Origamido Studio: Teach

Origami at your location - Kindergarten through Graduate School

Author and artist, Michael LaFosse is one of the most seasoned and respected presenters of the paper arts. He began teaching origami in 1969, and soon added lessons in papermaking, and paper sculpting to individuals and groups. He can tailor instructional and/or entertaining programs to people of all ages and abilities, from beginner to master level.

We use origami in the classroom to augment various curricula, from "K through G"! We enjoy working with teachers and students to prepare tailored presentations that stimulate discussion and learning. Origami's hands-on approach really gets students' attention. The lessons are always enjoyable and memorable. Follow-up exercises and challenges extend the benefits beyond the initial program.

There are hundreds of origami subjects, ranging from cranes, mythology, mathematics, geometry, algebra, biology, zoology and many cultural subjects.

We have used origami within lectures on World cultures, music, international geography, geology, organic chemistry, statistical analysis, critical thinking, packaging design, aeronautics, abstract art, architecture, materials evaluation, communication, public speaking and teamwork management.

We use origami and "Story-Gami" to help teach teachers to teach, and otherwise make their communications more effective. Teachers consult with us about presentation techniques and program development. We can bring these programs to your school to help your teaching staff.

Some program suggestions include:

Art & Math

Origami forms and methods make excellent tools for exploring and explaining many kinds of arithmetic and mathematical concepts - one need not have any knowledge of math to do origami. Ffolded paper designs can be an eloquent way of demonstrating mathematical and geometric principles. Since arithmetic and math are subjects that all grades have in common, it is a great platform to allow all grades to participate.

The areas of study can include: counting; computational skills; fractions; percentages; geometric shapes; square area; volume; set theory; statistics; trigonometry; algebraic expressions; plane geometry; solid geometry; Pythagorean theorem... the list goes on and on.

The sculptural products of each class can be displayed and appreciated as art. Creativity in choice of color, size, invention (new designs) and implementation (mobiles, posters, stabiles...) will ensure that the students will be challenged.

Culture / History

Many people assume that origami is strictly Japanese, but the paper folding arts have never been limited to Japan. Wherever there has been paper there has been paper folding. Beginning with China, each country has developed various kinds of papers for special purposes, whether utilitarian (wrapping and packaging), writing, or art.

It is interesting and valuable to learn how paper was used in different places and in different times; how important paper has been, and continues to be, in the flourishing of cultures and nations. Widespread communication, with the help of paper, was a critical step for mankind's move to the modern world. Electronic communications and the computer came later, but it is doubtful that they could have ever been realized without paper. If anything, the electronic communication revolution has accelerated teh development of origami as art by putting so many designers and creators in direct and easy contact with each other.

Students will learn about paper, its production and properties, and the major places and times of its development. We us origami models, representing different cultures and times. The subject of these designs prompts short research and writing projects. Origami's engaging quality sharpens interest in the subject, and each student is encouraged to discover and present a different aspect of the topic. The origami art also helps to illustrate the topic. Students would be required to write a short piece about the origami and its connection to the project.

The Natural World

There are many plant and animal subjects in the origami repertoire: pond life; the Arctic; desert life; birds; mushrooms; the leaves of plants; pollination; the butterfly and metamorphosis are just some of the possibilities.

The origami subject is usually tied to something that the students are studying, or have already studied, in class.

Cultural Customs

Many countries, from ancient times to modern, have unique and charming customs, and many origami projects illustrate these. In Japan, how you wrap a gift can have important implications; in Spain, there is a little paper "pet" that everyone knows, the pajarita; beginning in the United States, and now prevalent throughout the world, the "Origami Holiday Tree" is an annual favorite. Students could learn about traditions and each grade can make up their own, new tradition, using origami as the basis for some kind of inter-grade exchange.

Cooperation / Communication skills

There are modular origami (multi-piece construction) projects appropriate to each grade level. Students will fold multiples of origami unit "puzzle pieces" and assemble them into the final display piece. Some works can be wall hangings, other could be mobiles. Students will work together and critique workmanship. Some may be required to teach others how to fold the units.

Critical Thinking skills

We tailor the presentation of origami instruction to develop and promote critical thinking.

Abstract Art

Origami models are abstractions of the subjects they represent. The degree of abstraction can vary. Students will learn about abstract art and will practice making origami abstract sculptures

Program Rates (2008)

Local programs:

$150 for a 1-hour presentation, $100 for each additional, consecutive hour (MUST be within a 20 minute drive from the Origamido Studio to qualify for this rate – no travel expenses are charged.)

Other Off-Site Programs - Basic Rate Schedule:

$150 per hour ($300 minimum).
$450 for half day (completed before noon, or started after noon.)
$750 for full day (completed before 5 p.m.)

Travel expenses for off-site programs (to locations beyond a 20 minute drive from our Studio) are calculated according to actual mileage reimbursed at $0.505 per mile, which is the 2008 IRS reimbursement rate. Travel time is door-to-door (for overnight engagements, it is charged at the daily rate, up to $750 per day, while traveling to or from your site).

All materials are included in the program fees.

Advanced origami and papermaking programs will be charged an additional materials fee - we will quote, based upon materials description and volume.