While shopping a few weeks ago, I stumbled across an animal Origami kit for only $0.50. Who could beat that? I decided that we should definitely add Oriental paper-folding to our Japanese unit.
Our kit had pictorial directions and contained 8 sheets of paper to make 4 different animals. I ‘practiced’ on a ladybug and didn’t think it seemed too difficult.
Then my Little Man decided to make a hornet. It was more challenging, but doable.
Then the Big Helper decided to make a butterfly. Wow. It was really, really hard. After folding and refolding over and over again, we finally decided that this project called for Daddy’s special math skills – or, at least, something that I don’t have. We pulled the sample out of the box – it, too, was a butterfly – and she played with that.
Ultimately, we decided that there’s a reason that the Japanese spend so much time perfecting this art. It’s hard! We have a new respect for their talents – but we’ll probably stick with scissors and glue from now on.
Now, on to a brief stop in America before heading to China!