Traditional Paper Making in Taiwan

Level C • Elementary Level • Source: Taiwan Cultural Heritage Bureau

People in Taiwan have been making paper for hundreds of years. Long ago, they learned this art from China. Today, some families still make paper by hand. It is a beautiful way to keep old traditions alive.

Paper makers use tree bark and bamboo to make paper. First, they cut the bark into small pieces. Then they put it in hot water. After that, they dry it in the sun. The process takes many days to finish.

Making paper is not easy. You need to learn from your parents or grandparents. It takes years to become good at it. Every step must be done carefully. One small mistake can ruin the whole paper.

Taiwan paper is very special. It is strong and lasts a long time. Artists like to use it for painting and writing. Some people make money by selling handmade paper to tourists and art shops.

Today, most people buy paper from stores. But a few families still make paper the old way. They want to keep this beautiful tradition alive for future children. You can see paper making at some museums in Taiwan.

Vocabulary Matching (Match each word with its meaning)

1. paper _____ a) thin white sheets for writing

2. art _____ a) drawing, painting, or beautiful work

3. families _____ a) parents, children, grandparents together

4. beautiful _____ a) very pretty and nice to look at

5. tree _____ a) a tall plant with leaves and branches

6. dry _____ a) to remove water; not wet

7. easy _____ a) not hard to do

8. learn _____ a) to study something new

9. special _____ a) different from others; not ordinary

10. make _____ a) to create or build something

True or False (Write T or F)

1. Taiwan learned paper making from Japan. ____

2. Paper makers use tree bark to make paper. ____

3. Making paper takes only one day. ____

4. Paper making is very easy to learn. ____

5. Taiwan paper is strong and lasts long. ____

6. Artists like to use handmade paper. ____

7. All families in Taiwan make paper now. ____

8. You can see paper making at museums. ____

9. Paper makers dry the bark in the sun. ____

Fill in the Blanks

Word Bank: paper, tree, beautiful, dry, special, families, make

1. People use _____________ bark to make paper in Taiwan.

2. Some _____________ still make paper by hand today.

3. After cutting the bark, they _____________ it in the sun.

4. Taiwan _____________ is very strong and lasts long.

5. This _____________ tradition has been alive for hundreds of years.

Reading Comprehension (Answer these questions)

1. Where did Taiwan learn paper making from?

_____________________________

2. What materials do paper makers use?

_____________________________

3. How long does the paper making process take?

_____________________________

4. Who uses handmade Taiwan paper?

_____________________________

5. Where can you see paper making today?

_____________________________

Discussion Questions

1. Would you like to learn how to make paper? Why?

_____________________________

2. Why is it important to keep old traditions alive?

_____________________________

3. What other traditional crafts do you know about?

_____________________________