How to Make a Paper Fortune Teller ~ or Cootie Catcher
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Remember paper fortune tellers? Some people call them cootie catchers—that’s what I called them as a kid. No matter what name you grew up with, they’re the same classic folded-paper game that kids still love today.
I used to make these nonstop when I was younger and use them to “predict” important things like who I would marry… obviously all of those fortunes came true. Now I love making them with my kids because they’re simple, screen-free, and surprisingly versatile.
Why I Love Using Fortune Tellers for Learning
A local school supply store recently handed out a summer learning packet that included a printed cootie catcher activity. The kids had to put words in alphabetical order, then open the flaps to check their answers.
It reminded me how perfect fortune tellers are for learning—because you can use them to practice almost any skill. They feel like a game, but they’re secretly a great review tool.
How to Use a Fortune Teller for Teaching
Here are easy ways to turn a paper fortune teller into a learning game:
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Sight words: Write a word under each flap—kids read the word they land on.
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Spelling practice: Put the word under the flap and a blank line on top so kids try first, then check.
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Vocabulary: Word on top, definition inside (or the other way around).
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Math facts: Put equations on top and answers inside.
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Fractions / decimals / percents: Convert between forms under the flaps.
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States & capitals: State on top, capital inside (or vice versa).
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Science review: Vocabulary terms, animal classifications, planets, life cycles, etc.
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Foreign language: English word on top, translation inside.
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Rhyming / word families: “-at” on top, words inside (cat, hat, bat…).
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Story starters: Character, setting, problem, and a silly twist inside different flaps.
The possibilities really are endless—if you come up with a fun way to use them, I’d love to hear it!
How to Make a Fortune Teller
Never made one (or can’t remember how)? Don’t worry—once you learn the fold, you’ll be able to make them in minutes.
You can watch the video tutorial below or follow the step-by-step picture guide in the template. Make them extra colorful with our favorite neon colored paper.
Download my template:
Download my printable template showing how to make a paper fortune teller (cootie catcher) and get started right away.
When We Use Them
We make paper fortune tellers all the time—when we’re waiting somewhere, when kids are bored, during quiet time, and as a fun way to review school topics without a worksheet.
What do your kids like to put inside their fortune tellers?
See also my Valentine’s Fortune Teller Drawing Game!
See More Fun Paper Crafts for Kids
6 Paper Tricks That Seem Like Magic!
Engineering: Make Paper Hold Up Books!
Make a Paper Pinwheel (with three styles of printable templates)
We use these all the time to make silly sentences!
Thank you for this Karyn!!! I have been wondering and remembering these things for years but couldn’t for the life of me recall what they’re called! I happened to accidentally come across it and looking it up found your awesome post on them! I just made my first one in 20+ yrs! I will be making many more with the kids with your great ideas and suggestions!!!!