Kiyoshi Okada's students are discovering there's more to origami than just playing with paper. It can be an expression of determination and caring. It can be an art and a science.
Caleb, 9, enjoys origami art. He told me, “I came to learn some more origami… I like to make the crane a lot … our class once made a thousand paper cranes…”
When I asked him why, he said, “You know that book, Sadako…she tried to make a thousand paper cranes…we (3rd grade class at Neil Cummins School) made them and donated them to the hospital (Oakland Children’s Hospital)” With a smile, he continued, “I made about 75!”
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About 25 children between the ages of 8 and 10 years of age recently gathered in the children’s room of the Corte Madera Library, for the second session in a series of five origami classes given by Kiyoshi Okada. Okada is a math major at Loyola Marymount University with a minor in philosophy. He is interested in logic, programming and art.
Okada went from table to table to demonstrate and teach the kids how to make a six sided origami paper box. Each child with determined focus and dexterity created sides of their boxes using different colored origami paper sheets. One 8 year old, Lucy, was proudly helping the others at her table complete their origami sections. With her box completed she said, “I’ll help you now… I’m done helping him.” She told the teacher, “I’m helping everyone…”
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Many of the kids knew some origami and all enjoyed learning new origami folds. They stayed focused as Okada came around and helped them fine tune their creations. Colorful origami paper covered the three tables. There was a lot of chatter and excitement as children helped each other complete their projects. As their boxes began to take shape many were heard saying, “Cool! Awesome! Wow!”
Okada will be teaching three more free origami classes at the Corte Madera Library on August 2, 9 and 16, from 2-3 p.m. These classes are recommended for children 8 years of age and up.
Another wonderful children’s event at our beloved Corte Madera Library. For more information you are welcome to contact the library at 415-924-6382
Until next time, remember, it’s all “for the love of kids…”
In joy, Marilyn
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