To make a cootie catcher, also known as a fortune teller or chatterbox, you will need a sheet of paper preferably square in shape. Follow these steps to create a cootie catcher:
Start with a square piece of paper. If you don't have a square sheet, you can easily make one by folding a rectangular piece of paper diagonally and trimming off the excess.
Fold the paper in half diagonally to create a triangle. Unfold the paper and repeat this step in the other direction, so you now have two intersecting creases that form an X on the paper.
Flip the paper over to the other side. Fold each corner into the center where the creases intersect. You should now have a smaller square.
Turn the paper over again so the folds are facing down. Fold each corner into the center one more time.
With the folded corners facing down, flip the paper over. Now, fold the paper in half horizontally and vertically so that it creates a smaller square with the flaps on the outside.
Gently tuck your fingers under the flaps to open the cootie catcher. You can write numbers, colors, or fortunes on each section for the person using it to choose from.
To play with the cootie catcher, have someone pick a color or number from the outside flaps, then spell out the chosen item while moving the catcher back and forth. Finally, have the person choose a final flap to reveal their fortune or message.
Enjoy making and playing with your homemade cootie catcher!