Origami for Kids: Hidden Benefits and How to Start
Origami, the ancient Japanese art of paper folding, has been a beloved pastime for centuries. It has gained popularity among children and adults alike for its ability to transform a simple piece of paper into a beautiful piece of art.
In this article, we will explore the benefits of origami for children, including how it can help those with ADHD, and provide a beginner’s guide to getting started with origami.
And my article about fun projects on a rainy day can give you more inspiration on how to pass the time when stuck inside.
What Is The Best Origami for Kids?
When selecting origami projects for children, consider the following criteria:
- Simplicity: Choose models with a limited number of steps and simple folds.
- Appeal: Select models that are visually appealing and interesting to the child, such as animals or objects they can play with.
- Size: Opt for models that use larger paper, as this can be easier for small hands to manipulate.
Examples of beginner-friendly origami models include:
- Animals: Simple animal models, such as a dog, cat, or fish, can be appealing and engaging for children.
- Objects: Everyday items like boats, hats, or boxes can be easy for children to create and play with.
- Decorative items: Stars, hearts, and flowers are fun to make and can be used to decorate a child’s room or given as gifts.
Five Easy Origami Examples for Beginners
The Jumping frog
A playful model that can actually jump when pressed on its back.
An Origami boat
A classic model that can float on water.
The Origami Butterfly
A delicate and beautiful model that can be used as decoration.
An Origami Fox
A cute and simple animal model.
The Origami Hat
A fun model that can be worn or used as decoration.
Benefits of Origami for Children
Origami offers numerous benefits for children, including the following:
Cognitive development: Origami can help children develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills as they follow step-by-step instructions and make decisions about how to fold the paper. It also helps to improve spatial awareness and understanding of geometric shapes.
Fine motor skills: As children manipulate the paper to create folds, they develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
Patience and focus: Origami requires concentration and attention to detail. Children must carefully follow the instructions and practice patience as they work through each step.
Creativity and self-expression: Origami allows children to express themselves through their creations. They can experiment with different designs and colors, giving them a sense of accomplishment and pride in their work.
Benefits for children with ADHD: Origami can be especially beneficial for children with ADHD. It can help improve their attention and concentration, reduce impulsivity, and provide a calming and mindful activity that promotes relaxation.
What Is The Most Famous Origami?
The crane is perhaps the most famous origami model, known for its elegant design and symbolic significance.
The crane represents peace, happiness, and longevity in Japanese culture. It is believed that if you fold 1,000 cranes, your wish will come true.
This belief has led to the tradition of folding cranes for special occasions, such as weddings and baby showers.
Starting with Origami: The 12 Basic Folds
Before diving into origami projects, it’s essential to learn the 12 basic folds that form the foundation of most models:
Valley fold: The paper is folded in a downward direction, forming a “V” shape.
Mountain fold: The paper is folded in an upward direction, forming an inverted “V” shape.
Petal fold: The paper is folded inward, bringing two opposite edges together and forming a triangular shape.
Rabbit ear fold: Two adjacent valley folds are made, and the paper is pinched together to form a “rabbit ear.”
Squash fold: A preliminary fold is made, and then the paper is flattened to create a square shape.
Reverse fold: The paper is pushed inwards, reversing a previously made fold.
Sink fold: A small section of the paper is pushed inwards, creating a pocket.
Pleat fold: The paper is folded in alternating mountain and valley folds, creating an accordion-like pattern.
Outside reverse fold: Similar to the reverse fold, but the paper is folded outwards.
Inside reverse fold: The paper is folded inwards, with the fold hidden inside the model.
Crimp fold: Two reverse folds are made simultaneously, creating a zigzag pattern.
Spread squash fold: A combination of a squash fold and a petal fold, the paper is opened and flattened to create a diamond shape.
The Easiest Origami Ever
The fortune teller, also known as the cootie catcher, is one of the easiest origami models for beginners. It consists of a simple series of valley and mountain folds and can be used to create a fun and interactive game.
Here is a step-by-step guide to creating a fortune teller:
Start with a square piece of paper, colored side facing down.
Fold the paper in half diagonally, creating a triangle. Unfold and repeat with the other diagonal.
Fold each corner of the paper to the center point, where the diagonal folds intersect.
Flip the paper over, keeping the folded corners in place.
Fold the new corners to the center point, just like in step 3.
Fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically, creating creases. Unfold after each fold.
Slip your fingers under the flaps on the colored side, and gently push the center up to create the fortune teller shape.
At What Age Can You Start Origami?
While there are no strict age guidelines for starting origami, children around the age of 3 to 5 may be ready to begin learning simple models.
When determining if a child is ready for origami consider factors such as their fine motor skills, attention span, and ability to follow instructions.
Adapt origami projects to suit the child’s age and skill level, starting with simple models and gradually progressing to more complex designs as they become more confident and skilled.
Conclusion
Origami is a wonderful activity that encourages creativity, learning, and family bonding. By introducing children to origami at a young age, you can help them develop valuable skills while fostering a lifelong love for this beautiful art form.
Whether you’re looking for a calming activity for a child with ADHD or simply seeking a fun and engaging pastime for the whole family, origami offers endless possibilities for enjoyment and growth. So, gather some (colorful) paper, explore the many delightful origami models available, and embark on a journey of creativity and imagination with your child.
