![[Childcare] A roundup of easy summer origami ideas to enjoy with 5-year-olds](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/oMNfSsPGw_Y/maxresdefault.webp)
[Childcare] A roundup of easy summer origami ideas to enjoy with 5-year-olds
As the number of hot days increases, children at daycare and kindergarten tend to spend more time playing indoors.
Here, we’ll introduce some simple origami perfect for summer that five-year-olds can enjoy.
Origami involves using the hands, which helps develop dexterity, and turning favorite things into shapes also nurtures thinking skills.
While playing, children can also learn the joy of cooperation.
Brainstorm ideas with your child and try making a variety of creations.
Spend a fun summer with the children using origami that brings a sense of coolness!
[Childcare] A roundup of simple summer origami ideas to enjoy with 5-year-olds (1–10)
turtle ornament
I’ll show you how to make a cute turtle with slow movements and a friendly look.
First, fold the origami paper into a triangle, then fold the bottom two corners up toward the top point.
Turn the paper upside down, fold the loose flap upward, and then open the corner outward to flatten.
Next, make a small cut with scissors only on the top layer so that the lower triangle is split in half, and open each section outward the same way as the upper part.
Finally, fold both side corners toward the center, fold the head back, and then fold the whole piece in half to finish.
Try drawing the turtle’s shell pattern and face to play with it!
cherry tomato
When you think of mini tomatoes, they’re a classic lunchbox side and a popular variety people often grow in pots at home.
Let’s try making these mini tomatoes with origami.
Since they’re small, first cut a sheet of origami paper into quarters with scissors.
The folding method is relatively simple, so you’ll be able to make mini tomatoes one after another.
Color the folded-back white side green with a felt-tip pen to finish.
It would be fun to make a bunch and stick them on a branch so they look like a cluster.
Give it a try!
A frog you can fold from a single sheet
Let’s make a cute frog that, although it looks complex, can be folded from a single sheet of origami.
As for how to make it, start by folding it the same way as a windmill up to the halfway point.
Since it’s made from just one sheet, the area around the frog’s eyes is a bit intricate, so please watch the video.
Once the frog’s body is complete, adding stickers for the eyes makes it extra cute.
It would also be fun to make several in different colors—not only light green, but also brown, dark green, and more.
I also recommend folding items like an umbrella, rain boots, and hydrangeas to create a wall decoration.
Round and cute knitted decoration
Let me introduce a cute, round paper-weave ornament.
Prepare round origami paper and scissors, and let’s get started.
Fold the round-cut origami and make slits in it.
Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Finally, open it slowly and shape it, then hang it with twine to finish.
Using glitter origami paper might make an even more sparkling Tanabata decoration.
Both square weave ornaments and round, softly curved ones are lovely! Give it a try with the kids.
Easy with kirigami! How to make a star
Simple with kirigami! Let’s show how to make a star.
Prepare one sheet of origami paper and start folding while making crease lines.
After folding, draw a guide line, then cut along the line with scissors.
When you open the paper, you’ll have a star with a hollow center.
If you apply glue to the tips of the star and stick them together, you’ll get a beautiful star that looks like the Milky Way—perfect for Tanabata decorations.
Try making them in different sizes and colors.
It’s also great to decorate by sticking them on wish strips (tanzaku) for an even more Tanabata-like touch.
Tanabata decorations that even children who struggle with crafts can make
We’d like to introduce simple Tanabata decorations that kids can make with excitement.
Many teachers are probably planning decorations for Tanabata on July 7 or for their preschool’s Tanabata party.
Depending on the children’s age and development, it’s also recommended to have them use glue and scissors as they create.
By sticking together circles cut from origami paper, you can make decorations with a cute, soft look.
There are many Tanabata decorations that children can enjoy making according to their age and growth, such as triangle chains, square chains, circle chains, and watermelon decorations.
Be sure to try making them with the kids!
watermelon lantern
https://www.tiktok.com/@chooobo2/video/7501292964560260359We’d love to use this for Tanabata decorations too! Here are some watermelon lantern ideas.
If you’re looking to add a touch of humor to your Tanabata décor, these watermelon lantern ideas are perfect for you! What you’ll need: red origami paper, green origami paper, a black pen, washi tape, regular tape, and string.
The outside uses green origami to depict the watermelon’s wavy rind pattern, while the inside represents the beautiful flesh and seeds.
By changing up the colors, you can even create a yellow-watermelon motif.