Unfolding Opportunities With Folded Paper

A few years ago, I came across the OrigamiUSA website while searching for activities for my son's fourth-grade class. OrigamiUSA is a national society that provides resources to educate, inspire, and unite individuals globally through the practice of paper folding. One of the ways they achieve this objective is by organizing a yearly event for kids known as Origami by Children. But before going into detail about the event, let me first provide a brief overview of the history of origami and its benefits.

History:

The art of paper making began in China and was later brought to Japan in the 7th century by a Buddhist monk. Upon arrival in Japan, the paper-making technique was adapted to enhance its flexibility and durability. Initially considered a luxury commodity, paper was primarily utilized for religious and ceremonial functions. The practice of Orikata, which translates to folded shapes, was employed in both ritual practices and formal gift wrapping.

During the early 1600s, there was a rise in paper production which made it more widely available for recreational purposes. The affordability of paper enabled a larger number of people to engage in this art form. By 1880, the term orikata was replaced with origami, a name originating from the Japanese words Ori (folded) and Kami (paper). This artistic practice has now become popular globally and its principles have had real-world applications in the fields of engineering, education, medicine, architecture, robotics, and many more.

Benefits:

Origami's appeal stems from its ability to create intricate and complex designs using paper. Practitioners of origami hone a range of skills, such as problem-solving, hand-eye coordination, behavioral attributes (focus, patience, concentration), mathematical reasoning, fine motor skills, spatial awareness, imagination, geometry, and social skills (interaction with others who share their interest). Numerous articles have also highlighted the therapeutic benefits of origami for individuals of all ages, demonstrating its effectiveness in alleviating stress and promoting mental clarity.

How your child can get involved:

Origami by Children, sponsored by OrigamiUSA, is a travelling art exhibition for children 18 years or younger. Children create a folded design (using their own original design or a design created by someone else) and submit their entry by the annual January 31 deadline. Entrants whose pieces are selected will have their art on display in the exhibition and will receive a Certificate of Merit, a one-year membership to OrigamiUSA, and a small gift. All children are encouraged to submit (even if they are new to origami). For more information on how your child can submit an entry, click here.

Another way for your child to participate is by promoting origami within their community. They could consider starting an origami club or collaborating with the local library to showcase the Origami By Children Collection (details provided below). They might also consider encouraging the library to seek donations of origami books to ensure there are enough resources available when hosting the collection. If your child is looking to fulfill volunteer hours (as some schools require), they could inquire with the library about assisting in organizing the event and earning credit for their hours.

To display the Origami By Children (OBC) Collection, the library would need to complete the following steps:

*(The information below is from the OrigamiUSA website).

• Please login to make a request. If you do not have a website account, please create a free account, then login.

The requirements for displaying an Origami By Children Collection are:

• Mailing address in the United States. The Exhibit is not available for locations outside of the US.

• Pay a $100 fee to OrigamiUSA for the OBC Exhibition rental.

• Have a glass cabinet that is secure and lockable for the OBC Exhibition to be displayed.

If an Origami By Children collection is available for the time you have requested, you will be required to fill out, sign and send back the Origami by Children Exhibition Letter of Agreement.

By practicing origami, your child can enhance their skills, imagination, creativity, and inspire others through every fold.