Paper Airplane Creations

Paper airplane construction develops fine motor skills, following directions, and introduces engineering concepts.

• Framework: EYFS
• Unit: EYFS Air Travel
• Learning area: Visual and Creative Arts
• Level: EYFS 3-4, Reception

Objectives

• Follow step-by-step folding instructions
• Develop fine motor precision
• Test and modify designs

Materials

• Paper of various sizes
• Crayons/markers for decorating
• Open space for flight testing

Instructions

Teach children to fold paper airplanes and test their flights, making modifications as needed.

Educator tip

Create a flight testing zone with a 'runway' and landing targets for children to aim at.

Assessment

Observe and note: ability to follow two-step instructions, use of new vocabulary in context, early problem-solving strategies, and sustained shared thinking episodes. Assess against Development Matters age-band expectations. Observe ability to follow directions, fine motor control in folding, and problem-solving during modifications.

More from EYFS Air Travel

• Painting in the Clouds
• Wind and Flight Exploration
• Parts of an Airplane
• Sink or Float: Airport Challenge
• Weather and Flying
• Helicopter Seeds Drop
• Airport Dramatic Play
• Counting Down to Takeoff