I have many memories playing with an origami cootie catcher on the school bus with friends when I was in elementary and middle school.
These are also called an origami fortune teller, as we would use them to try and predict what job we would have growing up or what boys we would marry. It’s just silly fun, much like playing with a magic eight ball.
If you like origami, this is maybe the best project to start with, as it’s super simple and anyone can have success with it. Once you make a cootie catcher, try folding an Origami Flower, Origami Butterfly, Origami Crane, Origami Heart, or 3 Paper Airplanes next.
Want more activities for kids? Check out our entire Activities Archive for Science Projects, How to Make Slime, Rubber Band Bracelets and so much more!
Below I’ll show you how to make an origami cootie catcher/fortune teller in both photos and a quick video:
Why Do They Call it a Cootie Catcher?
The shape of this project creates a kind of pincher tool, which can be used to play-act catching small bugs like lice. This is why it’s sometimes called a cootie catcher.
What to Put in a Cootie Catcher?
The deepest layer can be simple answers for yes and no questions (yes, no, maybe, and try again) or you can write more elaborate “fortunes” for directions for a game like a scavenger hunt.
Supplies: origami paper and colored markers or pencils. If you don’t have origami paper you can use any blank paper that is cut into a square.
How to Make a Cootie Catcher/Fortune Teller:
Step 1 – Fold the paper in half lengthwise on each side. Unfold after each fold.
Step 2 – Then, fold the paper in half diagonally on each side. Unfold after each fold.
Step 3 – Fold the corners into the center.
Step 4 – Flip the project over. Then, fold the corners into the center again.
Step 5 – Fold the project down the center lengthwise. Then unfold.
Step 6 – Repeat for the other lengthwise side.
Step 7 – Gently place your fingers into the bottom flaps to pinch into shape.
Step 8 – Add the interior fortunes and numbers.
Step 9 – Then, add the top layer of colors.
Step 10 – Now you are ready to use your cootie catcher!
Print this one-page download for the full instructions with graphics on how to make a cootie catcher/fortune teller.
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Get the How-To
Supplies
- 1 origami paper (or blank paper that is cut into a square. )
- colored markers (or pencils)
Instructions
- Fold the paper in half lengthwise on each side. Unfold after each fold.
- Then, fold the paper in half diagonally on each side. Unfold after each fold.
- Fold the corners into the center.
- Flip the project over. Then, fold the corners into the center again.
- Fold the project down the center lengthwise. Then, unfold.
- Repeat for the other lengthwise side.
- Gently place your fingers into the bottom flaps to pinch into shape.
- Add the interior fortunes and numbers.
- Add the top layer of colors.
- Now you are ready to use your cootie catcher!
