Main Index Page

Last updated 5/11/2024

x

This page is being used to collect information about the type of paper that was used for folding activities within the kindegarten and elementary classes at various dates in various places. Please contact me if you know any of this information is incorrect or if you have any other information that should be added. Thank you.

**********

1875

In the second edition of 'Praktischer Wegweiser fur den Unterricht in der Elementarklasse' (Practical Guide for Teaching in the Elementary Class) by Anton Fruhwirth, Alois Fellner and Georg Ernst, which was first published by A Pichler's Witwe & Sohn in Vienna in 1875, the Preface states that folding is done from squares and explains how to obtain them individually from oblongs. For beginners stiff paper (writing paper) is recommended but 'Later tissue paper in various colours is preferred.'

**********

Similarly in 'Die Formenarbeiten: Part 3: Das Falten' by Alois Fellner, which was published by Verlag von A. Pichler's Witwe & Sohn in Vienna in 1875, the Introduction recommends that, roughly translated: 'As a teaching aid (for the teacher) a square shaped sheet made of two-colored paper with a side length of approximately 3-4 dm is necessary. As a learning aid (for students) square-shaped sheets made of fine tissue paper or stiff, two-coloured paper with a side length of approximately 1 dm are used.' (Note that 1dm is 10cms)

and

'Tissue paper sheets are better suited for school use than the others because they present students with less difficulty when folding, and, when held as finished shapes against the light, show the details of the folded shapes so clearly that even weak students can grasp the graphic representation.'

**********

1879

In 'Paedagogische Bibliotheek VI: Frobel' by J Versluys, which was published by W Versluys in Groningen in 1879, the author says: 'When folding, a square piece of paper is used as a base, which can be white or coloured or printed or previously written on.'

**********

1889

An article entitled 'The Kindergarten: XVIII' and subtitled 'The Sixth Occupation: The Surface: Paper Folding' by Anna W Barnard was published in the issue of 'The Ladies Home Journal' for January 1889 begins with a clear explanation of the difference between 'coated' and 'engine-colored' papers:

**********