The Benefits of Origami For Little Ones

Origami is the Japanese art of folding paper into creative figures and shapes. The art of Origami holds a bunch of benefits and has proven of use when it comes to a child’s development. Origami can serve as an educational hobby, keeping them entertained as they learn. Every finished art product will bring them joy and a feeling of accomplishment, little ones can even use their art as DIY play figurines. Everything takes a little practice, but once your little one gets the hang of it, they will learn that perseverance leads to satisfying results. We bring you several of the endless benefits of engaging your little one in the art of Origami.

Improves Fine Motor Skills & Brain Development

When a little one is engaged in the art of origami, their fingers come to play to create specific shapes out of the paper. This ability to skilfully move their fingers to create detailed shapes and figurines are key when it comes to a child’s development. Children who learn how to work their fingers well will, in turn, be good at sports activities and have good rhythm. Having them use their fingertips to fold detailed origami sends signals to the brain which makes it a great activity to train the brain.

Develops Imagination & A Sense Of Colour

Origami will have little ones figuring out a puzzle to reach the final art product, this encourages them to use their imagination and pick-up problem-solving skills. Little ones can explore by using many different colours of paper when creating a figurine, the image often changes depending on the colour used. Origami gives them the ability to explore their imaginations and play around with colours, design and shapes. Origami helps in developing a child’s creativity, builds their will to complete whatever they start, in other words, stay determined.

Enhances Concentration & Spatial Awareness

As mentioned before, Origami requires us to use our fingertips to create intricate shapes. This enhances concentration, Origami also sometimes requires us to fold various sides of the paper at one go, which help little ones study math skills, such as fractions and geometry. Increased levels of concentration improve spatial awareness in turn which is the ability to be aware of oneself in a certain space.

Math Skills

Let’s take a look further into the math skills that Origami latch onto little ones:

Fractions - Folding a piece of paper can demonstrate the fractions in a tactile way. Origami illustrates the concepts of one-half, one-third, or one-fourth by folding paper. Get your little ones to estimate how many folds does it take to make a certain shape. Have them fold the paper in half continuously, this will demonstrate to them the concept of infinity.

Geometry - The art of Origami has been known to strengthen an understanding of geometric concepts, formulas, and labels. Incorporate geometry lessons into Origami folding by labelling an origami structure with length, width, and height, little ones will learn key terms and ways to describe a shape. 

Encourages Your Little Ones To Have A Sense Of Accomplishment

Let your little ones pick the type and colour of origami paper and what they desire to make. Little ones will get excited when they see a bunch of coloured paper and styles. When little ones begin to make the various styles on their own design, they will gain a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. This will tickle their fancy and engage further in the art of origami; they will take initiative to learn new shapes themselves.

Reduces Stress

A hidden fact is little ones do worry more than we think. Being in a high-paced environment, children tend to face stress at school and sometimes even at home. Getting bullied, trying to keep up at school, and lack of family time can be factors that result in little ones feeling lonely and overwhelmed. Origami is a very peaceful and relaxing activity which keeps your children engaged. It allows youngsters to focus on the present rather than worrying about things that are stressing them out. Incorporating origami as a family activity is a great idea to spend quality time together and it will encourage your little ones as well.

Teaches Discipline

By carefully following instructions step by step, little ones will then become more disciplined and trained in following precise directions. Little ones can also learn the fundamental concept of following and understanding directions, in that carefully following instructions are intended to achieve one’s desired results.