3.4 Origami

We chose to include an activity on origami making because origami is a fantastic way to grow and practice your spatial reasoning. Over time you learn how to move a flat, 2-dimensional piece of paper into a 3-dimensional shape. You begin to visualize how the paper will transform and add a dimension. Origami can be meditative, it can be fine art, it can be a mental challenge, it can be used to increase patience and craftsmanship, and it can also just be fun! It is believed that origami originated in Japan around 1500 years ago. The word "origami" is a combination of the Japanese verb "oru" meaning "to fold" and "kami" meaning "paper."

All you need to practice origami is square piece of paper that is easy to fold (the weight of computer paper, or a little thinner). You can purchase special paper meant just for origami, but can also just use paper laying around your house. Feel free to decorate or paint your paper before folding to create some really unique patterns.