It seems like every darn day is another special one: “World Pancakes Day,” “International Yoga Day,” “Re-friend Your BFF from High School, and Try to Make Amends Day,” – you know what I mean.

As parents, it’s hard enough to stay on top of school and family events, never mind PR-driven ones. But today is the International Day of Peace, and for once, I’m 100% behind celebrating it. Better yet, every way I see to make it part of our Monday is meant to be easy, internal, and thoughtful. More than anything, it feels like a time to just take a deep breath with my family and do something small and fun so they can consider the concept of peace in their own lives and relationships. 

Where did it begin? In 1981, the United Nations unanimously proclaimed September 21 as the International Day of Peace. For one day every year, they encourage the world to put peace before all else in an effort “to contribute to building a Culture of Peace.”

Since Roots and Shoots play such a pivotal role in the International Day of Peace, I asked our local branch what they plan to do. And it’s perfectly suited to the kind of activity I can 1) fit into our already busy day and 2) not cause more stress, but actively work on a de-stressing craft with my kids that suits the theme: A Peace Dove! Create or color a dove, write a peaceful message, and share one or one hundred with your friends.

Folding paper into beautiful cranes with peaceful messages sounds heavenly on a Monday

Don’t know how to make a peace dove? Roots & Shoots has your back

And if folding feels too stressful, here are coloring pages you can download. If our kids master the above folding lesson, the Peace Crane Project has more intricate folding guides.

It’s not about your artistic ability though, it’s about the intent. And as with any of these special days, or challenges to live a more ecologically sustainable existence, building peace doves with my kids may need to become a more regular thing.

Out of the numerous suggestions for celebrating the U.N. International Day of Peace, we selected more that families can do without much planning. From their website:

– “May Peace Prevail On Earth!” – Include this universal statement  – perhaps around a local Peace Pole – to begin and/or end a program or gathering.

– Global Feast For Peace -Gather people together with food in the spirit of peace – include interfaith or intercultural dialogue if you wish (Global Feast PDF.) You can also just add this dialogue to your already scheduled meal.

– Compassion Games International – offers fun and creative ways to ignite and catalyze compassionate action in communities around the world.

Whatever you choose to do, please pause at 12 noon local time and join people all across the globe in a Minute of Silence/Moment of Peace.

KEEP READING: Is Plastic-Free Possible for Parents? Involve Your Children so They Understand

Photos: Roots and Shoots, Unsplash

Few of us can cope with a bare room and nothing to do, not to mention little kids. With nowhere else to go, it can be tough to keep your little ones busy or continuously invent new things to do. Don’t worry, here are some easy-peasy and fun origami ideas you can try to fight boredom when you are stuck at home.

Materials you will need

Simple as it is, you will just need several markers in different colors and a couple of colored papers. You may use any kind of paper to fold these origami animals. It might be easier if you use double-sided colored paper or if the texture of the front and back side of the paper is slightly different.

The paper I used here is 15cm x 15cm. You can choose different sizes, but make sure it’s a square, otherwise you will need to fold it into a square and cut the rest.

Instructions:

Little Fox

Step 1: Fold the paper in half, making a triangle.
Step 2: Repeat step 1, making a smaller triangle.
Step 3: Fold the top point of the triangle down as shown in the picture.
Step 4. Fold the corners of the triangle upwards as shown in the picture.
Step 5: Turn over the paper and draw a cute face on it.

Dog Face

Step 1: Fold the paper in half, making a triangle.
Step 2: Fold the two top corners of the triangle down to make ears, as shown in the picture.
Step 3: Fold one layer of the bottom point upwards to create the mouth, as shown in the picture.
Step 4: Draw two eyes above the folded layer, and a nose and tongue inside the open portion, as shown in the picture.

Cat

Step 1: Fold the paper in half, creating a triangle.
Step 2: Repeat step 1, creating a smaller triangle.
Step 3: Fold the top point of the triangle slightly down, as shown in the picture.
Step 4: Fold the corners of the triangle upwards while leaving some space in between. These will become the cat’s ears, as shown in the picture.
Step 5: Turn over the paper and draw a funny face on it.

