How to Make Origami
By Leslie Crenna,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Colorful, mostly clear, classic origami fun.
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How to Make Origami
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What’s It About?
The main menu shows a list of projects by name with number of steps; the iOS version also indicates the level of difficulty. Kids can tap forward, back, or replay buttons at any time. Like real origami paper, the back side of the paper is white to clarify sides. The "Get More Origami" button on the main page of the Android app redirects to SetHow.com with more how-to projects in addition to origami.
Is It Any Good?
How to Make Origami is an appealing way to get everyone involved in the ancient and now modern art of paper folding. Each step is described with words (some more important than others) and a dynamic demonstration of the folds required -- a big improvement over the classic diagrams that use arrows to show folds. Though challenging, the lily with 33 steps is doable.
Projects are not ordered by level of difficulty, and the number of steps does not guarantee an easy project; even the penguin with 11 steps has complicated directions to fold, then unfold, then fold a different direction on the fold line. If the app showed these kind of fold lines, ones used to mark future folds (which are generally included in origami instructions), it would be really top notch. At times, instructions like "fold in half" could use a bit more detail, but this is typical. Despite these challenges, this is a great app for the whole family.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Test out projects for younger kids ahead of time.
Provide a variety of paper available at most craft stores.
Research modern paper-folding masters.
App Details
- Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad , Android , Windows app
- Subjects: Hobbies : building, Math : geometry, patterns, sequences, shapes
- Skills: Emotional Development : developing resilience, moving beyond obstacles, persevering, Self-Direction : achieving goals, effort, initiative, Thinking & Reasoning : applying information, decision-making, logic, part-whole relationships, Health & Fitness : fine motor skills, meditation
- Pricing structure: Free (iOS version allows in-app purchase of $1.99 to remove ads)
- Release date: June 21, 2013
- Category: Education
- Publisher: Mobilicos
- Version: Android 1.0.6; iOS 1.0.22
- Minimum software requirements: Android 1.6 and up; iOS 4.3 or later
- Last updated: February 27, 2019
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