Origami may appear as primarily a fine motor challenge, but if we dig deeper, you’ll find that you’re actually working on quite a multitude of skills. Beyond fine motor abilities, engaging in origami can contribute to the development of visual motor skills. Depending on your approach, it may also address sensory processing, play skills, and even social skills! And guess what? Origami is also a great activity to improve executive function.
Executive Function – What Is It?
Think of the executive function as the “brain boss” responsible for guiding our behaviour and facilitating our ability to learn. It is in charge of planning, organisation, working memory, flexibility, inhibition, time management, self-monitoring, and perseverance. So, how exactly can we use origami to be better at these things?
Planning and Organization
Origami promotes planning through several key aspects of the folding process. Before starting an origami project, we typically gather the necessary materials, including paper and any additional tools or resources required for the design. This initial step involves planning and organizing the materials needed for the folding activity. Pattern selection is also a thoughtful process that requires planning and decision-making to ensure a successful folding experience. The sequential process of folding itself needs serious planning skills as each step builds upon the previous one to create the final design.
Working Memory
Origami promotes working memory by requiring we to understand, remember, and execute a sequence of folds. As we follow origami instructions, we must be able to visualize the steps and recall that image to be able to make the crease and other folding manoeuvres. This becomes even more challenging to the working memory as the design becomes more complicated!
Flexibility
Origami teaches us to embrace imperfection and adapt to unexpected outcomes. Not every fold may turn out as planned, but we can learn to adapt and incorporate these changes into their designs to make it more achievable. Engaging in origami provides a structured yet flexible environment where individuals with a tendency for rigid thinking can break free from very strict standards. This will help us develop a more adaptable mindset in both folding and in life’s broader contexts.
Inhibition
Origami follows a strict set of steps on the way to the outcome that takes time and patience. Resisting the urge to rush through folding by holding space to think in between folds is a practice of inhibition. The organized nature of this hobby is good for both kids and adults who struggle with impulse control and delayed gratification.
Self-Monitoring
In order to be successful with our origami project, we are required to pay close attention to detail. Origami’s trial-and-error nature will provide we with plenty of opportunities to practice correcting errors as they arise. One of the unique aspects of origami is its immediate feedback loop. As individuals fold paper, they receive instant feedback based on the results of their actions. If a fold is incorrect or we miss a step, the paper may not align properly. This becomes an opportunity to practice our self-correction skills – figure out the mistake then correct it. This helps reinforce self-monitoring skills, as individuals learn to assess their actions and adjust in real time.
Perseverance
Origami involves a lot of trial and error. It presents various challenges such as complex folding techniques or difficult-to-understand instructions. It’s common for folds not to turn out perfectly on the first try. But if we’re truly invested in our origami project, we learn to stay committed to the process.
Perseverance comes into play as we learn from mistakes, adjust our approach, and try again until we achieve the desired result. Folding intricate designs can be time-consuming, and progress may seem slow at times. Many origami designs, especially advanced ones, require extra precision and patience to complete. Persevering through the challenges of origami brings a sense of accomplishment when the final design is achieved. This feeling of success reinforces the importance of perseverance and will encourage us to tackle even more ambitious projects in the future.
Conclusion
Origami offers a valuable opportunity for individuals of all ages to strengthen their executive functioning skills. The benefits extend far beyond the act of folding paper and can be applied to various aspects of daily life. Integrating origami into your or your child’s routine not only cognitive development but also creativity and connection. So, next time you’re folding paper, remember you’re not just making cool 3D shapes – you’re also giving your brain a workout in the best possible way.