The Valentine’s Day cards made by Mr. Ellis Grade 5/6 class at Winlaw Elementary were not only handmade, but made completely from scratch, including the paper.
Right before the winter holidays, the Grade 5/6 students of Mr.Ellis’ class had the opportunity to make their own paper. After weeks of learning about the importance of reduce, reuse, recycle and exploring how all the “stuff” we own comes from the Earth, and this extraction has environmental impacts and how our choices matter. This portion of Beyond Recycling culminated in a hands on activity that allowed the students to see the making “stuff” (paper), while simultaneously recycling.
Rather than just learning about recycling, the students had the chance to experience it.
“That was so fun, I wish we could do it again!” one student shared as we wrapped up the activity.
Back in December, the classroom transformed into a mini paper factory. Students took on the role of “factory workers,” rotating through stations where they participated in every step of the papermaking process: ripping recycled paper into small pieces, blending it into pulp, pouring it into moulds, pressing out the water, and patiently waiting for it to dry.
At the time, the paper wasn’t quite ready to use for holiday projects. But sometimes good things take time.
When Valentine’s Day approached, the students were able to revisit the paper they had created months before. Instead of reaching for brand-new sheets, they chose to use something they had made themselves, something that once lived as scrap paper in their classroom.
Each card carried more than just a kind message. It carried the memory of the process. The teamwork. The learning. The reminder that we can create something beautiful from what might otherwise be thrown away. From torn scraps to heartfelt notes, these Valentine’s cards tell a quiet story: that small, thoughtful actions matter.