[Kindergartners (Older Group)] Folding is Fun! Recommended January Origami Idea Collection for Senior Kindergarteners
Try asking the children, “What comes to mind when you think of January?” You’ll likely hear lots of answers, like New Year’s, rice cakes (mochi), Mt.
Fuji, and mandarins.
Let’s have fun folding those January images the children imagine using origami! In this article, we’re sharing January origami ideas that are fun for older kindergarteners to make.
Some folds are a bit complex, but being able to work together and consult with friends is one of the wonderful strengths of older kindergarteners.
Be sure to make lots of them!
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For Kindergarten Seniors: Fun with Folding! Recommended January Origami Ideas for Older Preschoolers (11–20)
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.
Cute with origami! Kadomatsu made of origami
Recommended for those who want to make simple New Year’s decorations! Kadomatsu are New Year decorations made with pine and bamboo that are set up at entrances during the holiday, right? Many children have probably seen them while out on walks or outings.
This time, let’s finish it using just one sheet of green origami paper.
The key points are to make firm creases along the lines and to align the corners.
There are many steps where you create a crease and then use it to form the next one, so it would be great to enjoy making it while keeping these points in mind.
You can make it with origami! Kagami mochi origami
Kagami mochi is characterized by stacked rice cakes and a bitter orange on top.
It looks lovely whether you stick it onto a surface or let it stand on its own, and it’s great for preschool craft projects! You’ll need white origami paper, light yellow origami paper, orange origami paper, green origami paper, colored pens, glue, and so on.
It’s exciting to make each part—the mochi, the daidai (bitter orange), and the sanpō (the wooden stand)—separately and then assemble them.
Since the origami sizes differ for each part, please follow the video to check the sizes as you make it!
Shimenawa decoration
Here’s an idea for a stylish shimenawa decoration made with origami.
You’ll need ten quarter-size sheets of origami paper, glue stick, and craft adhesive.
This shimenawa method—folding the paper twice and connecting the pieces—is simple, so it’s highly recommended! Origami with color or patterns on both sides works best.
It also looks lovely to add decorations like plum blossoms made from origami to the finished shimenawa.
Try combining different elements and enjoy arranging them as you create a festive, eye-catching shimenawa.
Three-dimensional Mt. Fuji
Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain! Here’s an idea for making a 3D Mount Fuji out of origami.
All you need is one sheet of light blue or blue origami paper and some glue.
When people in Japan think of the most famous mountain, many picture Mount Fuji.
How about creating a three-dimensional Mount Fuji with origami? Since it’s 3D, it’s perfect for display in various places—on a shelf, on a shoe cabinet, at school, or at home—so it’s highly recommended.
The final step involves pushing part of the paper inward, which can be a bit tricky, so it’s best to work on it together with a teacher or guardian.
mandarin orange
Let’s make a delicious winter-in-season fruit! Here are some ideas for crafting a tangerine with origami.
All you need is orange origami paper and some colored pens or pencils.
Many people love sitting under a kotatsu and eating tangerines during the cold winter, right? How about making a tangerine out of origami? The steps are simple, so it’s highly recommended! Once you finish folding, draw patterns with pens or colored pencils.
When you display it on construction paper, it’s cute to add motifs like a kotatsu or mochi alongside the tangerine!
For Kindergarten Seniors: Fun Folding! Recommended January Origami Ideas for Older Kindergarteners (21–30)
Battledore and shuttlecock
Items for playing Hanetsuki! Here are some ideas for making a hagoita (paddle) and a shuttlecock out of origami.
You’ll need washi-patterned origami paper, black origami paper, green origami paper, yellow origami paper, red origami paper, and glue.
Some children have played Hanetsuki during New Year’s or as a traditional game, right? How about making the hagoita and shuttlecock you need for Hanetsuki with origami? Using washi-patterned paper gives it a classic, old-fashioned feel, so it’s highly recommended.
If you display your finished pieces in your room, they’re sure to brighten it up!