When you are teaching children about ancient forms of paper, you can make the lesson more exciting and interactive by putting together a project that is related to ancient paper. For example, make a papyrus scroll using a few materials that are readily available at any arts and crafts supply store. This also allows the kids to visually see what an ancient papyrus scroll may actually have looked like thousands of years ago.
Instructions
1. Cut a sheet of cream-colored craft paper using scissors to measure 12 by 18 inches.
2. Light a match and singe the edges of the paper rectangle. After three seconds, blow out the flames and allow the embers to burn out naturally. This will create an edge that looks weathered and ancient like papyrus.
3. Crumple up a piece of tissue paper and rub it around the singed edges using small, circular motions. This will spread around the carbonized edges to age the paper.
4. Crumple the paper between your hands over and over again to make the paper rumpled. Smooth out the rumpled paper on a tabletop.
5. Curl up the paper into a roll, starting at one of the short ends and rolling up the paper to the other short end to complete the papyrus scroll.
