Paper Bag Making

Objective

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

• Identify materials used for paper bag making
• Follow the step-by- step instructions
• Measure and mark the paper accurately, if required
• Follow the step-by-step process of folding, gluing, and assembling a paper bag
• Attach handles securely and complete a functional paper bag
• Improve eye-hand coordination and fine motor skills
• Maintain a safe, clean, and well-organized workspace while working
• Develop vocational readiness and work habits

Note to the teacher: 
Adapt the objectives, level of assistance, and complexity of the task according to each student’s ability and learning needs. Provide additional visual and physical support wherever required.

Learning Outcome

Students will be able to:

• Identify tools and materials correctly
• Demonstrate proper use of materials and tools involved in paper bag making
• Complete a simple paper bag independently or with minimal assistance
• Demonstrate improved sequencing and fine motor coordination
• Understand the importance of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic bags
• Follow instructions and maintain an organized workspace

Materials Required:

• Newspaper, Chart paper, Brown paper, Handmade paper and Gift Wrapper
• Ruler and pencil
• Scissors
• Glue or adhesive
• Hole punch
• String, ribbon, jute rope or paper strips for handles
• Decorative (optional)
• Sample finished paper bag
• Step-by-step visual instruction cards
• Pre-cut templates (for students needing support)

Prior Knowledge

Students should already know:

• Basic folding skills
• Safe handling of scissors and glue
• Simple measuring and marking skills
• Following one-step or two-step instructions

Pre-Teach Vocabulary

• Crease
• Fold
• Measure
• Mark
• Glue
• Handle
• Edge
• Surface
• Overlap
• Vertical
• Horizontal
• Cylindrical
• Open ended
• Assemble
• Packaging
• Double-layer
• Rim
• Zigzag
• String
• Ribbon
• Paper Strip

Vocabulary with Picture Card: Paper Bags Making

Teaching-Learning Process

A. Introduction 

• Say: “Today we are going to learn how to make a paper bag”
• Show a finished paper bag to the class
• Ask questions such as “Have you seen paper bags in shops?”, “What can we carry in a paper bag?”
• Discuss where paper bags are used (shops, grocery stores, gift packing)
• Explain how paper bags help reduce plastic waste and protect the environment
• Use visual cards or learning cards to explain the steps

B. Preparation

• Arrange all materials in an organized manner
• Arrange students in pairs or small groups for peer assistance
• Display a sample paper bag
• Provide students with pre-cut or marked papers based on their ability level
• Demonstrate each step slowly before asking students to perform it
• Keep visual sequence cards accessible for reference

C. Procedure

• Give each student one sheet of paper
• Demonstrate the following steps:
  • Place the paper flat horizontally and cut it into the desired rectangle size (e.g., 24 × 38 cm)
  • Apply glue evenly along one vertical edge of the paper
  • Roll the paper into a cylindrical shape and paste the glued edge firmly onto the opposite side, ensuring a secure long, open-ended tube is formed
  • Fold up the bottom edge of the tube by about 5 to 6 cm to make a sharp crease
  • Open this folded bottom section and push the sides inward to form two triangular flaps
  • Fold the top and bottom triangular flaps of the base to make them overlap in the middle
  • Apply glue to the overlapping edges and press firmly to stick them together
  • Allow the glue to dry completely
  • Fold both vertical sides of the bag inward to create zigzag folds, allowing the bag to expand and maintain its shape
  • Fold the top opening of the bag inward by 3 to 4 cm to create a double-layered rim that prevents tearing when handles are attached
  • Use a hole puncher to make two evenly spaced holes at the top folded rim on both sides of the bag
  • Add handles using ribbon or string or jute rope or strip of folded paper (paper handle can be used for newspaper bag)
• Optional: Decorate the Bag
• Let the bag completely dry before use
• Encourage students to display their completed bags

Note: Adapt the steps according to the student’s ability and learning needs.

Suggested Variation in Rules and Pace

• Reduce the number of steps for beginners
• Provide pre-measured or pre-folded materials when required
• Increase the complexity by introducing different sizes and designs of bags
• Allow additional time for students who require a slower pace

Suggested Scaffolds for Assistance and Practice

• Use hand-over-hand assistance initially and gradually reduce support
• Provide visual sequence cards for each step
• Give verbal prompts and demonstrations when required
• Encourage peer assistance and cooperative learning
• Allow repeated practice to improve accuracy and independence

Suggested Alternative Tools or Adapted Materials

• Use child-safe scissors
• Provide thicker paper that is easier to handle
• Use glue sticks instead of liquid glue for better control
• Provide pre-marked folding lines or templates
• Use larger materials for students with fine motor difficulties

Safety Instructions

• Handle scissors carefully and use them only for the intended purpose
• Avoid excessive use of glue
• Keep the work area clean and free from clutter
• Wash hands after completing the activity
• Store tools safely after use

Video: Paper Bag with Gift Wrapper

ISL Video: Paper Bag with Gift Wrapper

Video: Paper Bag with Chart Paper

ISL Video: Paper Bag with Chart Paper

Video: Paper Bag with Brown/White Paper

ISL Video: Paper Bag with Brown/White Paper

Visual Schedule: Paper Bags Making

D.  Practice

Guided Practice

• The teacher demonstrates each step slowly and clearly
• Provide required supports to students during the activity
• Students follow visual cards while making the paper bag
• Immediate feedback and correction are provided

Peer Support

• Pair students to help each other in arranging materials, following steps, and checking the finished product
  • Encourage supportive peer learning

Independent Practice

• Students make a paper bag by following visual instructions with minimal assistance
• Encourage students to organize their materials and complete the task independently

Assessment

Assessment methods may include:

Observation Checklist

Teacher may also observe and assess the following:

• Ability to follow instructions
• Proper use of materials
• Completion of paper bag independently or with support
• Participation and engagement
• Fine motor coordination during folding and gluing

Life Skill Connection

Explain how the skill helps in real life:

• Encourages eco-friendly habits
• Develops vocational and employability skills
• Enhances fine motor and coordination skills
• Builds confidence and independence
• Can support small-scale income generation activities
• Promotes creativity and teamwork

Generalisation

• Encourage students to use paper bags at home and school
• Ask students to help family members pack lightweight items in paper bags
• Conduct exhibitions or sales activities using student-made bags
• Reinforce recycling and environmental awareness in daily life

Closure/Reflection

• Ask students: “What did you learn today?”
• Teacher reviews student’s work during the activity
• Students display their finished paper bag and share what they enjoyed
• Discuss the importance of reducing plastic use
• Appreciate students for participation, effort and creativity
• Encourage students to continue making paper bags at home

Teacher Resource Document