Start children off with simple origami shapes like a tent.
There are endless objects and shapes you can make using the Japanese art of origami. The activity is particularly appropriate for children as it provides an opportunity for them to practice following instructions. It also produces shapes and objects they can use for play. For instance, you can make a tent out of origami and use it as part of a finger puppet play or other pretend play activities with children. The origami tent involves minimal folds so it is suitable for origami novices.
Instructions
1. Place the front side of the origami paper face down and fold the paper in half diagonally both ways. Do this by placing the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner and the top-right corner to the bottom-left corner.
2. Unfold the paper, and place the front side of the paper to face up. You will see crease lines running up from each corner to the center of the paper.
3. Fold the paper in half, and place the left side edge on the right side edge and unfold.
4. Hold the paper in your hand with the new crease line formed pointing left and right. Push in on the new crease line to help connect the opposite corners of the paper together. This creates a triangle shape.
5. Lift the top layer at the center of the bottom edge to touch the top of the triangle. Press down on the paper so that the rest of the edge lines up with the sides of the triangle and the corners sit at the bottom center. You will see the entrance of the tent.
6. Fold the center flaps back to form a small triangle on both sides that will appear as the entrance of the tent. Stand the tent upright and its ready for use.
Tags: crease line, entrance tent, front side, paper face, paper half, side edge