Flower Origami: First Grade

Today, my first graders finished up their study of origami.  This project was originally taught to me by Mrs. Carr, so I can't take credit for coming up with it!  I believe strongly in not re-inventing the wheel, and this project is a real keeper :)

This project takes two class periods to complete.  In the first class period, the student learn the difference between shape (flat, 2D) and form (3D).  We talk about all the different ways we can turn a flat piece of paper into a three dimensional form.  I end the discussion by crumpling up a scrap piece of paper and ask if it is three dimensional or not, and they found this quite funny.

The materials needed for day one are: 

• 12" x 18" blue paper
• 6" x 12" green paper (grass - for fringing)
• (x3) 1" x 12" green paper (glued flat for stems)
• (x4) 1/2" x 12" green paper (curled for weeds)

To start, we glue the stems down, evenly spaced out.  The paper is vertical (see picture for the end result of day one).  Then we curl the thin green stripes around a pencil and glue them down in between the stems.  Next, we take the 6" x 12" green paper and fringe it as a class.  I talk about our fringe lines being parallel, to incorporate a math term.  Once all of the green papers are glued down, if there is still time, we add tiny bugs to our grass: caterpillars, ants, snails, but nothing to the sky (they would be making them where flowers will eventually be glued down).

The materials needed for day two are:

• (x3) 6" x 6" colored paper (I used orange, red and purple)
• (x3) 3" x 6" yellow paper

We begin class by discussing the difference between paper sculpture and origami.  Origami is the art of paper folding, not cutting or gluing.  The only origami in this project is the tops of the flowers that we will be creating today.  Everything else is an example of paper sculpture.  I walk the class through the steps to make an origami flower.

To begin, the students need to fold their square in half (both directions).  They will see a plus sign.

Next, they need to fold each corner into the center. 

 Last, they need to fold each corner back towards the outside. 

After they have created all three, they need to glue the tops down.  I found it easier to fit if the center flower is low and the other two are higher.

After they are glued down, the last step is the tube for the center.  These can be a bit challenging, I may change them in the future.  The students take the 3" x 6" yellow paper and roll it up so that it is 3" tall (the short way).  They glue it together and hold it for thirty seconds.  I tell them that this is a good opportunity to talk to your friends at your table about weekend plans!  Next, they fringe both ends of the tube and fold the fringes out.  They need to put glue on the fringe and glue it to the center of the flowers.  And viola, awesome flower origami!