Chinese Dragons, a Teaching Project

First granddaughter, like her mum, has a February birthday. So Asian New Year always lands on their birthday. Her teacher is using the moment to present China for the geography unit. What a perfect time to prepare an origami instruction.

Paper: This offers a good place to use those odd pieces saved from other cuts. The fold is forgiving, most standard weights will work.

I did this with a strip of wrapping paper that I drew in scales

Size: 4-5cm wide by 20-35cm long. Printer paper can be cut to 6 pieces if cut crosswise, 4 if cut long wise.

Difficulty: This is a very forgiving fold. The hardest part are the small rabbit ear folds on the head and the thickness in the fold in half towards the end.

Authorship: Unknown. I have seen several variations of this fold. This is my interpretation of this dragon, and my diagram.

Teaching opportunities: The twin rabbit ears are good repetition to learn this fold. In groups with different skill levels this step can be done by the helpers.

Variations: The fan folds can be done equally size or graduated. (Nessie if in green) Feet can be cut in. Coloring has lots of fun to be had. (note to self, create a pfd with coloring guides. )

Please post your photos in the comments.

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