An old box of dot matrix printer paper found collecting dust in a classroom closet.
This paper, its glory days having come and gone, became a simple box of scrap paper in my classroom last year. We use it to solve math problems. We use it to create thinking maps, a special type of graphic organize – comparing and contrasting, defining, determining cause and effect, plotting out sequences of story lines.
We also use it during Free Choice Friday at the coloring table. (Free Choice Friday consists of about 20 minutes of free play complete with centers of blocks – snapping, plain wooden, and colorful patter blocks – puzzles, mazes, and a science center basket, among other various and assorted activities.)
The paper is great! I love the paper and I am already mourning its inevitable end, but the kids immensely enjoy the holey ribbons adorning the two sides of the paper. The strips comes off in long flowing ribbons and it makes for great creative paper making arts and crafts.
One of my students made me a dot matrix paper bracelet which I proudly wore after work on my trip to the grocery store. As I pushed my cart up and down the aisles, I wondered if I was the only person in Phoenix, AZ to be so fashionable.
The boy who made it for me struggles with fine motor skills, and yet he had carefully colored this skinny, holey strip of paper. He presented it to me with pride in his voice. I love it – (Seahawk colors, great choice kiddo!)
It currently resides on my dresser next to the rest of my jewelry. Perhaps dot matrix printer paper jewelry will become a thing. Perhaps not. Either way I am happy to have it and will proudly wear it.
Shoes On The Wrong Feet 
Loveeeeee this😃
Thanks! 🙂
Wow, this paper was my whole childhood! I still remember a rainbow I drew for my grandma in about 1986, which proudly hung from its holey ribbon in her doorway for years. Glad to hear it’s still bringing pleasure to kids (and teachers)! xx
I love it so much (as do the kids). I asked my instructional assistance about looking into any wayward boxes of this paper that may have been forgotten in the school district warehouse. He made a few calls and just might have hooked me up with a supply. Seriously, I could be a kingpin of a vast and yet unheard of dot matrix paper black market. Only problem with that scenario is that apparently one can still buy the stuff at more reputable places, like Amazon, instead of a darkened street corner from the back of my child car seat cramped Subaru. Glad you have happy dot matrix paper memories!
how sweet!