[Origami] Simple Origami Folding Ideas to Savor Spring with 5-Year-Olds
Origami is one of those activities that nurtures dexterity in the fingers and boosts concentration, positively supporting children’s healthy development.
By the time children are five, the range of things they can make with origami increases dramatically, so it’s great to incorporate an environment in childcare where they can freely create anytime.
Here, we’re sharing spring-themed origami ideas for five-year-olds.
We’ve included plenty of fun folding instructions featuring springtime flowers, insects, and seasonal foods.
Add little twists—like drawing on what you made or adding stickers—to expand the play, and make good use of these ideas for spring crafts.
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[Origami] Simple paper-folding ideas to enjoy spring with 5-year-olds (21–30)
pill bug
Pill bugs are popular with kids! Here’s an idea for making one with origami.
What you’ll need: gray or black origami paper, white round stickers, and a black pen.
Pill bugs like damp places, such as under stones or fallen leaves.
They’re probably quite familiar to children, aren’t they? The key folding point is the zigzag accordion fold, shifting the paper slightly as you go.
It helps to imagine the shape of a pill bug as you make it.
Give it a try!
Spinning pinwheel
Let’s make a beautiful, spinning pinwheel out of origami! You’ll need double-sided colored origami paper, a toothpick, a round-cut backing sheet, double-sided tape, glue, scissors, an awl, and a compass.
Pinwheels are also known as a seasonal word for spring, and kids are sure to be captivated by the fun of watching them spin! There are some detailed steps in the process, so it’s best to take your time and work on it when you have a relaxed schedule.
The colorful look will lift your spirits, too.
[Origami] Simple Origami Ideas to Savor Spring with 5-Year-Olds (31–40)
cabbage
The chubby look is so adorable! Let me show you a 3D spring cabbage craft idea.
All you need are two sheets of green origami paper and glue or double-sided tape.
This is a 3D cabbage project perfect for five-year-olds who feel flat crafts aren’t quite enough! The steps are simple, but folding layered origami requires some strength.
Also, turning the leaves into a 3D shape takes a bit of technique, so it’s best to work together with friends, a teacher, or a guardian.
Once you master the folding method, you’ll probably want to make it again and again!
randoseru (Japanese elementary school backpack)
Choosing colors is fun! Let me share a school-bag (randoseru) craft idea.
What you’ll need: two sheets of origami paper in your favorite colors or patterns, glue or double-sided tape, and scissors.
The randoseru is the trademark of elementary schoolers, and for a five-year-old it’s a coveted item! The charm of this idea is that you make the randoseru parts out of origami and then assemble them with glue.
You can make it in the color of your own randoseru, or mix and match colors and patterns to create an original randoseru you can’t buy anywhere—how fun is that!
three-colored dango
@hoikushi_bank Perfect for cherry-blossom viewing: origami dango!#Nursery school #Kindergarten Production Nursery School Practicum #Indoor Play Nursery teacher / Childcare worker Childcare studentOrigami#odango#Indoor Play
♬ 이 지금 – IU
Cute and 3D! Here’s an idea for making tri-colored dango out of origami.
You’ll need pink origami paper, white origami paper, light green origami paper, and bamboo skewers.
Spring is cherry blossom viewing season, but aren’t there many kids who prefer dango over flowers? This time, let’s make three-dimensional tri-colored dango.
There’s a trick to the step where you blow into it like a balloon to inflate it, so it’s best to work together with a teacher or guardian.
Give it a try!
turnip
Make it with a single sheet of origami! Let me introduce an idea for a turnip.
All you need is light green or green origami paper.
The colored side becomes the leaves and the white side becomes the turnip, so the charm is that you can make it with just one sheet! Key steps include opening a pocket made from the paper by inserting your finger, and folding and spreading the leaves at an angle.
By taking your time and focusing, you’ll enjoy a real sense of accomplishment when it’s finished.
It’s also recommended as an introduction to food education!
sakura mochi
Also recommended for Hina Matsuri crafts! Here’s an idea for making sakura mochi out of origami.
What you’ll need: light green origami paper, light pink origami paper, and glue or tape.
Sakura mochi is a traditional sweet—cute pink mochi wrapped in a salted cherry leaf—and many people enjoy it for Hina Matsuri.
The charm of this idea is that the steps are simple and easy to follow! You’ll likely see each child’s personality come through in the shape of their mochi.
Give it a try!