How to make an origami owl
A wise little owl with a white tummy and a pointed beak. Draw on big round eyes and it is ready to perch on a display, a bookmark or a card.
- Easy
- Age 5+
- About 5 minutes
- 6 steps
- No scissors
Lesson at a glance
- You need
- A square of paper. 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 6Place 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 owl: 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.
Place the square like a diamond, white side up. Fold it in half from left to right, then open it again.
Fold the left and right corners in, so they nearly meet at the centre crease. Leave a small gap between them for the owl’s tummy.
Fold the top corner down to make the owl’s head.
Fold the tip of the head back up a little to make the beak.
Fold the bottom corner up behind, so your owl can sit up.
Draw two big round eyes. Your owl is finished!
Finished!
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What children learn
- Shapes: diamond, kite and triangles.
- Symmetry: both sides fold in to match.
- Animals: owls are nocturnal birds – what does that mean?
- Small folds: the beak is a tiny fold that needs careful fingers.
Classroom tips for teachers
- Night-time topic: make owls for a display about nocturnal animals.
- Reading: fold owls to go with a favourite owl story.
- Science: compare owls and penguins – both birds, but very different.
- Bookmarks: stick an owl on a strip of card to make a bookmark.
- SEND tips: leave a bigger gap in step 2, and do the beak fold together.
Curriculum links
- Science (Year 1, animals): name common birds and describe their features.
- Maths (Year 1–2): name 2-D shapes; find a vertical line of symmetry.
- English (reading): link to stories with owl characters.
- Art and design (KS1): use materials creatively; add your own drawing.
Links to the National Curriculum in England and the EYFS framework. Check the wording against your own school’s plans. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Safety
No scissors or glue are needed. Use felt tips or crayons for faces. Keep paper away from mouths, and recycle the scraps.
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Questions teachers ask
How do I make the owl’s beak?
After folding the head down, fold its tip back up a little. A small fold makes a neat beak.
Can the owl stand up?
Yes: fold the bottom corner up behind so it has a flat base.