Photos: Wendy Xu

Vibrant images and illustrations surely entice children to read books. To make reading even more playful, art teacher Nadia Learned at Beanstalk International Bilingual School, Shunyi (BIBS, Shunyi) thought of adding a twist to the usual bookmark, by making it a big and voracious “bookworm monster.” Ninth-grader Bronwyn Tosa helped beijingkids catch, or rather, create a colorful monster.

I. Origami

1. Fold square origami paper diagonally, then fold two 45-degree corners to meet at the middle of the 90-degree corner.

2. Unfold these corners again. Fold the top 90-degree corner in the opposite direction, toward the middle of the diagonal line.

3. Bring the two 45-degree corners to the middle of the 90-degree corner again, then fold them into a pocket. The origami bookmark is finished, but it looks somewhat bland, doesn’t it? Let’s turn it into a book-eating monster!

II.  Making a Bookworm Monster

4. Making a mouth: Put the bookmark on top of a rectangular piece of paper and trace a smaller square by slightly moving the bookmark upwards. Cut out the resulting small square then paste it into the bookmark pocket.

5. Using a white paper square (or any other color if you wish), draw and cut the monster’s teeth on one diagonal half. Then paste the other  side of the diagonal half inside the pocket.

6. Making the face: Cut out the monster’s eyes, ears, and tongue from the leftovers of other papers. Apply glue and stick them on the monster’s face. Draw eyeballs and eyebrows with a black marker.

7.  Your monster is ready to eat your book!

Every time I hear the word origami, I always remember a popular Japanese story about one thousand paper cranes. The legend goes that anyone who folds one thousand paper cranes will be granted a wish by the deities. It is one of the stories that fascinated me as a child. I actually never tried folding paper cranes, but I made a lot of origami figures for my arts classes back in grade school.

Due to my extended interest in origami, I was excited to hear that someone is teaching origami in Beijing. Tomoko Ueda, from Japan, is living in Shunyi with her husband and their two children. She holds regular, themed origami classes, and her upcoming sessions are for spring and Easter! She sat down with me to show examples of her adorable origami bunnies and also told me more about her passion for the Japanese craft.

How do you make origami craft different from the usual and interesting for parents and kids?
In Japan, origami is either for kids or adults and I hope more people could enjoy this craft. That’s why I’m trying to combine what’s new with culture and tradition. Origami in essence is a traditional art, while the materials and style are the new things [that bring life to the art.]I’m really interested in other cultures [of different countries]so I try to fit my crafts [to them]. So last Chinese New Year, I made a zodiac circle origami with the Chinese zodiac animals. People actually liked it! So it’s different from traditional Chinese New Year decorations since I add a Japanese touch to it.

So what do parents and kids say when they finish their origami crafts?
They’re so excited, happy, and proud of themselves. Some origami crafts are not easy to make and they take time and patience. So when they finish the craft, they feel like they accomplished something [really great.]

How does origami help parents and children to bond?
This kind of craft requires them to sit down and take time and actually parents learn from kids. Also, you can tell kids see the world differently when they do crafts [with their parents.]That’s what I like about it when I teach kids. Origami gives them the idea to be patient to accomplish something. I also want my craft to be the space for them to be creative. The most fun part for kids is decorating their finished products. For example, when we create an origami horse, it can be of any kind [depending on how kids design it.]It can be a night horse or a unicorn. Their eyes start to sparkle!

What do your children say about your origami classes? Do they get jealous of them?
Sometimes! But they’ve done so many origami classes with me and I think they’re a kind of proud of me! My kids attend an international school, so [many students there]are not familiar with origami. So I’m a little bit of a “star” for my kids. Actually my daughter is a good adviser for me. Sometimes I don’t know what they [her origami students]like. So I often ask my daughter’s opinion and she tells me what she thinks. My son sometimes does that too!

