Origami Creations: Hands-On Learning Stations
The ancient art of origami has fascinated me for a long time. I love the beautiful origami creations that you can make with a simple piece of paper. Kids love making them as well. It's a great exercise in following directions, and a challenge to see if you can complete the task.
I'm focusing on Art this week in my 31+ Days of Hands-On Learning Stations series, and today is all about origami creations.
Start Simple with Origami
It's easy to look on Pinterest and find some incredible origami instructions out there that might just frustrate a beginner paper folder. Start with some basics of origami and work up to the harder things.
Origami Boats
Origami boats are simple to fold and easy to enjoy. First start by folding your paper boat. Try several designs to compare how they sail. Here's a boat without a sail or a cute boat with a sail. Once you have your boats, take them outside and try them in some water (we use our pool). If you don't have nearby water, fill the tub and test your boats. It is a great way to experiment with paper.
Bookmarks with Paper
Another great simple start with origami is making bookmarks. Check out these adorable penguin bookmarks made from paper:
Interactive Origami
There are quite a few versions of origami that create an object that kids can play with afterwards. Try some of these simple ideas:
- Jumping Frogs
- Cootie Catchers (there are tons of versions of these)
Origami Challenges
If you're looking for more of a challenge, make sure that you have the right materials first. Not all paper folds the same, so you'll want some good origami paper. There are also some fun papers that enhance your origami fun like Star Wars paper or Pokemon Origami.
Here are some other highly impressive tutorials that your kids might enjoy:
- Paper cranes - and you can read Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes with it!
- Paper flowers - these would make great gifts for grandmas!
- Origami Dresses - little fashion lovers would love folding these delicate little dresses.
Really, the options are endless with origami!
What are some of your favorite origami creations?
Check out more hands-on learning stations inspiration in my 31+ Days of Hands-On Learning series! Looking for more art ideas? Try some of these:
Betsy Strauss is an unexpected homeschooler, mother of three, who is in a relationship with a sweet man for life. She loves reading books, drinking coffee, and learning anything with her kids.