How to make an origami penguin
Black (or any color) on the outside, white on the tummy: this little penguin uses both sides of the paper and stands up on its own. Great for a winter or polar topic.
- Easy
- Age 5+
- About 5 minutes
- 5 steps
- No scissors
Lesson at a glance
- You need
- A square of paper (black or dark blue on one side). No scissors or glue.
- Time
- About 5 minutes
- Level
- Easy · age 5+
- How to teach it
- Show the 3D folder on the board and pause after each step, or print the step sheet for each table. Both show the same folds.
Finished!
Step 1 of 5Place the square like a diamond, white side up. Fold it in half from left to right, then open it again.
Keys: left and right arrows go back and forward, Space plays or pauses, R plays the step again, B shows the back. On the 3D picture, the arrow keys turn it and + and − zoom.
How to fold a penguin: step by step
You need: one square of paper, 15 cm (6 inches) is ideal. Origami paper is easiest. To make a square from A4 or US Letter paper without scissors, fold one corner down to the opposite edge, crease the leftover strip firmly both ways and tear it off slowly. Black or dark blue paper with a white back looks most like a penguin.
Place the square like a diamond, white side up. Fold it in half from left to right, then open it again.
Fold the top left and top right edges in to the center crease, like a kite. The white part at the bottom is the penguin’s tummy.
Fold the top point down to make the head.
Fold the bottom point up behind, so your penguin can stand up.
Draw two eyes and an orange beak. Your penguin is finished!
Finished!
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What kids learn
- Two sides: the colored side makes the back and the white side the tummy.
- Kite shape: step 2 makes a kite – a shape with one line of symmetry.
- Animals: penguins are birds that cannot fly. Where do they live?
- Standing up: folding the bottom behind gives a flat base.
Classroom tips for teachers
- Polar topic: make a colony of penguins on a white paper “ice” display.
- Science: sort animals into birds that fly and birds that do not.
- Math: line penguins up by height, or count them in twos.
- Shape talk: name the kite shape and find its line of symmetry.
- SEND tips: pre-crease the center line and let children draw the eyes and beak first.
Standards links
- Science (NGSS 2-LS4-1): compare the living things found in different habitats.
- Math (1.G.A.1, 4.G.A.3): name shapes by their features; find a line of symmetry.
- Arts (VA:Cr1.1): make a penguin colony display.
- ELA (SL.1.1): share penguin facts with a partner.
Links to the Common Core State Standards, NGSS and the National Core Arts Standards. Check against your own state’s standards.
Safety
No scissors or glue are needed. Use markers or crayons for faces. Keep paper away from mouths, and recycle the scraps.
More origami to try
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Frequently asked questions
Why won’t my penguin stand up?
Make the last fold (bottom point behind) straight across and press it flat. A wider fold gives a steadier base.
What color paper is best?
Black or dark blue with a white back, so the tummy shows white.