There are dozens of paper airplane designs out there, and most of them fall into two groups: the ones that look pretty in photos and the ones that actually fly. This little dart belongs firmly to the second group. It starts from a square of ordinary origami paper, takes only eight folds, and rewards you with a plane that glides straight across the room instead of nosediving into the carpet.

What makes it especially nice for kids is the way the steps are shown: instead of paragraphs of text, you simply match the colored lines in the photos — blue to red, yellow to red, and so on. Children pick it up quickly, and the narrow-winged result looks charmingly odd in the best possible way. There is even a bonus idea at the end for linking a few mini planes together and launching them in a row. Grab a square of paper and let us see how far yours goes!

Way of folding

STEP 1. Fold the paper in half and make a crease, then open it out again.

STEP 2. Fold the paper so that the blue line meets the red line.

STEP 3. Now fold it so that the yellow line meets the red line.

STEP 4. Fold the red line over onto the blue line.

STEP 5. Fold it so that the two yellow lines line up.

STEP 6. Fold it so that the red and blue lines meet.

STEP 7. Fold the other wing in the same way.

STEP 8. And here it is — a finished paper plane that really flies!

After folding

Because this design starts from a square, you can fold it from ordinary origami paper, and best of all, it is easy enough for children to make.

You may look at it and think, “Hmm … the wingspan looks a bit narrow …” It is certainly an unusual shape, but I have already test-flown it, and it really flies!

Line several planes up and launch them all together on the count of three.

Here is another fun idea.

I made a miniature version and linked several planes together with a small lever.

When I launched plane No. 1, plane No. 2 flew right along behind it.

Folding tips

For this paper plane, keeping the left and right wings balanced is the most important point. Before each flight, quietly straighten and adjust the wings — including the ones on your child's plane.