A Short History of Origami

This practice was originally from China, but Japan brought it to widespread attention. Paper folding is an art form. Ori means “folding,” and “gami” means “paper” in Japanese. Just what are the benefits of paper folding? What we’re talking about here isn’t the same as folding a sheet of paper in half to fit in your pocket.

We are talking about origami, the art of folding to make a piece of a sheet into a bird, flower, dog, and many more. There’s more to it than just a few creases in some paper. The paper itself changes form. These feats of paper crafting are miraculous, and this is a work of art.

It can be as intricate and realistic as you like or as simple and quick to fold but still easily recognizable. These models, whether simple or not, all require folds to be carefully planned, much like Rembrandt’s brush strokes. If you’re anything like me, a few awkward folds here and there are all it takes to make something recognizable.

People of all ages enjoy doing it. Depending on the model’s sophistication, it may be simple or a little complicated. Depending on your motivations for doing so, folding can be both calming and challenging to the mind. Anyone, regardless of age or skill level, can have a good time with it. In the end, it’s a magical experience every time.

How to begin folding?

Although you fold it with any paper, it preferably uses thin square sheets for their durability and ease of use in the folding process. If you want your models to stand out, you can buy pre-cut, paper-thin, and colorful paper. Alternatively, you can cut a square out of standard 8.5×11 or A4 paper. You can always publish the vibrantly colored paper and cut out the cube.

Styles

It has a wide variety of styles, just like other art forms. Examples of the most common ones are:

1. Minimal: The focus is on simplicity and minimal folding to capture the subject’s essence.
2. Realistic: The use of intricate, multi-step patterns to create constructions that perfectly encapsulate the subject.
3. Modular: Multiplying the number of “units” in a geometric construction by folding paper with flaps and pockets that fit into each other to make polygons or polyhedra. In most cases, there are only a few standard ways to fold the sheets.
4. Pureland: An idea put forth by an Englishman named John Smith, who proposed a composition system based solely on square paper and “mountain” and “valley” folds to create models that are simple to replicate.

Why is learning through art beneficial to Students?

The age-old practice of paper folding is a gateway into more contemporary subjects like geometry, critical thinking, fractions, problem-solving, and even enjoyable branches of science. Students’ interest is piqued while their spatial awareness, logical reasoning, and sequencing abilities develop through this medium.

Thinking Skills

It piques the interest of learners using different approaches. The hands-on experience shows to enhance one’s ability to visualize space. Children who can do so have a leg up on the rest of the population in terms of understanding the world, describing it, and coming up with their terminology.

Problem Solving

Assignments frequently have only one correct solution and one acceptable method of reaching that answer. It allows kids to practice problem-solving in an unstructured setting and to become comfortable with the concept of failure.

Fun Science

The artwork is a creative way to illustrate main physics principles. Folded in accordion fashion, a flimsy piece of paper becomes quite sturdy. This idea forms the foundation of bridges. It’s also a great way to make molecules seem less intimidating. Tetrahedral and polyhedral shapes are common among molecules.

It helps students who are struggling with math. It can be used for geometric construction, finding geometric and algebraic formulas, and improving manual dexterity, making it an underutilized resource for enhancing mathematics education.