Welcome to Paint Love ’ s curriculum guide featuring Origami Projects to Address the Needs of Youth During CoVID - 19. Origami has proven to be a valuable tool in working with youth during the pandemic. Especially for those engaging in distance learning, Origami requires few supplies and can be lead virtually. Creating origami is often relaxing to the creator and conversations flow around the symbolic nature of the animals and objects created. This guide addresses various emotions and topics we have observed in young people through our programming. We suggest beginning this practice orienting young people to the space and the project. Begin with breathing or mindfulness practices to promote self - regulation before art - making. Examples of these can be found in our guide on “ Art Projects for Mindfulness and Calming ” in the shop. Paint Love is a nonprofit that has brought trauma - informed arts programming to over 10,000 students over the last six years. We de- veloped this art - based curriculum teaching creative and social - emotional learning (SEL) skills to any age group. This guide can be in- corporated into many different spaces in work with young people. For more information on incorporating art and SEL into daily learning, reach out to the Paint Love team at www.gopaintlove.org or Info@gopaintlove.org Links to videos have been included for those teaching to learn the folds. Paper (Cut to a square) Coloring Tools The origami crane is a symbol of hope and healing. In eastern cultures, the crane is a revered, mythical creature able to live for thousands of years. It is believed that if you create 1000 cranes, one wish will come true. This practice, “ senbazuru. ” has led to many beautiful installations of thousands of paper cranes around the country. https://www.youtube.com/watch? v=KfnyopxdJXQ&t=117s Cranes are symbols of hope and healing. What does hope mean? How do we help one another have hope? When is a time you struggled with something and lost hope? Did you gain it back? How? How does art help us hope? How do you need hope and healing right now? How does your community need hope and healing? The elephant is a common and powerful symbol of wisdom and loyalty. They are gentle creatures that move in herds - known for working together to protect one another. Elephants are known for their patient movements. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v= - J39ZorCtJw Elephants move together as a unit — offering protection and loyalty to one another. What does it mean to be loyal? How have you demonstrated loyalty to the people you care about? How has someone demonstrated loyalty to you? Our herds are communities, neighborhoods, schools, or any circle of people you spend time with. How do you all protect one another? How do you include one another? How do you handle disagreements? Like elephants, how can we be patient with one another? In Japanese, Origami means Oru (to fold) and Kami (paper) . In 105 A.D., paper was invented in China. Brought to Japan by Buddhist Monks, Origami began as a ceremonial practice. As paper became mass produced, origami shaped into an art form available to anyone. To some, origami enhances the meditation practice and Zen, the calm - attentiveness originally used by Samurai to enhance their skills in battle. To others, it ’ s a symbol of our interconnectedness: “ To a few paperfolders the oneness of the square of paper (which has the capacity to become all creatures, interdependent because the square always re- mains a square) symbolizes their belief in the harmony of the universe. ” (Eric Kenneway) Origami boxes can be made to represent holding space. In this time, many young people have experienced grief and loss from losing loved ones to missing out on important events or normal routine to missing their social lives. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8p_MIq4ngU After creating the box, use coloring tools to decorate it with what you need to hold space for. Grief is a tough emotion that requires space and patience. Describe what you are holding space for. What was important about these things? What does grief feel like in your body? Think of a time you experienced grief in the past. What helped you through the journey? Who helped support you? Butterflies symbolize transformation. They are a chance for change and renewal. Their movement from a caterpillar to a bright, colorful creature expresses hope for the future. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWppAdgvEtI Have you felt fear or worry during this time? Take a minute to write or design your fears and worries on the wings of the butterfly. Describe your piece. How does worry feel in your body? What has helped you let go of worry in the past? What freedom or renewal can come from letting go of your worries? Imagine your worries flying away on your beautiful butterfly. How does it feel?