[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 (21–30)
It keeps spinning and won’t stop! Sunflower spinning top
A sunflower spinning top that’s not only for display but also fun to play with is sure to delight children! First, with yellow origami, aim to make two boat shapes.
From there, form diamonds at the four corners, then fold the newly formed central corners outward and the diamond corners inward to complete the sunflower petals.
For the sunflower’s center, first crease vertical and diagonal “X” lines, then fold three times toward the center from each of the four corners along those creases, and finally fold the gathered central corners outward.
Make the top’s spindle using a separate sheet of brown origami, fit each piece into the yellow petal origami, and you’re done! Put your finger in the center and spin it around to play.
Make It with Two Sheets! 3D Sunflower
Let’s make a sunflower using two sheets of origami paper.
Attach a yellow square sheet of origami paper to a brown sheet cut into quarters.
Fold each of the four corners toward the center.
Fold along the diagonal in half, then fold in half again, and gently squash-fold as you open it.
Repeat the same steps for the remaining sections.
While folding the creased parts downward, open them to form the base of the flower shape.
Finally, open it gently to finish your sunflower.
Give this cute, three-dimensional sunflower a try!
Four sunflowers
This is a “single-sheet connected origami” project where you make three sunflowers from one sheet of origami paper.
First, crease the yellow origami so it’s divided into 16 equal sections.
Fold it in half horizontally, then in half again, and again—this will easily create 16 equal divisions.
Do the same vertically to make 16 equal divisions in that direction as well.
Make cuts from the center of the paper out to the second crease in each direction, and cut the sheet into four sections.
From there, continue folding to complete the three flowers.
It’s lovely to write a message in the remaining one section.
Draw patterns on each sunflower to create your own original sunflowers!
How to fold a Hercules beetle (origami)
The Hercules beetle, whose name was cemented by the smash hit “New Beetle Champion Mushiking,” is said to be the largest in the world, with the biggest specimens reaching 180 mm.
At that size, it’s not just cool—it’s a little scary, right? Let’s try making a Hercules beetle that’s hugely popular with kids.
Prepare two sheets of paper: one gray and one yellow.
Fold along the diagonal, then fold both sides inward to meet the center line.
Next, fold that section diagonally… this part will be the head.
Take the yellow paper, fold it in half and then in half again to make a square, and from there fold a section diagonally to form the tail.
Finally, attach the body and the head to complete it.
Even without using large paper, it’ll still have an impressive presence.
Realistic male and female rhinoceros beetles
Do you know the difference between male and female rhinoceros beetles? The biggest difference is that males have impressive horns, while females don’t.
It can be fun to explore these differences while making male and female beetles.
Let’s try making the male’s horn and the female’s face using rectangular pieces of origami paper.
It’s also nice to craft together with your child while talking about how males and females differ.
Besides the horn and face, you can twist origami to make legs and focus on the finer details, allowing you to create a rhinoceros beetle that looks just like the real thing.
The hole punch is cute! Sunflower paper cutout
How about making sunflower kirigami out of origami paper? Kirigami is a fun craft that lets you enjoy the surprise and excitement when you unfold it.
Fold a sheet of yellow origami paper twice to make a square, and once more to make a triangle.
Fold it in half again, then use a pencil to draw the shapes and patterns of the petals.
Cut along the lines you drew with scissors, punch some holes with a hole punch, and then unfold it.
Thinking about what shape it will become as you cut—only to open it and find something completely different!—is one of the real pleasures of kirigami.
Be sure to add your favorite patterns and try making your very own original sunflower.
Paper-cut sunflower you can even make the leaves for!
With a single sheet of origami paper, you can make everything from the sunflower’s bloom to its stem and leaves! First, fold the paper in half vertically with the colored side facing inward.
Next, draw half of a sunflower—from the flower through the stem and leaves—on the paper.
Then simply cut along the lines you drew! By adding fine slits, you can show the border between the yellow petals and the brown center, as well as the veins on the leaves.
If you like, add facial features with round stickers to finish a cute sunflower!