If it helps to let them color or paint faces on their animals - let them! Some tips for beginners - pick a well lighted relaxing area to work in, start with simple figures and work your way up (some figures will have both simple and advanced instructions for the same animal). Don't use really good paper to start with and for true beginners one of the best pieces of advice is to start with a larger piece of paper than what is called for. While most people think of Origami as being a strictly Japanese art form, many say it actually has it's roots in China going all the way back to the first or second century. Back in those early days paper was so rare and expensive that origami was a pastime reserved for the wealthy. Certain set shapes were fashioned from folded paper for special occasions like weddings, while serrated strips of white paper were used to adorn sacred objects in the shrines, a practice that continues to this day. Origami provides an opportunity to relax and have fun. The enjoyment that goes along with this activity is definitely good therapy. Not everyone is quick to open up and share their feelings with another individual, even a psychologist or other medical professional. It's essential that the person administering help and advice present a non-threatening image. Attentiveness or awareness is also essential in our daily existence. Whatever environment we find ourselves in it is important to be aware of the situation and activity around you. The art of origami teaches people to be aware and to pay attention. This is imperative in order to complete an origami project accurately. What Materials are Needed for Origami? Origami is an activity requiring just one physical material - paper. With just one piece of paper an individual can create numerous beautiful and complex compositions. They type of paper used for origami would depend on the project. For simple projects such as a paper airplane or a crane, normal copy paper (19-24lbs) is sufficient. For young children it can help them learn how to use both hands together. Origami teaches concentration, patience and problem solving, all imperative to the growth and development of children. Besides the educational and behavioral advantages of origami, parents can use this activity to occupy a child who's bored or lonely.