I currently work freelance for the Open Minds Theatre Company (OMTC) working several times a week in primary schools in and around Sheffield. Students ranging from Y2 through to Y6 and I have a a variety of lesson plans to provide the appropriate level of folding. Having spent many years sat behind a computer writing and illustrating origami, working "at the coal face" is a constant source of excitement and challenge, I always come away from a session feeling inspired by my students and having learned something new about teaching, origami, often both!

Younger children enjoy decorating origami after folding it - this may be allow them to "own" the origami, having made it different to their fellow students. Having some bright crayons can result in a fascinating display of eye-catching origami! I often encourage students to make a second example. This not only reinforces the sequential learning, but gives them one model to take home, one to add to a display. Another fruitful challenge is to ask them to repeat the model using progressively smaller sheets of paper. The results are often quite amazing and I need to don my glasses to see the very smallest.

The benefits of teaching origami are manifold ;) - it can be a purely recreational activity (just for fun) but it also helps improve dexterity, understanding of instructions, linguistic skills, concentration, team work, creative ability, self-confidence, maths, geometry, awareness of other cultures, language skills, self expression and much more besides.

I provide diagrams for all models taught, whihc schools usually make available to students via the photocopier. I encourage all classes to cntinue their learning via libraries and the internet and always encourage the formation of aself-contained origami club to fold during lunch breaks.

As time allows, I'll be adding free downloadable resources from this page.