About
There are tons of resources out there for older children, but not much for little pre-schoolers to start folding with. I have compiled something simple and fun so that they can make a start without getting overwhelmed. The last thing I wanted was leaving little children with the impression that origami is too hard and is for bigger children.
One thing I noticed with young children is that they don’t mind repetition, so I’ve collected a selection of a few basics and variations, so a child can repeat the familiar steps that they already tried. |
Benefits of origami
There are so many different types of learning happening when children are folding. Not only it is a fun activity for little ones, it also helps with their fine motor skills, which in turn will help with their writing skills when starting school. From applying pressure when they make a crease to gently opening up a pocket, origami is great exercise for those little fingers.
Learning maths while folding comes naturally as you go through the steps with children. “Place the origami like a diamond, then bring the bottom corner to the top corner and while holding a finger on the corners run another finger along the bottom to make a crease.” Children fold and open to find their diamond is now two triangles - the basic concepts of maths in context.
Colours: Most of an origami pack will come in a huge selection of colours, children love seeing all the different colours. They realise that there are several different shades of yellow and learn to use new words to differentiate each.
Lastly, creativity children will start creating all sorts of interesting animals or planes without any instructions. With their sense of humour and creativity they can make anything.
Learning maths while folding comes naturally as you go through the steps with children. “Place the origami like a diamond, then bring the bottom corner to the top corner and while holding a finger on the corners run another finger along the bottom to make a crease.” Children fold and open to find their diamond is now two triangles - the basic concepts of maths in context.
Colours: Most of an origami pack will come in a huge selection of colours, children love seeing all the different colours. They realise that there are several different shades of yellow and learn to use new words to differentiate each.
Lastly, creativity children will start creating all sorts of interesting animals or planes without any instructions. With their sense of humour and creativity they can make anything.