Today we’re making kids easy origami fish. Also, look at more fun ideas on my page Medieval Japan Unit Study and Lapbook 1185 – 1600 A.D.
Origami is the art of folding paper. It’s about using your creativity, imagination, and hands.
And with the most minimal of supplies, you can craft and create fun objects like frogs, boats, flowers, cranes and even jumping frogs.
It’s not clear of the exact origins of origami but it has a long history.
The Chinese invented paper but origami can be traced back to ancient Japan.
For instance, it’s thought during the Edo period people of all ages enjoyed the art of paper folding.
Eventually paper became more affordable and was available to everyone.
Further, the Japanese word “origami” comes from two words: “ori” meaning fold, and “kami” meaning paper.
So origami became much more than a hobby, it’s part of Japanese culture.
BOOKS ABOUT JAPAN FOR KIDS
First, look at some of these books if you’re learning about ancient Japan.
We prefer to read living books when I can find them.
11 Books and Resources for Studying About Japan
You'll love these resources and books for studying about Japan. Add them to my Medieval Japan Unit Study or just fun for the day.
This Japanese history book traces the story of a unique historical phenomenon: a period of 700 years--equivalent to the entire stretch of Western history between the reigns of the Crusader king Richard the Lionhearted and of Queen Victoria at the height of the British Empire--during which an enclosed civilization was dominated by a single warrior caste.
The historical narrative of samurai history is supported by explanations of samurai armor, weapons, fortifications, tactics, and customs, and illustrated with nearly 800 fascinating color photographs, maps, and sketches, including ancient scroll paintings and surviving suits of armor preserved for centuries in Japanese shrines.
Part of the acclaimed Book of Samurai series, which presents for the first time the translated scrolls of the historical Natori-Ry samurai school of war, this volume offers an exceptional insight into the weaponry and armour of the samurai era, as well as tactical advice for use on and off the battlefield.
More than 40 handsome, ready-to-color illustrations depict samurai warriors, the imperial villa at Kyoto, a Shinto shrine, a tea ceremony, a Noh play, a typical city street, a restaurant, music makers, more. Introduction and detailed captions describe Japanese culture and provide detailed information on art, government, costume, and daily life.
Learning a new language is a new way of meeting new people, opening doors in your professional career and attracting fresh opportunities when traveling around the world, as you may know. The great thing is - whether you want to learn Japanese to visit Japan’s precious historic landmarks, watch anime and movies or simply meet wonderful Japanese people - we’ve got you covered!
A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place--and ways to bring it to life! Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, and learn some Japanese songs.
The brave little boy who sailed to the Capital in a teacup and fought a demon with a needle to win the love of a Lady is a Japanese cousin to Tom Thumb.
In this magical retelling of a Japanese folktale, a mysterious girl weaves silk to help repay the kindness of a boy and his father until the father's greed finally exposes her secret.
While gathering firewood, Yasuhiro comes upon an injured crane hidden in the snow. He rescues and comforts the bird, then watches as it flies away over the wintry hills.
The next night, a mysterious young girl arrives at Yasuhiro's home seeking shelter from the cold. The boy and his father welcome the girl, named Hiroko, to stay with them. When Hiroko notices that Yasuhiro's father is struggling to earn money, she offers to weave silk for him to sell. After the fabric fetches a good price, the boy's father becomes impatient for more silk, and his greed has a life-changing effect on them all.
Lyrical storytelling deftly interwoven with original haiku create a magical adaptation of a popular Japanese folktale--an inspirational story of friendship and the power of kindness to transform lives.
For more than 200 years Japan had isolated herself from the world - now Commodore Perry, representing the US government had arrived on the shore of Japan. Perry's mission was to open a door into Japan so US ships might stop for fuel & water on their route to China.
This 3D wooden Puzzle is the oldest tower in Japan and one of the iconic buildings, ancient and elegant.
The iconic landmark you love,Build this detailed Japan skyline model!Features an elaborate façade with Tokyo Tower,Tokyo SKYTREE, Mount Fuji,Sensoji Temple,Osaka Castle and more.
Japan Sakura Tree House Building Set consists of 1810pcs + mini-blocks. It includes detailed step-by-step color instructions, and exquisite details of various sizes and color componentsand.
Also, look at a few facts about Japan.
FACTS ABOUT JAPAN
- Emperor Jimmu was the legendary first emperor of Japan.
- Samurai were Japan’s warriors and followed the code of Bushido.
- Traditional Japanese homes are called minka.
- There are three writing systems. These three systems are called hiragana, katakana and kanji. Ancient Japan used mostly kanji which are symbols representing ideas.
- Ninjas were secret spies and assassins who were skilled in stealth and trickery and hired mostly by hired mostly by daimyōs.
- In ancient Japan, the people practiced Shinto. Shinto is one of the oldest religions in Japan.
- Japanese medieval society was divided into classes.
- The ancient tea ceremony was done with care and respect and is an ancient ceremony where they gathered to drink powdered green tea or match.
Next, add a few more hands-on Japan activities to your day.
MORE MEDIEVAL JAPAN ACTIVITIES
- Perfect for Ancient Japan studies or modern times, this Simple Homemade Sushi: Hands on Japan Activity for Kids is a great way to bond and learn at the same time.
- Ancient Japan for Kids: Fun and Simple Handwriting Activity
- How to make an origami crane
- Feudal System In Japan: How To Make A Colorful Fan Craft
- Fun Flowering Cherry Tree Activity.
Finally, look at how to make this fun origami fish.
HOW TO MAKE AN ORIGAMI FISH
First, look at this short list of easy supplies.
- Colored craft papers
- Pencil
- A pair of scissors
- Craft glue
- Googly eyes
Step 1
Prepare a square paper (of any color of your choice). We’re using a 4” x 4” piece of orange paper.
Step 2:
Fold the paper in half, vertically and horizontally; and then unfold both.
Step 3:
Turn the paper to the other side.
Step 4:
Now, make diagonal half-folds along both sides. Unfold both folds.
Step 5:
Push the vertical and horizontal folds inwards and make mountain folds along the diagonal creases.
Step 6:
Flatten the paper along the creases. This is called a square base.
It has 2 open sides and 2 closed sides. Place it on a flat surface with its closed corner towards the top.
Step 7:
Fold in the right closed side along the middle crease.
Step 8:
Fold in the left closed side along the middle crease.
Step 9:
Turn the pattern to the other side and similarly, fold that side.
Step 10:
Open any one side/ flap (let’s start with the left side) of the current pattern.
Step 11:
Open the side from its top-open end.
Step 12:
Draw it to the opposite side (as far as it can be folded flat).
Step 13:
Flatten in neatly.
Step 14:
Similarly, fold and flatten the right side.
These 2 are the fins of the origami fish.
Step 15:
Cut out a small square shape for the tail fin.
Fold the square shape in half to form a triangle.
Step 16:
Attach the triangle paper to the back end of the origami fish to complete the fish pattern.
Step 17:
Attach a googly eye to the head part to complete the origami fish craft.
