How to Teach Origami to Kids

Origami or paper folding can be a rewarding hobby for adults and children. Teaching this craft to kids can be somewhat challenging, unless you start with some simple designs. Even in Japan, where this craft started, most kids start out making very simple, yet useful paper objects. With practice, they gain the confidence to move on to designs that are more complicated.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Paper

1. Find out if your kids are interested in learning this craft. Show them some simple and advanced designs. Suggest that you try to make some together.
2. Use paper that is easy to fold and crease. Wrapping paper, new or used, is easy for kids to handle and it adds color to your origami project. It also helps to have several pre-cut sheets available for your project.
3. Make a very simple paper-folding project like a paper airplane or boat for your first project. Larger objects, created with less than five folds is less difficult for kids to master, initially.
4. Allow your kids to master the process of estimating measurements and matching folds, creases and joints, before moving to projects that are more complicated.
5. Visit the origami-instructions website, for more ideas and easy designs for kids. They also have links for origami supplies and information about the history of this popular craft.
6. Download intricate designs on the paperfolding website. Your kids can also learn the basic paper folding techniques here. Get authentic origami designs from recommended books and a wealth of websites that have information and diagrams for origami projects that range from simple animals to 3D projects and clocks that really tick.
7. Check craft and bookstores for origami kits. These kits make great presents for kids, after you have taught them additional books and basic origami skills.