Origami doesn't always have to be complicated. There are many simple folding instructions for young children that are fun and promote fine motor skills at the same time. This article is part of a series on children's origami. The instructions are intended for parents who want to craft with their children aged 6 and above. Almost all articles show how to fold simple animals. This way, you can introduce animals to your child, paint them, and at the same time, train fine motor skills.

For each article, we have prepared a video tutorial and a step-by-step guide with photos. Watch the video first, then follow the steps with the help of the photos, and only then start folding with your child. You will only need colorful origami paper and markers for coloring the animals. A glue stick may sometimes be useful for securing creases.

Step-by-Step Guide: Fish Folding for Young Children

Fish to fold - simple origami for children aged 3 years and older. Step 1
Step 1: First fold the paper vertically and then horizontally. We need these fold lines for orientation.
Fish for folding - easy Origami for children from 3 years old. Step 2
Step 2: Now fold the paper into 4 sections. Then fold the corners one by one towards the center.
Fish to fold - simple origami for children aged 3 years and older. Step 3
Step 3: Now we need to fold all corners inwards.
Fish for folding - Easy origami for children aged 3 and older. Step 4
Step 4: After folding all corners inwards one by one, run your finger over all creases once again to press them firmly.
Fish for folding - simple origami for children aged 3 and older. Step 5
Step 5: Shape the fin of the fish on one side.
Fish for folding - easy Origami for children from 3 years. Step 6
Step 6: Shape the fin of the fish on the other side.
Fish for folding - easy origami for children from 3 years old. Step 7
Step 7: Start folding the tail of the fish.
Fish for folding - easy origami for children from 3 years old. Step 8
Step 8: After folding the tail, flip your foldwork over.
Fish to fold - simple Origami for kids from 3 years old. Step 9
Step 9: Take a marker and color your fish brightly.

Why is it important to promote children's fine motor skills?

The development of fine motor skills is crucial for children. It helps them to master everyday tasks like dressing, eating, or writing. A well-developed fine motor skill also enhances concentration and spatial thinking. Through fine motor activities like paper folding, children learn to use their hands purposefully and improve their hand-eye coordination. This strengthens their confidence and prepares them for future challenges in school. Regular fine motor training also supports brain development and fosters creativity.

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Origami: A Perfect Tool for Developing Fine Motor Skills

Paper folding is ideal for training fine motor skills. With origami, children learn to work slowly and precisely. Each folding step must be carried out carefully, as a wrong crease can affect the end result. This precision promotes concentration and patience. Furthermore, origami stimulates imagination and trains abstract thinking. Children see how a flat sheet of paper transforms into a three-dimensional object - a fascinating process that sparks creativity.

Closing Words

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. We hope you enjoyed folding the fish with your child. If you are eager for more, feel free to check out our other articles on paper folding for children. Each folded animal is a little adventure and an opportunity to learn and be creative together. Have fun exploring more of the world of Origami!

Fish for folding - simple origami for children aged 6 and above

Published on by Vitalii Shynakov
Published on:
From Vitalii Shynakov
Vitalii Shynakov has been working in the areas of online retail, marketing and customer satisfaction since 2012. Until 2022, he was the head of personnel development and online sales department of four successful stores. He has been part of the TutKit.com team since 2024.