When I was in the sixth grade, there was a girl from Japan in our class who was visiting her American cousins. Kyoko Miagawa spoke little English and was quite shy. Because of these blocks to communication, most of the kids avoided her. However, one day during art class, Kyoko showed us that she was quite fluent in a universal language. It turned out that this eleven-year-old girl was an expert in the ancient Japanese art of paper folding. Origami!
With the help of her cousin, Kyoko explained to us that in Japan, children learned Origami as early as kindergarten. Once a child learned a few of the simple basic folds, he or she would never run out of toys. With a little practice, even small children could create their own collection of fanciful figures such as goldfish, butterflies, children in kimonos, frogs, and flowers. Playtime In Japan often is devoted to the making of Origami figures, and then incorporating them in stories and plays.
Kyoko then taught the class how to fold a simple version of the classic Origami figure, the graceful flying Crane. This one has wings that flap when one pulls its tail! She patiently demonstrated each step, fold by fold. Soon there was a large flock in the room. She then showed us how to make a box, a boat, and an inflatable balloon!
I was fortunate to sit at the desk directly behind Kyoko’s. Sometimes during recess, she would teach me some other more complicated figures. These included the original flying Crane and an octopus. The Origami I learned that semester has stayed with me to this day, forty-seven years later. I have shared the joy of folding with my children and my grandchildren. My grandson can make a man sitting on a rock from one piece of paper.
Here is how to get your child started in this wonderful art form
99% of all Origami figures start out as a square piece of paper. Not all paper is suitable to the craft. Construction paper is too thick. Even computer printer paper. though it works with some forms, is too bulky when working on a small scale. The best choice for folding is real Japanese Origami paper which is readily available at or through any art supply store. It generally comes in packages that contain a large variety of sizes, colors and patterns. These fine papers are conveniently pre-cut, perfect squares. Bright solid colors are mixed with beautiful intricate designs. Quality starter packs are very reasonably priced. Most of these packages come with either a booklet or sheet of paper that contains easy step-by-step instructions for folding a variety of forms, from beginner to intermediate.
Your local public library usually has a few good books on Origami. Check the bookstores and the internet. One excellent book for beginners that I highly recommend is, “Origami: a Children’s Book.” by Irmgard Kneissler. ISBN# 0516092618.
Origami triggers children’s creativity. With just a few basic folds and forms, and a little practice, the possibilities are unlimited. Origami figures make wonderful holiday decorations. Origami boxes make gifts more personal. Origami flowers brighten rooms all year round.
Kids take pride in their figures. But most important of all, Origami teaches that art is a process that just happens to produce a finished product.
Origami is an art form that once learned, will stay with the child for the rest of his or her life.
