Origami Ideas For Older Kids: Fun And Simple Crafts

This blog post will introduce you to some easy origami ideas that are perfect for bigger kids. Origami is a traditional Japanese art form that involves folding paper into various shapes and figures. It is not only a fun and creative activity but also a great way to improve fine motor skills and concentration. Let’s dive into the world of origami and explore some exciting projects!

1. Paper Airplanes

One of the simplest and most enjoyable origami projects for bigger kids is making paper airplanes. All you need is a sheet of paper and some patience. Follow these steps to create your own paper airplane:

Start with a rectangular piece of paper. A standard 8.5 x 11-inch sheet works well.
Fold the paper in half lengthwise, then unfold it.
Take the top corners and fold them down towards the center crease, creating a triangle at the top.
Fold the triangle down towards the bottom of the paper.
Fold the paper in half along the center crease.
Take the top corners and fold them down towards the bottom, creating wings.
Finally, fold the wingtips up slightly for added stability.

Now you have your very own paper airplane ready to fly! Adjust the wings and tail as needed to achieve the desired flight path. Experiment with different sizes and designs to see which one flies the farthest.

2. Origami Animals

Another fun project for bigger kids is creating origami animals. Here’s a simple tutorial to make an origami dog:

Start with a square piece of paper. If you have rectangular paper, fold it diagonally and cut off the excess to make a square.
Fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle.
Take the top corner of the triangle and fold it down towards the bottom corner.
Unfold the previous step and fold the top corner towards the center of the triangle.
Repeat the same folding on the other side.
Flip the paper over and fold the bottom corners towards the center.
Finally, fold the top corners down to create the ears.

You now have an adorable origami dog! Use markers or colored pencils to add eyes, a nose, and other details. You can also try making other animals like cats, birds, or frogs using similar folding techniques.

3. Origami Flowers

Origami flowers are a beautiful and long-lasting alternative to real flowers. They can be used as decorations or even as thoughtful gifts. Here’s a simple method to make an origami tulip:

Start with a square piece of paper.
Fold the square in half diagonally to form a triangle.
Unfold the triangle and fold the bottom corner towards the top corner.
Repeat the previous step on the other side.
Unfold the triangle again and fold the bottom corner towards the center.
Flip the paper over and repeat the same folding on the other side.
Now, fold the top corners down to create the tulip petals.

Your beautiful origami tulip is complete! Experiment with different colors and sizes to create a bouquet of origami flowers.

Important Notes:

Origami can be challenging at first, but don’t get discouraged. Take your time and follow the instructions carefully. If you make a mistake, simply unfold the paper and start again.

It’s important to choose the right type of paper for origami. Origami paper, also known as kami, is thin and easy to fold. However, you can also use regular printer paper or colored construction paper.

Origami is a fantastic activity for bigger kids as it combines creativity and problem-solving skills. With a little practice, you’ll soon be creating impressive origami designs. So, grab some paper and start folding! Remember, the possibilities are endless when it comes to origami.