Paper Magic

You will need:

• One 4”x6” index card
• scissors

Show students your index card and ask them if they think you can cut a hole in it big enough for one of them to climb through. Then ask for a volunteer to try it when you’re done!

Here’s what you do:

1. Fold your index card in half the “hot dog way”. 2. Make two cuts on the fold, as shown, one on each end, about ¼” from the edge, stopping about ¼” before you get to the loose edges.

3. Next, make alternating cuts, first from the loose edges, then from the folded edge, all the way down your card. The cuts should not be any closer together than about ¼” or any closer than ¼” to the edge of your paper. (The more cuts you make, the stretchier your shape will be, but it will also be more likely to break!) The most important thing to remember is to alternate your cuts, beginning and ending on the fold.

4. Finally, cut just a sliver of paper from the folded edge, in between your two very first cuts. (If this isn’t making sense, just look at the pictures!)

5.Now carefully unfold your card and stretch it out. You should have a large circle of paper, big enough to climb through!