A simple but enriching activity for kids, parents

CHILDREN love to fold and fly paper planes and make the ever so popular origami crane.

Origami, the art of paper folding, makes a delightful and enjoyable activity for all ages.

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One of the simplest is paper planes that captured my heart since primary school.

As a young boy, I remember when my late father taught me to fold and fly my first paper plane.

It only takes a single piece of paper and some folding to get children acquainted with origami.

Origami is worth exploring for children with autism, and it is an activity that engages both children and parents.

Along with several origami enthusiasts, I had the opportunity to be part of an origami workshop for children with autism.

At the workshop, it was explained that origami was suitable because this activity involves clear instructions, unlike some of the other activities that could be challenging to comprehend.

Coordination of fingers in carefully folding the paper does help improve fine motor skills.

It improves concentration, explores creativity and improves the ability to perceive visual information when a plain paper takes shape, as well as offers a calming sense of accomplishment for individuals with autism.

The workshop was a comforting three-hour session for the children as it was done in the company of their parents.

While folding paper planes helped parents to release stress, it is an amazing lesson in perseverance for the children.

Mothers and fathers were focused at the workshop that provided a lot of fun time while guiding their autistic children, despite the initial failure to fold the paper planes.

But with patience, the planes soared high and everyone was in high spirits.

Participating in the workshop also brought back fond childhood memories of me folding paper planes.

Other than the paper boat that I made and floated in the Taman Jaya lake in Petaling Jaya, the only paper folding I was determined to master was that of the plane.

I would keep adjusting the fold and tear the flaps at different angles to drop the tail and cause it to climb or glide longer. It was sheer fun.

When I could not get the plane to glide, my father came to the rescue, adjusted the wings and gave my plane a gentle throw into the air.

Our parents are always there to save the day and help their children fly high.

Origami is not just an art form; it promotes self-expression and inspires parents to discover value in it.

It is also a good brief diversion from the daily grind of parenting.

Give it a try, fold some paper planes and bring your children to the park for some happiness in the sun.