Origami and education combine at Johnson School in Nahant

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Last Updated, Jan 12, 2024, 10:29 PM

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Johnson Elementary School in Nahant recently welcomed origami artist Michael LaFosse into its classrooms, where he used his skills to help students learn in a unique way.

Johnson Principal Kevin Andrews’ application to the Nahant Cultural Council, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, for an “origami, math, and marine science” grant of $1,100 was approved on Jan. 5.

LaFosse provided six programs, each designed for a different grade level. He incorporated mathematical topics like symmetry, angles, shapes, and numbers into his lessons about origami.

“It ties in math a lot,” Andrews said. “In terms of the fractions that you’re folding the paper in, the angles that you’re using to fold the paper… and while he does it, he also tells a story.”

One reason the Johnson School has placed an emphasis on its marine-science curriculum is due to the town’s proximity to the ocean. Andrews expressed his gratitude to Northeastern University for the complimentary “hands-on” lessons it provides multiple times throughout each school year.

“In fourth grade, they have an erosion lesson,” Andrews explained. “They learn about erosion in class, then they go to the beach. They run a string out 40 yards, find out how far it drops, find the angle.”

LaFosse, the co-owner of Origamido Studio in Haverhill, has been an origami artist for more than 40 years. Before then, he was trained as a biologist. His biological background influenced his art career, making him a candidate to incorporate lessons about marine science and biology as he taught origami to the students at the Johnson School.

Andrews explained that the use of origami in education is one part of the school’s emphasis on “realia.”

“Having lessons that include ‘realia,’ also known as real things, such as origami and shells and other educational ‘props,’ helps to build student engagement while bringing purpose and meaning to lessons,” Andrews said.

According to the school, LaFosse will return to the school in the coming months to provide a science program on shells. This program is in development at Harvard University’s Malacological Club.

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