[Childcare] Make and play! Origami ideas
Origami plays a big role in daycares and kindergartens.
With just a single sheet, you can make all kinds of things—origami helps nurture children’s imagination, thinking skills, concentration, and fine motor skills.
It’s something you’ll definitely want to incorporate a lot into playtime.
So this time, we’re introducing ideas for origami you can make and play with.
Of course, we’ve included the classic airplane that everyone has folded at least once, as well as lots of unique ideas—like balloons and cameras—that spark kids’ curiosity.
After you finish your creations, set aside plenty of time to play so everyone can have a blast together.
We hope you find this helpful.
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[Childcare] Make-and-play! Origami Ideas (21–30)
Infinite pushbutton
Would you like to make an infinite push button that lets you enjoy the tactile feel of pressing a button? Fold origami paper to create boxes in large and small sizes.
Next, make the part that acts as the spring for the button and place it inside the larger box.
Then stack the smaller box on top, and you’ll have a button you can press endlessly for fun.
By drawing faces or illustrations on the button’s surface, you can turn it into an even cuter item.
This origami project lets you enjoy both the fun of crafting with your hands and the fun of playing with the finished piece.
paper airplane
Paper airplanes are one of the most popular types of origami among children.
It’s so exciting when you fold one that flies really well, isn’t it? Even among well-known designs, there are several ways to make paper airplanes, so it might be fun to make different ones and compare how they fly.
You can also experiment with the size and shape of the paper to create airplanes that fly even better.
It would be enjoyable to take them to a riverbank and compare their flights, or to decorate the bodies with various drawings and patterns.
balloon
When it comes to origami you can make and then play with, the balloon is a great choice.
After folding, you blow air into the opening at the bottom and it inflates, turning into a balloon.
If you use light, thin paper, it’s easier to handle and more fun to play with, so give it a try.
You can also customize this balloon to make fruits, or balloon animals like a rabbit or a pig, making it even more enjoyable—so be sure to master the basic folding method.
You can make it in a variety of sizes, too.
stag beetle
Origami paper comes in many colors, but the black sheets often get left over.
One thing I’d love for you to try making with those extra black sheets is a stag beetle.
Alongside rhinoceros beetles, stag beetles are very popular with kids, so being able to make one is really exciting.
Even preschoolers who are handy can make it easily.
Once you’ve made it, playing with your paper stag beetle is a lot of fun, too.
Real stag beetles are hard to catch in the city and expensive to buy, so using an origami stag beetle is a great idea.
cicada
In summer, you can hear cicadas chirping everywhere.
You can make this one quickly with origami, too.
The folding method is the same as the samurai helmet up to a certain point, so it should be easy to follow.
Adding cute eyes makes it look even more like a cicada.
Making lots of cicadas and letting them perch on a tree made from colored construction paper, or sticking them on curtains or walls, would create a seasonal feel and be fun.
Besides the commonly seen way to fold a cicada, there are several variations, so it might be enjoyable to look them up and collect different kinds of origami cicadas.
helmet
This is origami with a kabuto (samurai helmet) theme, often used for May dolls.
You can display a small one, or make a full-size version you can wear on your head.
When folding from a single sheet, a key tip is to highlight the ornate kuwagata (crest) parts.
It’s also recommended to draw illustrations on the helmet origami or try making additional helmet components.
Kabuto origami is enjoyable not only to make, but also to display and play with.
Pay attention to the order and angles of the creases, and try crafting together with children.
ribbon
How about making a cute ribbon out of origami with simple steps? It’s not only great as a decoration, but can also be used as a fashion accessory for clothes and small items, making it perfect for childcare settings.
When folding, the trick is to focus on creating the three-dimensional part in the center of the ribbon.
You can easily customize it just by changing the color or shape.
It would also be fun to take photos wearing the finished ribbon.
For the finer folds, it’s recommended that teachers or guardians lend a hand.
Give it a try and make ribbons that perfectly match children’s adorable smiles.