Origami and Education

Origami has become more and more popular with educators. In an educational article, the writers list the educational benefits under the headings of mathematics, social studies, language arts, science, art, and social skills:

Mathematics:
_ Develop Shape, Size, and Color Recognition
_ Develop Geometric Fundamentals
_ Develop Math Concepts and Vocabulary
_ Develop Symmetry - Congruence - Angles
_ Develop Fractions - Ratio - Proportion - Measurement
_ Develop Problem Solving, Analytical and Critical Thinking Skills
_ Investigate 3-Dimensional Objects - Spatial Relationships
_ Explore Patterns and Make Connections

Social Studies
_ Increase Multicultural Awareness and Appreciation
_ Illustrate Historical Events and Holidays
_ Explore the Language, Music and History of Asia
Language Arts
_ Develop Recognition of Pictorial Representations and Symbols
_ Interpret Diagrams
_ Develop Verbal and Vocabulary Cues
_ Develop Communication Skills
_ Develop Reading Comprehension
_ Develop Creative Writing Skills - Origami and Storytelling
_ Illustrate Creative Dramatics with Origami Puppets
_ Connect Multicultural Children's Literature and Math

Science
_ Fold Origami Animals, Birds, Insects and Plants
_ Fold and Research Endangered Species
_ Recycle Paper Resources - Environmental Awareness and Sensitivity
_ Test Origami Models for Aerodynamics, Velocity, Motion and Volume
_ Promote Scientific Inquiry, Observe, Measure and Graph Data of Models

Art
_ Nurture Creativity and Challenge Imagination
_ Explore Original Ideas Using Origami as Decorations and Ornaments
_ Experiment with Different Textures and Paper Based Designs
_ Recycle Magazines, Newspapers, Greeting Cards, Posters, Flyers, Maps...
_ Create Variations of Individual and Group Project Models

Social Skills
_ Strengthen Listening Skills and Following Directions
_ Develop Precision, Sequence and Organization Skills
_ Reinforce Concentration, Memory and Recall
_ Develop Eye-hand Coordination
_ Cooperative Learning: Foster Cooperation, Patience and Socialization
_ Increase Confidence, Boost Self Esteem
_ Encourage Children to Show Family and Friends - Home/School Connection

Origami is exciting to educators; it is an exciting activity which engages and interests children. When paper-folding, children are also engaged in play. Therefore, developing spatial intelligence and mathematical ability and the myriad of cognitive and educational benefits become consistent with children playing. Children are open to explore and develop these important educational skills with their instructors, with their peers, and on their own.