How do i teach origami to american students who have no idea what it is?

Question

It's part of our cultural exposure for guidance. we have around 30 minutes to do it and i am just learning how to do it. I know most of them have no idea what origami is, how do you think can i make it interesting for them and make our 30 minutes of crash course to origami successful? thanks

Answer 1

Start by not underestimating your students.. pick a simple form, like the bird, have them fold a long with you... Make sure you run off instructions for other animals.. there are lots of sites where you can download these instructions..have lots of different ones..If you peak their interest, you need to keep it going.. make sure you bring some fancy paper for them.. It 's more satisfying for the kids if it looks good too.. something to be proud of. Don't dumb it down either.. call it a vertical or horizontal fold. not a hot dog or hamburger fold.

Answer 2

A lot of kids i have worked with know hamburger hot dog folds. Hamburger is top to bottom and hot dog is lengthwise. Mountain is an outside fold and valley is where the sides slope upwards. Go very slowly and be prepared to redo every step and even start over a zillion times. Be patient, you may want to scream before it is over but they can do it. I hate teaching this to large numbers of children. only small groups. Start with a very simple shape like the puppy dog or cat, or the piano. have fun. Laugh with them. If you are having fun it will be contagious.

Answer 3

The following are links to an introductory origami lesson plan I made using the paper crane. I had a few others besides the crane, for students who picked it up quickly. I included making paper boxes, hearts, and some others. The students that picked it up quickly worked with groups of students that were having trouble. Make sure you practice it so you know how to do it well first. The lesson that follows shows you how to make paper cranes. It's geared for middle school.

http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=origami1ch6.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=origami2qw2.jpg
http://img96.imageshack.us/my.php?image=origami3sj0.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=origami4ja4.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/my.php?image=origami5it5.jpg

Paper box: http://www.origami-instructions.com/origami-box.html

Diagrams: http://www.paperfolding.com/diagrams/

Answer 4

break everything down into simple numbered steps,,,,,,,,,

1) fold your paper from point a to point b, next fold the paper from point b to point c ect.......

Answer 5

Start with something very simple. (like a swan.)
Then if you have time start something more complicated.