Why is origami a good indoor activity?
Usually you don’t need glue and scissors in traditional origami. If you have paper, you can do it anywhere. Actually I bring my origami paper in airplanes, or while we’re waiting in a hospital. Just bring origami paper and kids can play with it anytime. It’s also an interactive activity for kids and parents. You will be surprised at how creative they [kids]are. For example, (Ueda holds a triangle tissue paper) this is just a triangle for adults but children can imagine so many things with this. They say it can be a hat or a sandwich or a mountain! Children create a story using a sheet of paper and they actually enjoy it.

Ueda conducts origami classes in her home and at the Riviera Sunday Market, both located in Shunyi. She’ll also host Easter-themed classes in the middle of March. To sign up, email happiesttomoko@hotmail.com or add her on WeChat with her id: Tomoko Ueda. Other event details are listed below.

Friday origami classes (after school)
Ages 6+ RMB 70/participant inclusive of origami materials. 4.30-5.30pm. Beijing River Garden Villas, 7 Yuyang Road, Houshayu, Shunyi. 北京裕京花园. 顺义区. 后沙峪榆阳路7号.

Sunday origami classes (after school)
Ages 6+ RMB 70/participant inclusive of origami materials. 1-2pm. Riviera Sunday Market/Club House, Shunyi.

Origami classes at international schools
Mondays at 3.45-4.30pm (MSB) and Wednesdays at 2.30-3.30pm (ISB)

(UPDATED) Special Easter classes
Kimono in bunnies on March 17 and 19. Easter egg origami on March 24 and 26. Easter basket origami on April 9 and 14. RMB 70/participant inclusive of origami materials. 4.30-5.30pm at Beijing River Garden Villas, 7 Yuyang Road, Houshayu, Shunyi. 北京裕京花园. 顺义区. 后沙峪榆阳路7号 on Fridays.1-2pm at Riviera Sunday Market/Club House, Shunyi on Sundays.

Every week, Japan-born and raised Tomoko Ueda opens her home to the community. Her after school activity (ASA) of teaching origami, the Japanese art of folding paper, to children and adults has been a wonderful addition to Beijing’s Shunyi international community.

Having grown up in Japan, Ueda describes how origami was prominent in her childhood, for Japanese children learn how to fold origami already in kindergarten.  She fondly recalls the homemade origami birthday cards her grandmother made her every year, and overall equates origami with fun and loving times.

A kimono doll, made for a departing foreign friend, was the start of Ueda’s “teaching career”.  When people saw the beautiful doll she had made, they asked her to teach them how to make it.  That’s how Ueda began teaching small classes in her home, later teaching origami at international schools and even birthday parties.

Ueda’s origami ASA classes teach children not only how to fold traditional origami (think, paper cranes), but also her original creations, such as ornaments and accessories.  She currently hosts themed origami classes in her home and at the Beijing Riviera market (on Sundays), in addition to the classes she teaches at international school.

Tomoko Ueda’s Origami classes are Halloween themed in October, normal in November, and Christmas themed in December. Her next class is on Friday, October 14, from 4:30-5:30pm at her home in River Garden, Shunyi. Classes cost RMB 60 per person and includes all material fees.

If you can’t make Friday afternoons, you can aim for her Halloween themed Origami class at the Riviera Sunday Market. The next class is on Sunday, October 23, from 11am-3pm at Riviera Club House.

RMB 60. 4:30-5:30pm. Fridays. October 14, 21, 28. Beijing River Garden Villas, 7 Yuyang Road, Houshayu, Shunyi District. 北京裕京花园. 顺义区. 后沙峪榆阳路7号. To sign up, email happiesttomoko@hotmail.com or add her on WeChat with her id: Tomoko Ueda

Photos courtesy of Tomoko Ueda.

