How to Make the Perfect Paper Airplane

I know, I know...I write about some seriously high-level stuff on this blog, right?! But hear me out! This is one basic skill that I've discovered a lot of adults don't have...and let me tell you: it's a really easy and affordable way to entertain kids. With the lazy days of summer ahead of us and more free time on our calendars, it's the perfect time for every mom to learn How To Make the Perfect Paper Airplane! Trust me, this will come in very handy...

Paper airplanes have been a rainy day staple in our house for as long as my boys could walk. After all, they are simple, fast to put together, and they require no extra supplies or preparation on my part. The airplanes are also a safe indoor "toy" that gets my kids up and moving without breaking furniture or each other's teeth. I'm in!

But what I've realized is that certain adults (ahem...my husband; ahem...my babysitters) don't know how to make these little gems. Crazy, right? Well if you're one of the deprived set over the age of 20 who hasn't folded paper into the shape of an airplane in the last 15-20 years, then let me refresh your memory. It's easy and it only takes about 1 minute!

You will need a sheet of regular 8.5 x 11-inch paper, as well as a small piece of tape.

1. Start by folding the paper in half the long way.

2. Fold a corner into the middle of the paper. The edge should line up along the center crease.

3. Repeat Step #2 on the other side.

4. Fold the folded edge in again to the center crease.

5. Repeat on the other side.

6. Pick up the plane and fold it in half along the center crease. The folded edges should be on the inside of the plane.

7. Make a wing by folding down one of the flaps.

8. Repeat on the other side to make another wing.

9. I like to secure the plane together with a small piece of tape on the top.

Then your plane is ready for take-off!

To add to the fun, we often spend some time "decorating" our airplanes either before or after we fold them. We also like to use different colors of construction paper to customize our designs. Have fun with it!

Piloting paper airplanes is serious business around here. Which plane goes the fastest? The highest? The farthest? You get the idea...it's always a competition.

Enjoy, friends!!