8 Easy Origami Projects for Kids (Free Printable Instructions)
There’s something magical about turning a simple square of paper into a number of different objects. While not all historians agree about the origins of origami, most believe it started in Japan during the sixth or seventh century. Origami, or the art of folding paper into 3D objects, reached Europe sometime in the 18th century. Now, it’s practiced by people of all ages around the globe. While many origami projects can be intricate and challenging, there are also plenty of easy origami projects for kids to try.
Ready to get started? Check out our favorite origami projects below, and be sure to download the free printable instructions so kids can easily follow along.
- Benefits of Origami
- Origami Tips
- Origami Supplies
- Easy Origami Animals
- More Easy Origami Projects for Kids
Benefits of Practicing Origami
Whether they’re creating easy origami animals, flowers, or a simple box, kids experience many educational benefits when practicing origami, such as:
- Focus
- Patience
- Attention skills
- Recall skills (when re-creating pieces from memory or teaching them to others)
- Hand-eye coordination
- Fine motor skills
Tips for Doing Origami With Kids
- First and foremost, have patience since origami can prove challenging even for adults!
- Try the model ahead of time so you’re able to comfortably demonstrate the steps.
- Print out any instructions or photos of the steps to have on hand while teaching kids.
- Have your kids next to you or behind you so they can copy the steps as you complete them. Remember that if they’re facing you, they’ll have to do everything on the opposite side.
- Begin with an easier project like a paper heart before moving on to something more complicated like a dragon.
- Have fun!
Origami Supplies
All you need is origami paper and some fine-tip markers to complete the easy origami projects below. Here are some supplies to get you started:
- Origami Paper (200 sheets, 20 colors) at Amazon
- Rainbow Origami Paper at Amazon
- Patterned Origami Paper at Amazon
- Crayola Classic Fine Line Markers at Amazon
Easy Origami Animals for Kids
Easy Origami Frog
Ready to save and print your free easy origami printable instructions for kids? Just click the button to fill out the form at the top of this page.
What are your favorite easy origami projects to do with kids? Come and share your ideas in our We Are Teachers HELPLINE group on Facebook.
Plus, get ideas for easy art projects for kids of all ages!
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