Open House
The International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) is hosting an Open House tomorrow, Thursday November 19. During the day visitors can learn more about their unique educational approach for children aged 18 months to 12 years old (Nursery through Grade 6). You will learn more about MSB’s rich learning environment and the English-only and Dual Language (English and Chinese) programs. The event includes a campus tour and the opportunity to observe one of the classrooms in action, as well as participate in a Q&A session with MSB’s lead teachers. Visitors can choose between two sessions: 9-11am or 1-3pm. Drop-ins are welcome, but registration is required to guarantee a spot during the classroom observations. To register e-mail admissions@msb.edu.cn and include your child’s age and the program you are most interested in.

INN Shunyi Coffee Morning
Come and join other newcomers and old-timers, for the last International Newcomers Network (INN) Shunyi coffee morning of the year. Thursday, November 19 from 10am-12pm in the Chatterbox Café at The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi. Coffee, snacks, and lots of chat an 10am, then a shuttle bus over to Roundabout at 11.30am for those who are interested. Catch the bus back to BSB or make your own way home from Roundabout.

Origami
Tomoko’s origami after school class takes place every Friday, from 4.30-5.30pm, at in River Garden Villas. RMB 60 includes RMB 10 materials fee. The classes are suitable for kids in Grades 1-6. Keep an eye out for the Christmas themed origami classes, which will begin soon. To book a place, e-mail happiesttomoko@hotmail.com.

Jiu-Jitsu
The Japanese martial art jiu-jitsu is back at Sports Beijing. Coach Chet has over 30 years’ experience and a 2^nd degree black belt. Classes are every Saturday (until December 12) from 9-10am. Beginners are welcome and classes are open to those aged 7 and over. RMB 700 for seven sessions at International School of Beijing (ISB). To register, contact (6430 1370, info@sportsbj.com) www.sportsbj.org

The Breath of the Hammer
Explore new worlds of music with this blending of classical and improvisational styles, setting piano against flute, shakuhachi, and cilia. With a lifetime of experience to inform their innovative performance, Bruce Gremo and Burnett Thompson entertain. RMB 80-150 the event takes place on Saturday, November 21 from 7pm. La Plantation, Art Base 1, D Area, Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township Chaoyang District. To book, call 5166 1201 or email laplantation@sina.com.

China Talks – China and its Neighbors
The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi’s Parents’ Association is presenting a series of China talks, with China experts sharing fascinating insights on different aspects of Chinese history, traditions, and society. This month speaker Monique Groeneveld will talk about the relationship between China and its Neighbors, in two parts.
Part 1: Tuesday November 24, 10am-12noon
Part 2: Tuesday December 1, 9am-11am

Monique Groeneveld is a historian and owner of language school China Inside. RMB 100, with part of the proceeds going to charity. There are limited places, so reserve your seat by contacting Catherine Taylor at taylorschina@yahoo.co.uk.

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: Courtesy of MSB and Tomoko, John Amadeus (Flickr)

Do you hate those one yuan notes that always take up space in your wallet? Use them to create an origami heart! They’re fun to make and very cute. Just follow the steps after the jump and you’ll have an adorable origami heart in a matter of minutes.

I know it might be a bit hard, but try to find a relatively new and uncrumpled note. The results won’t be as good if you use an old and wrinkled one (not to mention significantly grosser).

1. First, fold the top right corner down to meet the bottom of the note.

2. Unfold, and reverse the process by folding up the bottom right corner of the note.

3. Now you can see an "X" shape when you unfold both corners. Pinch the middle creases (like in the first picture) and push down the resulting triangular tip. You’ll send up with something that looks like the photo above.

4. Now do the same thing for the left side of the note.

5. Fold the diamond in half, bringing the edges of the triangles together. Flatten the spine, then unfold the diamond again so that the back looks like the above photo.

6. Turn the diamond over again. Fold the corners of both triangles to the middle.The result will look like the above photo.

