Origami For Children: Everything You Need To Know

Origami is the technique used to make figures through paper folding. Origami for children is an activity that has multiple benefits for their emotional and cognitive development.

Origami can be confused with origami. In a more careful definition, not all origami is origami. Origami does not support applying cuts or the use of glue, glue tapes or other elements that help to fix the paper.

Origami history

As we all know, it was the Chinese who invented paper. However, contrary to popular belief, origami originated in China in the 2nd century and from there, subsequently, it passed to Japan in the 6th century. After several centuries, in his fascinating travels Marco Polo brought origami to the West; however, the paper was not well received, as parchment was preferred. Finally, some time later, the use of paper finally prevailed.

A curious fact about origami is that it was the Spanish writer Miguel de Unamuno who introduced origami in Spain. And this thanks to the interest generated by making “paper bow ties”. From there it later went to South America.

At the beginning of the 20th century, origami for children was included in early childhood education programs. Little by little, it became an extremely popular practice.

Origami for kids has multiple benefits

The art of folding paper is ageless. Currently there are artists who are dedicated to building complex structures worthy of exhibition. In the case of children, this activity has multiple benefits:

• Stimulates the imagination. Children can create a whole world out of paper. They can create new shapes, invent folds, and experiment with always getting different results.

• Develop spatial skills. By trying to place the paper in the correct arrangement to make the figure, children better understand the notions of size (small and large) and the location of objects (above, below or to the side).

• Develop motor skills. The movements made in origami stimulate fine motor skills, later helping the child to write.

Skills and abilities are enhanced

• Improve craft skills. The constant practice of origami contributes to developing artistic skills.
• Increase attention. Making a paper figure encourages concentration and attention, important skills that the child will be able to take advantage of in the future.
• Cultivate patience. Getting to the ideal result may take several attempts, which helps the child develop tolerance for frustration. Thus, you will put perseverance into practice, because to achieve your goal you will have to insist.
• Strengthens memory. Remembering each of the steps to make a figure or the folds that are made during the process is an excellent mental exercise.
• Decrease stress. Children are distracted during the time they are doing the activity, forgetting any distressing thoughts, and may become relaxed.

• Provides emotional satisfaction. Each finished figure becomes an achievement for the child that increases his self-esteem.

Other activities that can be done from origami

Origami for children can lead to other educational and fun activities to enjoy both alone and as a family:

1. A hobby for life. Some children may be passionate about the art of folding paper to become artists or teachers.
2. Group activities. Although it is an individual activity, it can be done in groups guided by a counselor. This creates experiences to share and provides children with a common theme to talk about and relate to.
3. Plays. After making the figures, parents, teachers or counselors can encourage children to perform plays with the figures they have created.
4. Stories. As in the case of plays, children can create stories with their paper characters, improvising them or even writing them.

What is the ideal age to start?

Origami is an activity for any age, but it is necessary to adapt the difficulty to the age of the child. The little ones will need help from their parents and will make simpler figures while from the age of 5 they can begin to make figures with some complexity on their own.

Among the most common and simple designs are the boat and the sailor hat, two good options to start with. Of course, keep in mind that if too complicated shapes are tried at the beginning, the child could become frustrated. It is advisable to adapt to their abilities so that they can carry out the activity and have fun at the same time. 

Origami is such a versatile activity that it can be practiced at home as entertainment for the whole family. It is also ideal for classrooms and even as a recreational activity at children’s parties.