How to Make a Paper Schoolhouse

Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding and modern paper folding techniques and crafts use that old tradition with a modern twist. You can make just about anything these days by simply folding, creasing and cutting a single sheet of paper. From simple designs like this paper schoolhouse to more intricate designs like the origami cat, paper folding is a fun craft that just about anyone can do. This simple paper schoolhouse is a great craft for use in classrooms. It is also a unique way to assign seats or for use as name tags, among many other things. Here’s how to make a paper schoolhouse.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Markers
• Tape
• Scissors
• Flat surface

Instructions

1. 

   Fold a sheet of printer paper in half widthwise. Unfold and cut along crease line.

2. 

   Take one half of the cut sheet and fold in half lengthwise. Unfold and fold twice more to create marks at both the quarter and eighth marks (see the dotted red lines in Picture 2).

3. 

   Bring the center crease up to the eighth line mark and squash down. This is a called a mountain fold. Turn over.

4. 

   Fold the outside flaps of the top layer in about 1/2 inch. This will create tension on the center flap. You can release this tension by squash folding this flap to create two downward facing triangles.

5. 

   Fold the bottom in half so that it meets the bottom of the top flap.

6. 

   Diagonal fold the right and left corner of the small top square and the top left and right corners of the larger bottom square. Turn over.

Tips & Warnings

• Use clear tape to secure the folded edges on the back of the design, especially if you use these schoolhouse for name tags.

• Decorate with markers and colored pencils.

• Use construction paper or other colored craft paper for a ore interesting and unique design.