Origami, the traditional Japanese art of paper folding, can be a wonderful activity to help students enhance their fine motor skills, follow instructions, and express creativity. With the back-to-school season in full swing, this could be the perfect time to introduce a fun and educational craft like making an origami mini star.
The team at Teach Starter suggests that this simple yet intriguing activity is not only ideal for art classes but can also be incorporated into math lessons to discuss concepts such as symmetry and geometry. Furthermore, it can be a great icebreaker for students to work on together as they settle into their new classroom environment.
To begin making an origami mini star, you will need a strip of paper approximately 1 cm in width and about 11 inches (28 cm) in length. Colored construction paper or special origami paper strips are preferable for their durability and the vibrant look they give to the finished stars.
Here is a step-by-step guide to create your little piece of starry delight:
1. Start with a strip of paper and tie a “knot” at one end leaving a small tail.
2. Flatten out the knot gently to create a pentagon shape—this will become your star base.
3. Wrap the long end of the strip around each side of the pentagon, aligning it with previous folds, which further defines the pentagon shape.
4. Continue wrapping the strip, tucking in the end when you get close to finishing.
5. Pinch each corner of your flattened pentagon to inflate it into a 3D star shape.
Remember, these steps require precision and patience from students but are achievable with practice. Once students have mastered folding one mini star, they may want to experiment with different sizes and colors.
For teachers thinking about incorporating this activity into their lesson plans, it offers versatility. Origami mini stars can be used as rewards for positive behavior, turned into a classroom decor – think garlands or wishing jars – or given as welcome gifts to promote student unity.
In conclusion, making an origami mini star is an enjoyable back-to-school activity that requires minimal materials and provides maximum educational value. It allows for artistic expression and practical application of mathematical concepts while promoting camaraderie among students as they work on their projects individually or collaboratively during those first few days of school.
Encourage your students to shine bright by starting off the school year with this delightful paper craft!
