Daily origami helps keeps Connor Skimore active

When he was 5, Connor Skidmore learned something and found that he could entertain himself as well as others with his new skill.

Now 9, Skidmore has memorized more than 200 origami patterns. He is quick to demonstrate the first one he learned, a four-point basket. He completes it in less than three minutes and 40 folds. He learned the first few patterns from his dad, Walt, but the rest he taught himself.

He learns from books and a calendar that comes with a daily origami pattern, giving Skidmore the opportunity to learn a new design every day, making him a true follower of the phrase “you learn something new every day.” His pieces include a twinkle star, a horned beetle and a diplodocus dinosaur.

Skidmore likes learning. He is home-schooled and attends the LIFE Program at Seth Woodard Elementary. “We do fun stuff – things that other kids don’t get to do,” he said. “We play math and reading games and do fun science.”

Skidmore’s other hobbies include reading, hiking at Dishman Hills, hip-hop, swimming and composing music on the computer. Using a sequencer program called Fruity Loops, Skidmore has laid down tracks for two songs, “Robot Talks” and “Guitar Rhythm.”

Skidmore enjoys exercising his brain. Besides his daily origami, he also has a large vocabulary and speaks Latin.

Officially in the third grade, Skidmore is above his level in many areas. Upon meeting Skidmore, it’s easy to conclude that exercise is just as important for the brain as it is for the body and making it fun and entertaining makes it even better.