[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!
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[Childcare] A roundup of simple summer origami ideas to enjoy with 5-year-olds (111–120)
lantern
It’s nice to have an easy origami project you can make while spending time in your room, isn’t it? This time, we’re introducing a “lantern” that evokes summer festivals.
When folding the part that needs to be creased well and folded into a triangle, take your time and work slowly.
Once it’s finished, you can have fun by adding patterns or writing characters on it.
We also recommend making lots of them to decorate your room.
This origami is a great idea for five-year-olds who are getting good at fine motor tasks and will find it rewarding to tackle.
Give it a try!
Fluffy jellyfish
Want to make a cute jellyfish whose tentacles you can change? First, place the origami so the corners point up, down, left, and right, then fold it into triangles both vertically and horizontally.
Open it, then fold it into squares vertically and horizontally.
Open it again, and use the crease lines to collapse it into a square base.
Fold the bottom edges in to meet the center.
Next, fold the top corner down just a little.
Then open everything you just folded.
Make all the creases of the central square into mountain folds.
Push in the center square to sink it.
Fold the bottom corners on the front and back inward, then fold the left and right sides inward as well.
Once the tentacles are formed, tuck the lower corner of the cap (umbrella) section inside.
Snip the tentacles with scissors to shape their look, and you’re done! Try making it with adult assistance.
Cicada with perfectly round eyes
Some 5-year-olds may enjoy catching and observing cicadas, insects that are unique to summer.
Why not try making one together while recalling how cicadas look? The folding method is simple, based on a triangular shape.
For the wings, fold them slightly offset so there’s a gap in the center.
For the eyes, stick on paper circles punched with a craft punch.
You can also draw them directly with a pen.
It’s also recommended to turn your finished cicadas in various shapes into an art display by sticking them on the wall.
Cute crab
Here’s an introduction to a crab you can make with a single sheet of origami paper.
It has four legs and really captures a crab-like look.
First, make the creases and form a triangle.
It’s a bit tricky, so it’s best to take your time and guide children with calm instructions.
The key for the legs is to fold them with even spacing.
Once you make the eyes and attach them, it’s complete.
Some five-year-olds may have eaten or seen crabs before.
Encourage them to recall those experiences as you make it together.
Shaved ice with a spoon
On those scorching summer days when it’s too hot to play outside, how about making a cool and delicious-looking origami shaved ice? All you need are two sheets of origami paper: one for the “bowl” and one for the “ice.” For the “spoon,” use the paper leftover from cutting out the ice.
Fold it so that the syrup part shows in color.
The key is to freely cut with scissors to create the look of syrup.
Slip the ice and spoon into the pouch-like bowl to finish.
Since you don’t need glue, it’s an easy project to try.
Pop-style whale origami
Let’s fold a cute, pop-style whale with an adorable tail.
First, place the origami with the white side facing up and fold it in half horizontally.
Next, fold the right corner up to meet the top edge.
Fold the opposite side the same way along the crease.
Open it up, then invert the folds along the creases to tuck the paper inward.
Fold the right corner slightly upward.
Fold just the tip of the top layer downward, separate the attached layers, then reassemble them.
Tuck in the lower part of the tail so the front layer aligns neatly with the back layer.
Next, fold the left corner to meet the bottom-right corner.
Using the new crease, fold the left corner downward.
Then fold the back layer the same way along the same crease to the reverse side.
Shape the head, fold the tail upward, and you’re done.
Add a face with round stickers or draw details with colored pens.
Realistic soft-serve ice cream made with two sheets of origami paper
Here’s an origami soft-serve ice cream with a cute swirl.
First, fold the ice cream part into a triangle.
With the crease in the center, fold both sides inward.
Next, fold the top corner down.
Open everything once, fold the top corner first, then refold by bringing the left and right sides over from the top.
Fold the bottom corner up to the center of the top edge.
Open it, then fold up twice along the crease.
Turn it upside down, and fold the bottom edge up to meet the center crease.
Fold the bottom edge up to the center once more.
Flip it over, then fold so that the crease lines align with the top crease.
Neaten the top corner, then lightly fold the left and right sides.
Lightly fold multiple small corners, match it with an ice cream cone made from brown origami paper, and you’re done!