Building an aeroplane out of paper is an exciting task that can help kids improve their spatial visualization skills, as they learn through hands-on experience. A basic skill that allows kids to comprehend a situation, assess the possibilities and construct using reason. Setting their thinking skills in motion, simple origami can help introduce concepts of geometry, fractions, and even science! Depending on their age you can teach kids about aerodynamics – taking on topics like gravity, thrust, lift, and so on.

Skills Developed: 

• Hand-eye coordination
• Maths and reasoning skills
• Sequence and spatial skills
• Fun memory boost
• Attention skills and patience.

How To Build An Aeroplane

Materials Required:

• A4 sizes plain or colored paper
  

  The Dart

  Instructions:

  1. Take an A4 size paper and fold it in half creating a long rectangular shape. 
  2. Unfold the paper and take the top right corner and bring it downwards to create a small triangle on the top side. Repeat the process on the left side to match the top. 
  3. Taking the new edges of the triangles fold it inwards to create a double layer of wings. 
  4. Then flip the paper over and fold it in half to hide the wings inside. 
  5. Taking a small section of paper creates a new wing by folding the section outwards. 
  6. Flip and repeat the process on the other side. All you need to do now is flatten the new wings and your plane is ready to fly!

  Stealth – For Distance

  Instructions:

  1. Start by folding an A4 sized paper in a vertical direction. 
  2. Then unfold the paper and fold in both corner edges towards the middle line. 
  3. Fold the top edge towards you keeping a ¾” space at the bottom.
  4. Then take the new top corners and fold them towards the centerline. 
  5. Using the new tip and fold it over the two existing flaps. Locking the flaps in place while keeping the top layer in the middle of the plane.
  6. Now take the new tip setting it over the two existing flaps. While locking the flaps below it into place. 
  7. Then fold the plan halfway towards the top, creating a crease to set it in place.
  8. Proceed to fold the wings downwards from the top, keeping them 1” away from the bottom. 
  9. Make your way to fold the sides of each wing ½” tall.
  10. Carefully cut two small slits (lines) on the back of each wing, and tuck in the loose tabs.
  11. Secure them in place using clear tape, making sure it holds its own when flying. 

  Falcon Airplane

  Instructions:

  1. Take a letter-sized piece of paper, and fold the paper inwards keeping the small section towards you. This will create a long rectangular shape. 
  2. Unfold the paper after making a clear crease, and then fold in the right corner pushing it a little out of the paper corner while maintaining a triangular shape. Unfold and repeat the step with the left top corner.
  3. Lay the paper flat on the surface, and use the creases as a guide fold in the sheet in a way that the triangles meet in the middle while leaving the excessive paper on top.
  4. Open the top paper from the middle and lay it flat creating a diamond-like shape. 
  5. Then fold the paper in a way that the top excessive paper diamond creates two layers. 
  6. Flip it over and fold the sheet from left to right side. Creating an exact replica on top and bottom.
  7. Take the corner of the top triangle and open it up, and fold it inwards to create a small beak-shaped design.
  8. Repeat the process on the other side.
  9. Fold the larger corner towards the middle creating a small wing, and then create a similar wing on the other side. 
  10. When you open the wings and hold it using the middle dip it should look like a falcon with its wings spread flat.

  It is suggested to start with the basic choice, and once your kids have perfected the basic paper plane; you can introduce them to new shapes and designs. Each paper airplane is unique and takes a special set of skills to craft. Starting with the easiest helps build the right base, something that can grow on in the coming weeks or months.