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[Age 3] Simple summer origami ideas. A roundup of classic summer motifs.

Three-year-olds are getting better with their hands.

They’re starting to enjoy all kinds of origami, aren’t they? How about adults making some fun creations together with them? Here, we’ll introduce simple origami ideas perfect for summer, designed for three-year-olds.

There are lots of motifs kids love, like ice cream, bugs, and summer festival items.

We also recommend displaying the finished pieces or using them for pretend shop play.

Enjoy origami in different ways and make wonderful summer memories!

[Age 3] Simple summer origami ideas. A roundup of classic summer motifs (91–100)

Handmade uchiwa (Japanese handheld fan)

Uchiwa Fan Crafting: Handmade Summer Projects for Use in Preschools
Handmade uchiwa (Japanese handheld fan)

Let’s make a hand fan (uchiwa) to help beat the summer heat.

First, cut construction paper with scissors to create a fan-shaped template.

You’ll need two pieces, one for each side.

Next, draw patterns you want to put on the fan on another sheet of construction paper, then cut those out as well.

Fish, stars, or any motifs kids like are perfect.

After attaching the templates to the fan, fix the motif cutouts onto the templates with masking tape.

Paint over them with water-diluted paint to add color.

Once the paint is mostly dry, remove the motif cutouts and you’re done.

Keep the paint on the watery side; it’s easier to apply and the light tint gives a summery feel.

Goldfish you can make easily

How to Fold an Origami Goldfish: Easy Origami Folding How-To Video Series [ORIGAMing]
Goldfish you can make easily

Let’s make it with four folds of origami! Here’s an easy goldfish idea.

All you need is one sheet of origami paper in your favorite color and a pen.

It’s a simple method for making a goldfish! The charm is that the goldfish shape is complete after just four folds of a single sheet of paper.

Add eyes and patterns with a pen to make your goldfish more unique and appealing.

This idea is perfect for beginners, great for kids who feel unsure about origami, or for a quick activity in your spare time.

With just a few materials and an easy process, it’s a delightful project to finish quickly.

Easy-to-make fish

[Origami] Fish - Easy and cute way to fold, even toddlers can do it
Easy-to-make fish

Let’s fold a cute, square-shaped fish! First, fold the origami paper into a triangle twice to make creases, then open just one layer.

Fold the left and right corners up toward the top point of the triangle.

Next, fold the flappy part up slightly, and do the same with the lower flappy part, folding it up a little.

Flip it over, then fold the split flaps on the left and right diagonally upward, and fold the bottom corner down to create the fish’s tail.

Flip it over again, and you’re done! It would be fun to make lots of fish and set up an aquarium corner!

Shaved ice with two sheets of origami!

Fun to Tear! How to Make Summer Origami: Shaved Ice Origami (For Kids!) · Origami Shaved Ice
Shaved ice with two sheets of origami!

Strawberry, melon, lemon, Blue Hawaii.

When you eat shaved ice, it’s hard to decide which syrup to choose, isn’t it? Here we’ll introduce shaved ice made with two sheets of origami.

The first sheet makes the shaved ice, and the second makes the bowl.

Think of the syrup you want to “eat,” then choose the first sheet of origami accordingly.

The shaved ice part is relatively easy—you just fold along the lines.

The step where you tear the paper with your fingers to create a wavy edge is fun.

For the bowl, there are steps like opening and flattening the pouch-like part and tucking in folded sections, so it’s best if an adult helps out during those parts.

Fish with pectoral fins

Fish [Origami] Easy folding method for kids – Cute sea creature origami <How to make> | With a slow and careful audio guide
Fish with pectoral fins

It turns out just like a real fish! Let me share an idea for a fish with pectoral fins.

All you need is origami paper and colored pencils.

In the step that uses the thickness of the origami, you’ll need a bit of force when tucking the layered parts to the back.

Working on this step together with a parent or teacher will help you proceed safely and with confidence.

For the finishing touch, draw patterns and eyes with colored pencils to make it look even more realistic and improve the overall result.

You’re sure to feel the joy of creating your very own wonderful fish.

Yo-yo Fishing You Can Play

Easy Origami! Playable Yo-yo Fishing [Summer Festival Pretend Play] [Preschool Craft]
Yo-yo Fishing You Can Play

This is a yo-yo made out of origami.

You can enjoy the classic summer festival game of yo-yo fishing, so give it a try.

First, gather the corners of the paper toward the center to make a zabuton fold, then fold only the top corner back.

Fold all four corners inward, and slightly fold the top corner you just turned back downward.

Make small cuts with scissors on the left and right sides of the tip of the corner, then fold them inward to finish.

Draw patterns with a pen and decorate with stickers, then attach a string and a clip.

Enjoy yo-yo fishing with a rod that has a magnet on the end.

In conclusion

We introduced some simple summer origami ideas to try with three-year-olds. As they gradually get used to origami, working together with an adult to finish a piece helps spark their interest and curiosity. And it’s exciting to complete a creation of their very own. Cherish those “I did it!” moments and enjoy doing origami with your children.