[For 4-5-year-olds] Folding is fun! A collection of January origami ideas to enjoy with preschoolers
The article I’d like to introduce features January origami to enjoy with preschoolers (middle year).
Since it’s January, there are ideas like mittens and snowmen—things children already know—but there might also be ideas they’ve never seen or heard of.
In those cases, it could be fun to look them up in an illustrated guide or read a book to learn more.
After deepening their understanding, trying to fold the origami can reveal a whole new kind of enjoyment! Let’s spark the curiosity and interest of middle-year preschoolers while having fun with origami!
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[Age 4–5] Folding is fun! A collection of January origami ideas to enjoy with preschoolers (11–20)
Kadomatsu

Here’s how to fold a kadomatsu—perfect for January—using a single sheet of origami paper.
First, fold the green origami paper into a triangle twice, then open it once.
Fold both corners to the center crease.
Flip it over and fold both edges to the center line so that the tips stick out.
Flip it over again and fold both edges to the center line.
Flip it once more, open both corners, and fold along both creases so they align with the center line.
Flatten-fold both corners, then fold the inner corners along the lines to set the creases as you go.
Fold down the two top corners you’ve just made.
Finally, fold the protruding corners and the top corner into the shape of a kadomatsu—and you’re done!
Easy! Origami Snowman

This is an origami snowman you can make with simple steps.
Choose the color of your origami paper based on the hat you want the snowman to wear.
Once you’ve decided, place the paper with the colored side facing up and fold it in half by bringing the left and right edges together.
Next, fold it again by matching the top and bottom edges.
Then, using the second crease, make a step fold (accordion fold), and fold the two ends of the stepped section inward, opening them into triangles.
This creates a waist, giving you a two-tiered snowman.
Finally, tuck the remaining corners at the top and bottom inward to round the shape, and you’re done.
One corner will become the hat, so fold only one layer inward so that a triangle of the colored side appears on the snowman’s surface.
Easy with just one sheet! Snowman

The charm of this origami is how easy it is—you can make a snowman with just one sheet of white paper.
There are many small, detailed folds, so try tackling it together with your child.
Each step is simple, but because it involves lots of precise finger work, staying focused is important.
As you go, guide them with prompts like “This part is next,” or demonstrate each step so they can work with confidence.
At the end, draw the face with a pen or add patterns, and each snowman will have its own unique expression.
When you line up the finished pieces for display, you can clearly see how different their expressions are—even though they’re all snowmen—making them even more fun to look at.
Easy! Long-tailed Tit Origami

Adorably round! The long-tailed tit known as the Shima-enaga, a wild bird native to Hokkaido.
In recent years, we often see goods and items featuring its cute appearance as a motif.
Here’s an idea to make a Shima-enaga using a single sheet of origami paper, plus a pen and glue.
Once you’ve folded the creases, the base is done.
Making the wings and tail seems like something you could enjoy while teaching and learning together with friends or teachers! It could be fun to give it a smiling expression, too.
If you display the finished pieces lined up on a branch, like real Shima-enaga keeping warm together, both kids and adults are sure to feel soothed.
Easy! Mount Fuji Origami

Let’s make Mount Fuji—the tallest mountain in Japan and considered lucky if it appears in your first dream of the year—using simple steps! All you need is a single sheet of blue origami paper.
There are no complicated steps, and if you focus on making straight, crisp folds, you’ll end up with a beautiful result.
It could be enjoyed not only by preschool classes but also with two-year-olds together with teachers or parents.
Display the finished piece alongside an illustration of the first sunrise of the year to make it even more festive.
Festive! Cute origami sea bream

Let’s make a lively sea bream that looks ready to swim away any moment! Sea bream are known to live long among fish, so they’re often eaten at celebrations and events as a wish for longevity.
What’s more, because the word “omedetai” (congratulatory) contains the sound “tai,” sea bream are considered lucky and are sometimes displayed for New Year’s as well.
This time, let’s make a sea bream out of origami and start a wonderful year! You’ll need one 15-cm square of red origami paper, one 7.5-cm square, round stickers or eye-shaped cutouts, scissors, glue, and a pen.
Some steps are a bit complex, so take your time and finish it carefully!
[For 4–5-year-olds] Folding is fun! A collection of January origami ideas to enjoy with preschoolers (21–30)
Easy and cute! Shimenawa wreath

Something to make for New Year’s! Let’s decorate the room with a fluffy-looking origami shimenawa.
You’ll need ten 7.5 cm square sheets of origami paper and glue or double-sided tape.
Since you first make parts from the ten sheets and then assemble them, it seems like a great way to develop children’s thinking and spatial awareness.
If you attach flowers, the twelve zodiac animals, or other New Year’s ornaments to the shimenawa, it will look even more festive.
Recommended for preschoolers in the middle to senior age range! Give it a try.


