One of ways to produce captivating resources in teaching is to “access your inner child”. It’s hard to say when I started ‘messing about with paper’ but, whenever it began, it has remained a fascination to this day. I am not alone in this: many of the children with whom I work also share a love of paper forms.
Here’s an idea I have used many times in my teaching. I think the original material came from John Pattern at Manchester University.
The diagram below shows how to make a simple “origami” book. They can be made in many sizes but it is best to start with a piece of paper that is at least A3. No glue is required and only one cut. Just follow the diagrams and you will end up with a small, six-page book.
I have used this idea as a display piece at the end of, say, a unit on writing poetry. Students choose their six favourite poems and re-draft them into this small anthology. The books are then displayed in such a way that encourages readers to read them. I usually make a “washing line” and hang or peg the books to it. Then students are encouraged to read each others’ books and provide feedback to the poet.
Below is a pdf version of one such origami book template. The template is designed to create ‘poetry books’ but might serve as a starting point for developing your own ideas.
Why not try using these books for revision or as an ‘end-of-unit’ assessment piece? Whatever you decide to use them for, give them a go. You won’t be disappointed with the results.
Origami Book Template.pdf (A3 paper)
Update: for another origami book form see here.
Filed under: Display, Poetry, Resources, Teaching | Tagged: book-making, creativity, origami
Thanks for posting this. I knew that I could count on your website for great ideas. I will use this when I start teaching.
[...] in turn reminded me of another version of the origami book that I posted here last year. This time the paper folding gives students a book with a cover, six-pages and three [...]
I tried this with my Y10s and Y7s for completely different topics. My Y10s think it is a fantastic way to revise the Armitage-Duffy poetry pair, and my Y7s think their non-fiction module will be much easier to remember now! Thanks a lot, I’m trying your paperchains for ‘Havisham’ next!
I’m glad you like the ideas Jenni. Whereabouts are you teaching? – be good to know how far the ripples travel.
Amazing much more simple than one i’ve seen, and perfect to cheat in tests