[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 (51–60)
A Pacchincho that looks like a flower
How about giving Pakuncho, a cute toy that even looks like a flower, as a gift for children? The charm of this idea is that you can make it with just a single sheet of origami—no scissors or glue needed! It’s a creative twist on traditional origami, perfect for times when the usual feels a bit plain or boring.
Since both the front and back colors of the paper show, it turns out beautifully with double-sided or patterned origami.
Put your fingers in and move it vertically and horizontally to play—it’s sure to bring smiles to children’s faces!
pinwheel
Why not try making a pinwheel with origami? A pinwheel is fun twice over—you get to make it and then play with it.
You don’t need scissors or glue, so give it a try.
The folding method is similar to the yakko-san, hakama, and trick boat models.
The key is to gently puff out the blades so they catch the wind and spin easily.
Attach it to a stick like a straw to finish it off so it spins well.
If you run while holding it, it spins beautifully, making it a great item for outdoor play!
Spinning origami
This is a fun origami activity where pieces spin as they fall while catching the wind.
The first is a ring-shaped piece that looks like glasses, the second is a fish-shaped piece, and the third is a curious boomerang-shaped piece.
Each one catches the wind and spins differently, so it’s fun to observe.
It’s great that all you need is origami paper, glue, and scissors.
The tasks of cutting with scissors and applying glue are simple, so even young children can enjoy the sense of accomplishment of making their own original creations.
Acorn-chan
Let’s add a little twist to acorn origami, which is great for small children, and make a cute little acorn character! After folding the acorn out of origami paper, attach round stickers for eyes and draw a mouth.
You can let your child place the stickers freely and draw the expression, too.
Next, glue a chopstick to the back of the acorn along with pipe cleaners as the arms and legs, and your acorn character is complete! It’s easy to make and can be used like a paper puppet, so kids are sure to love it.
[Childcare] Make-and-play! Origami ideas (61–70)
stretchy toy
Introducing a no-scissors, make-and-play idea: a stretchable toy! Wouldn’t it be fun if origami could expand and contract like a spring? By tweaking the folding method and gluing pieces of origami together, you can create a spring-like toy—such a unique idea.
All you need is origami in your favorite colors or patterns, plus glue or double-sided tape.
There aren’t any complicated folds in the process, but the direction of the folds is very important, so it’s best to work on it together with a teacher or guardian.
jack-in-the-box
A jack-in-the-box made of origami, where a doll pops out when you open the lid.
It’s an adorable-looking surprise box.
Let’s make a mechanical toy where a cute doll springs out of a colorful box.
Assemble the box holding the doll with glue to make it sturdy.
Leave the lid section unattached and the box is complete.
Next, prepare two colors of origami paper to create the popping doll.
Stack the two long, thin strips of origami and fold them alternately.
Now you’ve made an accordion part that expands and contracts like a spring.
Attach the accordion to the bottom of the box, then stick your favorite character’s face on top.
Push the accordion into the box and your jack-in-the-box is finished.
When you open the lid, the doll pops out—it’s so much fun!
Bouncy Bunny
The fun part of origami isn’t just the time you spend folding—it’s also being able to admire and play with what you’ve made afterward.
If you make a sailing boat, you can float it on a kiddie pool; if you make a pinwheel, you can hold it up to the wind and watch it spin—the fun just keeps going.
Here we’re introducing the “Hopping Bunny.” After you fold it, you can flick its backside and actually make it hop.
There’s a similar one called the “Hopping Frog.” Since there are over 30 folding steps, the difficulty is somewhat on the advanced side.
It might be fun to prepare larger sheets of paper and fold together while giving a lesson.