The Japanese art of paper folding is not generally something that would spring to mind when searching for fun activities for kids. But how many other activities can you do with your kids that only require a square of paper. It is also an activity that caters for children and adults of all abilities.
Origami is a great activity to keep in mind for when inexpensive, quiet fun is required. Not only can kids have fun with this activity at home but, once they’ve learned a couple of models, they can show off their skills when out and about. Two examples might be when waiting at the doctor’s office or when visiting friends/relatives in hospital.
There are so many instances when bringing out a square of coloured paper to amuse the kids might be appropriate. Also it would have to be so much easier than carrying around small toys with you!
I have included some video links that show some easy origami examples which can be carried out by beginners. The first video is especially good for getting small children started.
How to Make a Dog
simplekidscrafts YouTube video: How to make a Cute Origami Dog
How to Make a Swan
guiainfantilUS YouTube video: How to Make a paper Swan, origami
How to Make a Frog that Hops!
guiainfantilUS YouTube video: Learn origami, make a paper Frog
Links with Animated Instructions
Some websites provide animated instructions for kids, showing how to fold the various models. The two website links shown below appear to be connected and provide animated instructions for kids as well as step-by-step instructions for beginners and intermediate users.
Instructions for Flowers
Bloom4Ever website: How to make origami paper flowers
My first attempt at an origami swan!
Instructions for Animals
origami-make.com website: How to make origami animals, Animated Instructions for Kids
Links with Printable Instructions
If you need to print out any folding instructions the next two websites provide printable instructions for various origami models in PDF format. Imagine taking a set of instructions plus some coloured squares of paper when next heading out with the kids to an important appointment. It would be so easy!
origami fun website: Printable Origami Instructions
Activity village website: Origami for Kids
Printable Origami Paper
If you haven’t got any origami paper or any standard coloured paper then the following website provides printable origami paper. You just select the paper colour or pattern that you like and then simply open or save the PDF and print out your square of paper. How easy is that!
This website also has step-by-step instructions for lots of models such as animals, flowers and shapes.
My azalea plant with a unique origami flower! HaHa
General Origami Info
I couldn’t do a post on origami without including the Origami Resource Centre website. This website has lots of information on everything origami including loads of diagrams and printable instructions.
Origami Resource Centre website
Modular origami
Finally I wanted to include a salute to the clever people out there that have taken origami to the next level! While searching for the above great links I came across the art of modular origami and was blown away by some of the models created using multiple pieces of paper. Check out the incredible models at the wesite below!
** For more great ideas for keeping the kids amused during the holidays check out –
Easy Activities for Kids That Will Keep Them Amused Without Breaking the Bank
The two frogs and a swan that we made!
Hi, I'm Kaylene, and I'm a keen gardener,budding baker and wannabe DIYer!
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