Origami is a Japanese word that means to "fold paper." It is an art form all by itself, and sometimes it is amazing what people can actually create with just a piece of paper. While many people debate the actual origins of the art, the oldest printed instructions were shown 1797 in a book entitled Hiden Senbazuru Orikata in 1797 [author unknown]. Ever since then, this art has grown in popularity.
Kids can learn this ancient art form by viewing some of these great websites for help. While these websites are not going to produce origami masters, it is a good place to start, especially for beginners. Plus kids will really enjoy doing some of these projects, as well as looking at what others have made.
Paper Folding
Paper Folding is a site that provides all sorts of information on origami, including history, diagrams, techniques, and pictures of the site author's work. It is very informative, and kids can learn why paper folding is so popular.
Scissor Craft
Scissor Craft is a website that is really good for younger children. It offers easy designs, including those that can be printed and cut out, with only a few simple folding steps. It helps young children try something new and fun, and feel a sense of accomplishment when the project is completed.
Origami.as
This is the site of Joseph Wu, who is considered an origami master. While it does offer a database of places to find origami instruction, the gallery and illustrations are the most important aspects of the website. It offers a great chance for kids to see what is possible through practice and dedication.
Happy Magpie
For the total fan of Star Wars, Happy Magpie is a unique site that combines origami and the fighters out of the Star Wars movies. It is a different take on the art. The site also offers instructions on making a:
- Complete train ensemble
- Dollar parrot
- Vulture
- Pterodactyl
This seems to be right up the alley of most boys. With a section on "Basics" the author of the website offers kids learning options to get really good at making origami figures of all shapes and sizes.
Whimsical Workshop
This is a great site that teaches the basics of origami in a two week course, but with the added benefits of mental balance, developing coordination skills and learning patience. While the course is taught in different schools, the basics are there and can provide a good starting point for some basic instruction.
Paper Eggs
Paper Eggs is a good site for children to learn how to fold some of the beginning shapes of origami. Small children, especially, will enjoy really turning the art into something worth showing off and displaying.
Tammy Yee
This is a great site for printable origami templates. The site updates with new shapes every so often, which is great for continuing the origami tradition. She has holiday origami as well as animals, airplanes, and multicultural projects. There are other games and crafts here, too.
Many of the sites listed here update weekly with new projects and new ideas. This gives kids an ongoing interest in origami, so be sure to check back often.
Origami is a great way to teach kids an ancient art, while instilling the pride that comes from a finished product. Patience, perseverance, and listening will all be improved during an origami exercise. It also teaches kids the importance of sequencing. Many times, it is difficult to explain to a child why something must be done in a specific order. Many of these projects will not work correctly if a step is skipped or gets out of order. So grab a piece of paper and give it a whirl.
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