Perfect origami ideas for September! A special feature on motifs you’ll want to include in early childhood education
September brings Otsukimi (moon viewing) and Respect for the Aged Day, as the seasons gradually shift from summer to autumn.
Children make great strides during this time, too.
Some teachers may want to incorporate origami into their childcare activities but find it difficult to choose seasonal designs.
So this time, we’re introducing origami ideas perfect for September.
We’ve gathered ideas that match autumn motifs and events, so you can not only enjoy folding origami but also use the creations for crafts and gifts.
Try making them together with the children.
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Perfect origami ideas for September! A special feature on motifs you’ll want to incorporate into childcare (1–10)
dragonfly
One motif that evokes the arrival of autumn is the dragonfly.
It’s a perfect fit for the image of September and is likely to be popular with children working on origami.
Using standard-sized origami paper that’s easy for kids to handle, you can make the dragonfly’s body and its distinctively shaped wings separately and then combine them at the end—making it simple for anyone to create.
Even if it turns out a bit uneven, it adds a handmade feel and stimulates children’s creativity.
It’s also fun to bring out the seasonal mood by making a background with construction paper.
Plus, enjoying the crafting process together with children is a great opportunity to deepen communication, so please give it a try.
squirrel
A squirrel is a small animal with a fluffy tail and an adorable expression! It’s very cute, so it makes a fall motif that children will love.
The method is very simple: make the head and body separately, then attach them together at the end.
Finish by drawing the squirrel’s facial features, and you’re done! Making it in a basic brown gives it a nice seasonal feel, but you can also use your favorite color of origami paper to create a unique piece.
Let the children’s creativity lead the way and enjoy making it freely.
cosmos
When it comes to flowers that evoke autumn, many people probably think of cosmos.
Often written as “autumn cherry blossoms” in Japanese, these flowers are a familiar sight in parks and along riverbanks.
Why not try making cosmos with your children using origami? With just one sheet of origami paper, you can easily create a single blossom! Using a variety of colors—such as pink, white, and purple—to create a gradient will make them even more vibrant, so give it a try.
If you make a lot, they can be used as wall decorations, making this a great project to try at preschools and kindergartens.
Perfect Origami Ideas for September! A Special Feature on Motifs You’ll Want to Use in Childcare (11–20)
Japanese pampas grass
Among the crafts you can make for the Moon-Viewing Festival, pampas grass (susuki) is a material that’s likely to shine.
Its appearance is modest, but it also works great as an accent for wall decorations, so be sure to try making it with the children! The basic method is simple, though the angle for folding the feathery plumes might be a bit tricky for kids.
You could have the children use regular-size origami paper while the teacher uses a smaller size.
Display your creations together with other essential Tsukimi motifs—rabbits, the moon, and dango—and enjoy the festive look!
ginkgo
These ginkgo origami pieces are perfect for autumn decorations.
The distinctive leaf shape will likely capture children’s interest.
For kids, we recommend using standard-size origami paper, which is easier to handle.
If making them together with the teacher, the teacher can use smaller paper to add variety.
You can also use them as wall or hanging decorations to brighten up the room and create a full autumn atmosphere.
Working together on the decorations will help strengthen bonds with the children.
bellflower
Bellflowers (kikyo), known as one of the seven flowers of autumn and as an autumn kigo in haiku, have charming star-shaped blossoms.
They make a great motif for wall decorations and wreath components.
Let’s help children learn about autumn flowers and enjoy the seasonal feel! To make them, fold a regular-size sheet of origami paper that’s easy for kids to handle, sketch the outline, and cut with scissors.
Trim the tips slightly, then open it carefully and you’re done! It’s also fun to vary the colors—white, light purple, deep purple—to create different looks.
raccoon dog
Here’s an origami idea inspired by the tanuki, a creature said in legends to be skilled at trickery! Animals are a very popular motif with children, so why not try this in your early childhood classroom? Fold a tanuki face from origami paper, attach a gourd-shaped piece, and simply draw in the eyes, nose, and mouth.
You can also add the distinctive tail or the essential leaf that tanuki use when they transform for extra fun.
Let children decorate freely and enjoy making autumn crafts!