How To Make A Paper Fortune Teller (Step-by-Step) | Mombrite

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Learn how to make an origami paper fortune teller (cootie catcher) with easy steps. A fun, classic activity for kids, classrooms, and parties.

My kids have been obsessed with making paper fortune tellers. They would make at least one per day ever since they learned how to make it.

And why not! They are super fun to play with and easy to make.

Learn how to make a paper fortune teller and find out all the fun things you can write in it below!

What is a Paper Fortune Teller?

A paper fortune teller is a classic folded paper game that kids love to play with friends. It’s made by folding a square piece of paper into a simple origami shape, then opening and closing it with your fingers to reveal fun messages, jokes, or “fortunes” written inside.

Paper fortune tellers are also known as cootie catchers, and many adults remember making them as kids at school or during sleepovers. They’re still a favorite today because they’re quick to make, fun to play, and only need paper and a pencil, perfect for classrooms, parties, or anytime you need a quick activity.

Beyond being fun, paper fortune tellers help kids practice fine motor skills, reading, and creativity, making them a great hands-on activity for both learning and play.

How to Fold an Origami Fortune Teller

Materials:

• Origami paper or any square paper (scroll to the bottom of the post to download the free fortune teller template)
• Pen
• Markers

Instructions:

Step 1: Fold the paper vertically to make a crease. Unfold.

Step 2: Fold the paper horizontally to make another crease. Unfold.

Step 3: Fold the paper diagonally to form a triangle. Unfold and then fold the other way diagonally. Unfold completely.

Step 4: Take the corners and fold them to the center point of the paper where all the lines cross.

Step 5: Flip the paper over.

Step 6: Write the fortunes on each of the small triangles.

Step 7: Take the corners and fold them to the center point of the paper, where all the lines cross. (I forgot to take a picture before I did this step so you see the creases from where I folded the corners).

Step 8: Write numbers on the 8 small triangles, numbers 1 through 8.

Step 9: Flip the paper fortune teller over.

Step 10: Write the names of different colors on the 4 squares. You can pick whatever colors you like.

Step 11: Fold the paper fortune teller in half and slide your thumbs and index fingers underneath the squares.

Step 12: Your origami paper fortune teller is ready to determine your fate!

How to Play with the Origami Fortune Teller

You can use the paper fortune teller to play all kinds of different games with your kids. Here are some suggestions:

• Different exercises such as “run around the sofa 5 times” or “hop like a bunny 10 times.”
• Various healthy snack items.
• Simple house chores.
• Favorite books for quiet reading time.

Whatever you choose to write in the paper fortune teller, you can use the following rules to play the game:

1. Ask your child what his favorite color is.
2. Alternate opening the fortune teller from up and down to left and right while spelling out the color (eg. B-L-A-C-K).
3. Ask your child to pick a number out of the 4 numbers visible when you stopped on the last letter.
4. Alternate opening the fortune teller the number of times based on the number your child chose in the previous step.
5. Ask your child to pick a number out of the 4 numbers visible when you stopped on the last number.
6. Lift the flap to expose the message underneath.
7. Read the fortune out loud!

More Fortune Teller Variations to Try

There are so many ways to play with the cootie catcher! Mix and match these ideas or let kids create their own for endless fun.

Blank Fortune TellerLet kids write their own silly messages, jokes, or surprises inside.

Joke Fortune TellerFill it with kid-friendly jokes or riddles for extra laughs.

Kindness Fortune TellerAdd kind words or simple acts like “give a smile” or “say thank you.”

Classroom Question Fortune TellerUse it for icebreakers, review questions, or getting-to-know-you prompts.

Holiday-Themed Fortune TellerCustomize it for holidays like Halloween, Valentine’s Day, or back-to-school.

Story Creator Fortune Teller

Turn the paper fortune teller into a fun story-making game! Each time a flap is opened, it adds a new part to the story.

Color & Design VersionLet kids decorate with crayons, markers, or stickers before folding.

Download the Free Paper Fortune Teller Template

Want to skip the folding guesswork? I’ve created a free printable paper fortune teller template that’s ready to use. Just print, fold, and play!

Tip: Print on regular paper or cardstock for best results.

Conclusion

We love using the origami fortune teller to determine our fate for various tasks around the house. My kids tend to resist less when their chores are told to them by the paper fortune teller than by their mommy.

We also enjoy using the fortune teller for fun exercises! The kids are so out of breath after doing frog jumps, sprints, and crab walks!

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