Art and craft are aspects of education which help a human mind find a break from the normal routines of daily life and its challenges. Just like how a coloring book brings joy to people of all age groups, crafting is also an activity that brings people together while creating new pieces of art. Origami is one such ancient Japanese art which involves folding paper and is lately being used in the modern day classroom by teachers to propagate various kinds of learning. An interesting thing to note is that, origami has existed in nature since the time when the word didn’t exist. Beetles have wings that are larger than their bodies. They stay compact by folding into an origami pattern.

Origami has in fact showed versatility by being useful in teaching geometry, thinking skills, fractions and various others. The creation of various sculptures and decorative designs through this method are responsible for making the classroom playful yet productive.

Establishing Better Coordination and Pattern Skills

Students today are used to everything being available with the blink of an eye. But, it is necessary to build on practical skills which are more than just fun. The process of folding the papers is essential to encourage recognition of space and how it can be utilized in the best way possible and create something new. This also helps students learn the basics of how symmetry plays an important in any geometrical form. The process of Origami also requires students to have good hand – eye coordination and it involves the use of both hands to craft any object out of paper. The class in the end is able to build up these essential skills to their advantage.

Geometry – Building up on Knowledge

When students are given instructions to fold a piece of paper into a particular shape, they also gather information about the various geometrical shapes as well. This way, one also becomes aware of the different labels which define a particular shape such as length, width and height. The paper used to create them is usually a square and when it is folded in half it gives us two rectangles. Similarly, when the square piece is folded from corner to corner it forms two triangles. As a result, students are able to decipher the difference between various geometrical shapes. These key terms are then taught to the students by pointing them out on the Origami structures created.

Accentuating Perceptive Expertise

Origami is an art form that helps in improving an individual’s 3D perception as it involves building structure out of paper which is mostly 3D. By building up the perception it also allows for better logical thinking. According to renowned child development psychologist Piaget, “motor activity in the form of skilled movements is vital of the development of intuitive thought and mental representation of space”.

Problem Solving and Community Building

When students are able to work on a craft activity together, they need to ensure an equal share of exchange of knowledge. Origami can be a complicated craft, but nonetheless, it teaches students to take failure in their stride and they are able to involve in an activity together. This creates room for healthy discussions between each other along with building mutual cooperation. Activities like these can also be a wonderful ice – breaker and this way the students are able to build a community among themselves.

Origami may initially seem like a complicated task, but this is where students are able to utilize their mind and make it easier. It also gives students the opportunity to get engaged in math while making the subject interesting.

— Urvasi.S.Talekar