Origami Patterns for Children

From LoveToKnow Origami

Spark interest in paper crafts by finding origami patterns for children that kids can use to make simple origami projects.

Fun Patterns for Kids

The best way to get children interested in origami is to find a pattern that relates to something they already enjoy. By creating a connection between making origami things and their hobbies, they will be more inclined to practice origami skills.

Get ideas for patterns from the types of movies your child enjoys to his favorite animal to her favorite toy. Origami patterns for children include:

  • Airplanes
  • Boats
  • Hats
  • Pinwheels
  • Rings
  • Fortune teller
  • Holiday figures, such as Easter baskets and Christmas wreaths
  • Pets

Origami for kids not only is fun for both the adult and child involved, but also can foster hand-eye coordination and enhance mathematical skills. Choose patterns that are appealing to a youngster and will motivate him or her to continue origami.

Find Origami Patterns for Children

Although some patterns can be extremely difficult for even adults to create, plenty are simple enough for kids. Patterns are both online and in books. Kids who have a hard time learning origami from a diagram or book may find it easier if an experienced origami folder creates the project with them the first time or two.

Once children have mastered designs created for children, they can move onto making basic origami creations found in adult books. Encourage them to try to make their own patterns and figures using the skills they have gained.

Online Resources

Get patterns for children from online resources. Look for online origami diagrams that have between five and ten folds total, with clear photographs and simple language. Origami websites often have sections devoted to patterns for kids. In fact, even some teaching websites offer arts and crafts activities like EnchantedLearning.com’s Origami KinderCrafts page.

Books

Instead of searching the adult non-fiction section of the library, look for origami patterns in craft books in the children’s section. Some books to consider checking out or purchasing include:

An origami kit is a good way to get everything you need all in one set. It is good for gift giving and is often economical, too. Look for kits with papers, patterns and accessories all in one. The Origami Fun Kit for Beginners is one such kit. Even though it is not necessarily aimed at children, many of the patterns are basic enough even for youngsters to fold.

Teaching Kids Origami

While finding origami patterns for children will aide you in teaching kids origami, they are not the only thing you should do to encourage kids to paper fold. Even though you may be tempted to teach kids origami facts right off the bat, skip the overly long lessons and go straight to the folding. If children are genuinely interested, they will pick up facts as they learn.

Other tips to help kids learn origami include:

  • Allow kids to pick out their own paper designs, like fun animal prints or camouflage patterns.
  • In the very beginning, skip teaching children special folds or bases. Let them get started with a few simple projects before covering these topics.
  • Let children use paint, markers, pipe cleaners and other accessories to decorate their creations. Kids are not as concerned with whether or not their origami is pure, but how much fun it was to make the object.
  • Kids learn at their own pace, so do not be overzealous in your expectations of their origami skills. It can take time for anyone to master folding paper, let alone a four or eight year old.

If your child shows a lot of interest in making origami, you can sign him or her up for workshops. Look for workshops at local arts and crafts stores, home improvement stores and even bookstores. Local libraries and recreation centers may also offer occasional classes geared towards teaching children how to make origami patterns.

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