SK108 has recently been engaged in a study of flight and aerodynamics...through paper airplanes! The students initially began making them during morning free choice time. Soon after, the teachers introduced a book about paper airplanes, featuring step-by-step instructions for creating various designs.

Over the following weeks, this paper airplane book served not only as a springboard for their study of flight but also fostered conversation, collaboration, and friendship, helping them practice numerous skills.

Early each morning, the students would consult the book and discuss which airplane they each planned to make that day. With a different design on each page, students often had to take turns (unless friends wanted to create the same airplane). While waiting, they offered encouragement and assistance. Sometimes the instructions were challenging, leading to collaboration, the use of spatial reasoning skills, perseverance, and communication, and more!

Later, those who were interested (which was most students on most days) would take their paper airplanes outside for recess. Throughout this time, they would throw the airplanes, analyzing flight patterns, trajectory, speed, and direction. They compared their designs, considering how differently shaped wings affected flight. They even held contests to see which airplanes would fly the farthest. This play also helped them develop various social-emotional skills.

The next day, when the book reappeared, they would reflect on the attributes of the airplanes they and their friends had used previously. This reflection informed their decisions about which design to create next, and the learning process continued!

We can learn so many different skills through child-led play!