7. Then flatten each of the four small triangles to create four small squares.

8. Fold the sides of each square towards the middle crease. (The resulting points should face outwards, not inwards.)

9. Then, unfold each of the creases you just created and flatten into even smaller points.

10. Flip the note over and fold the left and right corners back. Don’t fold them in too much, or you’ll end up with a square backing to the heart instead of a, well, heart-shaped one.

11. Now fold down the top to create the heart shape.

11. If there is a small flap in the back as in the picture, flatten it to the side.

And it’s done!

If you want you can also add a one mao coin in the middle. Just pop it between the four points of the smaller hearts.

Adapted from How to Fold a Dollar Into a Heart

Photos by Laura Ibba

It’s that time of year when the weather outside ranges from bracing to absolutely freezing. Where possible, it is advisable to stay indoors, and what better way to keep warm than with a coffee and a group of friends to have fun with. If you’ve never tried origami, now is your chance to give this intricate paper folding art a go. The next International Newcomer’s Network coffee morning will be held at BSB Shunyi, these social mornings are a great way to meet new people and to catch up with old friends. If your new year’s resolution was to eat more healthily, then head over to Daystar Academy for the Beijing Farmers’ Market, where you’ll find a great variety of organic and artisan produce. With the kids back in school, it’s time to choose which after school activities will keep them busy and active this winter term.

Origami Class
This origami class, for adults, will enable you to learn a range of origami crafts. All materials are provided, as well as tea or coffee refreshments. It’s a great chance to meet new people, while also learning a new skill. The class will run on Tuesday January 13, 20, and 27, from 10am-noon. RMB 100 per session, at River Garden Villa 206. To sign up contact (138 1099 9694, happiesttomoko@hotmail.com) If you would like to learn origami in your own home, and have a group of friends that would like to join, Tomoko will happily come to you.

Coffee Morning
The next International Newcomers’ Network (INN) Shunyi coffee morning will be held on Thursday January 15 from 10am-noon at The Chatterbox Café, BSB Shunyi. INN is a resource for newcomers (and old-timers), of all nationalities, to obtain information about living in Beijing. It offers a support network for those facing the challenges of getting settled, and provides an opportunity to meet new friends and connect with those who have similar interests. Come along, enjoy a coffee and some cake, and find out more. INN Shunyi coffee mornings are held every third Thursday of the month. The location will alternate between Roundabout and BSB Shunyi. For more information call 8047 3588.

Farmers’ Market
Come along to the Beijing Farmers’ Market on Saturday January 17, 10am-1pm, at Daystar Academy. Fresh organic fruits and vegetables, free range eggs, meats free from antibiotics and growth hormones, artisanal bread and cheese, herbal tea, and honey will all be on sale. Daystar Academy students will be running a reading and activity corner, so your children can be kept busy whilst you spend some time shopping. For more information about this event, call 6433 7366. For more information about Beijing Farmer’s Market visit www.facebook.com/farmersmarketbj or www.blog.sina.com.cn/farmersmarketbj

DCP Winter Program
You can now register for Dulwich Community Program (DCP) winter term after school activities. DCP is open to the whole community, not just students of DCB. Programs at Legend Garden Campus include skating, ice hockey, football, swimming, taekwondo, kung fu, yoga, karate, and music. At Riviera Campus the programs include mandarin, gymnastics, ballet, science, basketball, yoga, tennis, and golf. All courses have a maximum number of students, so places are confirmed on a first come, first served basis. You can register and pay at DCB Legend Garden Sports Club or Riviera Campus. For more details you can view the DCP brochure here.

Dragon Fire Swim
The swimming programs run by Dragon Fire have resumed at WAB, BSB Shunyi, and DCB, and will run until the end of June. There will be no classes on scheduled holidays. Classes are suitable for beginners, intermediate, advanced, and masters. For more details on the different sessions, and pricing structure, contact (136 0106 4534, beijing@dragonfire.com.cn) www.dragonfire.com.cn

beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.

Photos: courtesy of Tomoko, Dragon Fire, Elizabeth Briel (Flickr)