Message from ccelis

[Anonymous]

I absolutely agree with you. Origami poses so many benefits to our students. They gain an appreciation of a different culture and perhaps open a doorway to further exploration and increased tolerance of differences. Additionally, students must watch closely and listen carefully to specific instructions and then carry them out with neatness and accuracy in order to be successful (this is often something that we really need to work on with our students). Transforming a flat piece of paper into a three dimensional crane (or other origami figure) provides a unique exercise in spatial reasoning. It’s also an excellent tool for teaching symmetry. Moreover, the fundamental idea of “whatever is done to one side” must be done to the other” leads to algebraic reasoning.

As a mathematics teacher, I use origami quite often in my classroom. I have discovered that children who are not "stars" in other academic areas are often quick to learn origami and help their classmates master the steps. This boosts self-esteem and drives motivation to do finish the lesson. I believe that origami engenders a patience that leads to pride in one’s work and the ability to focus one’s energy. Students are always eager to learn another fold.

One book that I particularly enjoy using with my students is titled Origami Math (ISBN: 0439539927), which is geared towards 4th- 6th grade students. The folds aren’t too challenging and there is a good selection of folds to choose from.