As usual, Dr. E.J.’s visit via Zoom is met with much excitement from the kids. She again teaches them how to sign her name, E.J., in American Sign Language. Her upbeat enthusiasm sets the tone for a fun session.
But January 2023 was back to the basics in terms of origami folds and mathematical shapes. We noticed that after Summer 2022, we were targeting younger students than in our earlier origami sessions. So, with Ms. Kajal’s assistance, we began talking about folds that create mathematical shapes before discussing the final origami products. However, we continued to allow the origami products to drive the themes of the sessions. This month’s products were a simple origami angel fish in an origami boat. Therefore, the theme was the art of fishing. The session began with our literacy component in a reading and discussion of the book, Let’s Go Fishing.
Then in the spirit of getting back to the basics, the children learned about the meaning of origami, the origin of the art form, and located Japan on maps and globes. Dr. E.J. also shared how origami was and is also an important part of her South Korean culture. Ms. Kajal’s animated video design was then used to demonstrate how paper folds can turn squares into triangles or rectangles. In making those shapes, they also learned the basics of valley versus mountain folds. Once those folds and creases were made, they were well on their way to creating the angel fish, which they completed with Dr. E.J.’s guidance. Ms. Pat had already folded the more complicated boat with a sail—except for the very last step. The kids really enjoyed pulling the origami ball apart, from end to end, and seeing the boat take shape. Their fish in the boats were attached to their take-home snack bags.
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