Classroom Activities
Cootie Catcher / Fortune Teller
Fold-and-play paper fortune teller template.
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What this tool does
Generate a printable cootie catcher, also known as a paper fortune teller. The square template prints with diagonal and midline fold guides plus eight triangular flaps that hold your own numbers, colours and hidden messages. A built-in default set lets you print straight away, or type your own fortunes for parties, classrooms and rainy days.
Settings
Configure your fortune teller
Fortune teller · 8 flaps · A4
Outer flaps (4)
Inner numbers (8)
Hidden messages (8)
Paper size
Preview
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The actual PDF, updated as you change settings.
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Make your own paper fortune teller
The cootie catcher — also called a fortune teller, chatterbox or salt cellar — is a classic folded-paper toy. This generator prints a single square net with every fold guide marked, so children only need scissors and a steady fold to build one. Choose four outer colours or words, eight numbers, and eight hidden messages, then print, cut out the square and fold along the dotted lines.
A built-in default set of cheerful fortunes means you can print immediately, while fully editable fields let you make custom versions for spelling words, times tables, ice-breaker questions or party predictions.
How to fold a cootie catcher
- Cut out the printed square along the solid border.
- Fold each corner into the centre along the diagonal guides, with the printed side down.
- Turn it over and fold the new corners into the centre again.
- Fold the square in half along the midline guides to crease, then slip your thumbs and forefingers under the four outer flaps.
- Pinch to open and close the fortune teller and play.
How to play
One player picks an outer colour or word and the catcher is opened and closed once for each letter. Then a number is chosen and the catcher opens and closes that many times. Finally the player picks one of the visible numbers, the flap is lifted, and the hidden message underneath is read aloud as the fortune.
Classroom and party ideas
- Spelling and vocabulary — put a word on each flap and a definition or sentence underneath.
- Times tables — numbers on top, the matching answers hidden inside.
- Ice-breakers — replace fortunes with get-to-know-you questions.
- Party favours — silly predictions and dares for birthday guests.
What you can customise
- Four outer labels — colours, themes or words on the closed flaps.
- Eight numbers — any digits or short symbols on the open flaps.
- Eight hidden messages — fortunes, questions or answers under the flaps.
- Fold guides — toggle the dotted diagonal and midline lines on or off.
- Name & date — optional fields for classroom use.
FAQs
Quick answers
What is a cootie catcher?
A cootie catcher is a folded-paper toy, also called a fortune teller or chatterbox. It has four outer flaps with colours or words, eight numbers inside, and hidden messages under each flap that are revealed during play.
Do I need anything besides the printout?
Just scissors to cut out the square and your fingers to fold it. The template prints all the fold guides you need, so no measuring or ruler is required.
Can I write my own fortunes?
Yes. Edit the four outer labels, the eight numbers and the eight hidden messages to make spelling, maths, ice-breaker or party versions. A default set of messages is provided so you can also print one straight away.
What size paper works best?
Print on A4 or US Letter. The square is sized to fit the page, and folding works best on standard printer paper that creases cleanly.
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