Looking for a fun, simple, and creative activity for kids? Learning how to make a cootie catcher fortune teller game is a great way to keep children entertained while encouraging creativity, imagination, and hands-on learning. This classic paper game is easy to make with materials you probably already have at home.
A cootie catcher, also known as a paper fortune teller, is a folded paper game where players choose colors, numbers, or symbols to reveal funny fortunes, challenges, questions, or predictions. It is perfect for playdates, classrooms, family activities, birthday parties, or rainy afternoons.
In this guide, you will learn how to make a cootie catcher fortune teller game for kids step by step.
What Is a Cootie Catcher?
A cootie catcher is a small paper toy made by folding a square piece of paper into a special shape. The finished toy has four outer sections that can be moved with your fingers. Inside, there are numbers and hidden messages that players can reveal during the game.
The game is sometimes called a fortune teller, although the “fortunes” are simply for fun. Kids can create their own messages, jokes, challenges, or questions to make the game more personal.
Materials You Will Need
One of the best things about making a paper fortune teller is that you do not need many supplies. Gather these simple materials:
- One square piece of paper
- Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
- A pencil
- A ruler, if needed
- Stickers or small decorations
- Scissors, if you need to turn rectangular paper into a square
For younger children, an adult can help with the folding steps to make sure the paper fortune teller is shaped correctly.
Step 1: Start With a Square Piece of Paper
Begin with a square sheet of paper. You can use colorful origami paper, construction paper, or regular printer paper.
If you only have rectangular paper, place one corner diagonally across the paper until the edges line up. Fold it and trim away the extra rectangular section. You should now have a square.
A colorful sheet of paper can make your cootie catcher look more exciting, but plain white paper works just as well if kids want to decorate it themselves.
Step 2: Fold the Paper Diagonally
Place the square paper flat on a table.
Fold one corner across to the opposite corner so that the paper forms a triangle. Press along the folded edge to create a clear crease.
Open the paper again and repeat the process with the other two corners. When you unfold the paper, you should see two diagonal creases crossing in the middle.
These creases will help you complete the next folding steps.
Step 3: Fold All Four Corners Toward the Center
Lay the paper flat again.
Take each of the four corners and fold them toward the center of the paper. Try to make the corners meet around the middle point.
After completing this step, the paper should look like a smaller square with four triangular sections folded inward.
Press each crease firmly so the paper is easier to manipulate later.
Step 4: Turn the Paper Over
Carefully flip the folded paper over.
You should now see another square shape. Take each of the four corners and fold them toward the center again.
Press down on all the creases.
At this point, your paper fortune teller should look like a small square divided into four sections.
Step 5: Fold the Fortune Teller
Fold the square in half horizontally and then unfold it. Next, fold it in half vertically and unfold it again.
These creases make it easier to operate the cootie catcher.
Slide your thumbs and index fingers underneath the four folded sections. Gently push the sections together so the paper forms the familiar fortune teller shape.
Move the four flaps back and forth a few times. If the paper feels stiff, carefully reinforce the creases with your fingers.
Step 6: Decorate the Outside
Now comes the creative part.
On the four outer sections, write four different colors, draw simple pictures, or add stickers. For example, you could use:
- Red
- Blue
- Green
- Yellow
You could also use animals, stars, hearts, sports symbols, or favorite cartoon-inspired shapes.
Let kids choose their own theme. Decorating the paper fortune teller gives them an opportunity to practice creativity and make the game unique.
Step 7: Add Numbers
Open the four outer flaps to reveal the next layer.
Write numbers on the visible sections. You can use numbers from 1 to 8, for example.
The numbers are used during gameplay to determine which hidden message the player will eventually reveal.
Make sure the numbers are easy to read and spread them across the different sections.
Step 8: Write the Fortunes
Now it is time to add the secret messages.
Under the numbered sections, write short fortunes, questions, jokes, or fun challenges. Since this is a cootie catcher game for kids, keep the messages positive and age-appropriate.
Here are some examples:
- You will have a great day!
- Tell a funny joke.
- Name three animals.
- Do your best dance move.
- What is your favorite food?
- Give someone a compliment.
- Make your funniest face.
- You are an amazing friend!
Kids can create their own fortunes instead of using traditional predictions.
How to Play the Cootie Catcher Game
Once the paper fortune teller is finished, it is ready to play.
First, one player chooses a color from the outside of the cootie catcher. The person holding the fortune teller moves the flaps back and forth while spelling the chosen color.
Next, the player chooses one of the visible numbers. The fortune teller is opened and closed according to that number.
Finally, the player chooses another number. The corresponding flap is lifted to reveal the hidden fortune, question, or challenge.
The process can be repeated with different players.
Fun Ideas for Kids
A paper fortune teller does not have to be limited to traditional fortunes. You can create different versions based on the occasion.
For a birthday party, use birthday-themed questions and challenges. For a classroom, teachers can use vocabulary words, math questions, or educational facts. At home, children can create a friendship-themed game with compliments and silly questions.
You can also make a holiday fortune teller, animal-themed version, or “get to know you” game.
Why Kids Enjoy Cootie Catchers
Making a cootie catcher is more than just a fun craft. Folding paper helps children practice following instructions and developing fine motor skills. Designing the game encourages creativity, while writing fortunes can support language and storytelling skills.
The finished game also encourages social interaction because children take turns, ask questions, and share their answers.
Most importantly, it is an inexpensive activity that can provide plenty of entertainment.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to make a cootie catcher fortune teller game for kids is simple, inexpensive, and fun. With just a square piece of paper and some creativity, children can make a personalized game in a short amount of time.
From choosing colors and numbers to writing funny fortunes and challenges, every part of the activity can be customized. Whether you are looking for a classroom craft, a rainy-day activity, or a simple game for friends, a homemade paper fortune teller is a classic choice.
So grab some paper, markers, and your imagination, and start making your own cootie catcher fortune teller today!
Penulis: Shofiya M.P
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