you. The triangle must be placed far in enough to ensure that there is sufficient space for the triangle to open up into a square when unfolded.
Unfolding into a Square
It is important that the steps be presented clearly so that the child can recreate the same movements. Indicate the apex of the triangle. Show the child how to pick up only the top corner of the cloth. Use your thumb and the next two fingers to do so. Gently lift and bring the corner towards you, opening up the triangle into a square.
It is recommended that the child be given another piece of material and invited to do the same. Remember to name the action as "unfolding".
Folding into a Triangle
Next show the child how to fold the square back into a triangle. Begin by indicating the fold line that the child folds over. Encourage the child to trace the line with the index and middle fingers, from one end to the other, from left to right. He or she will enjoy the feel of the running stitch.
Pick up the bottom corner of the felt with your thumb and the next two fingers. Bring the corner to the top corner, making sure that the corners meet perfectly. Use both hands to smoothen the triangle.
The child is invited to do the same with his or her material. Voila! The child has made his or her first fold. The child is encouraged to continue to practise unfolding and folding.
Child's Readiness
It is important to note the skills that the child must have to attempt this activity. These will include hand-eye coordination, wrist flexibility and finger strength.
In short, a clear demonstration together with the right material will ensure a good chance of success when the child learns to fold and unfold. This will boost the child’s confidence and the child will want to continue to build on this skill.
Folding Develops Fine Motor Skills
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Silk, Not Recommended for Early Folding Activities
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