Cognitive SkillsTippy Tippy Tap Paper Fortune Teller Game: DIY Fun & Action Tasks for Kids
Create and play the classic Tippy Tippy Tap (cootie catcher) game with your child. This DIY activity encourages fine motor skills, following instructions, and imaginative play through fun physical and role-playing tasks.
- Interactive game
- Ages 4-8 · Pre-K–Grade 2Ages 4-8 · Reception–Year 3Ages 4-8 · LKG–Class 2Ages 4-8
- Printable PDF
- Video tutorial
- 2 things to gather
- 10 steps
What Your Child Will Learn
- Develop fine motor skills through folding and manipulating paper.
- Enhance gross motor skills and coordination by performing physical actions.
- Practice following multi-step instructions and game rules.
- Encourage imaginative play and role-playing.
- Improve social interaction and turn-taking skills when played with others.
How to Do This Activity
10 stepsGetting Started
Print the "Tippy Tippy Tap" game template. Carefully cut out the square along the outer grey lines.
Step 1: Fold the Cootie Catcher: Place the printed side down. Fold each corner to the center of the square, creating a smaller square.
Step 2: Flip the paper over. Fold each of the new corners to the center, creating an even smaller square.
Step 3: Fold the entire square in half, then unfold. Fold it in half again in the other direction, then unfold. This creates creases that will help the cootie catcher move.
Step 4: Slide your thumbs and index fingers into the four flaps on the underside of the cootie catcher.
Step 5: Play the Game: Ask your child to choose one of the four visible colors (red, green, orange, yellow).
Step 6: Spell out the chosen color, moving the cootie catcher by pinching and pulling apart your fingers (alternating horizontal and vertical movements) for each letter. For example, if "RED" is chosen, make three movements.
Step 7: With the cootie catcher open, have your child choose one of the numbers visible inside.
Step 8: Move the cootie catcher the number of times chosen.
Step 9: Open the flap under the final chosen number to reveal the fun task inside!
Step 10: Have your child perform the task, such as "Act like your Mom" or "Jump backwards 5 times."
Ways to Extend
- Idea 1
Create Your Own: Once familiar with the game, let your child design their own "Tippy Tippy Tap" with personalized tasks, colors, or numbers.
- Idea 2
Learning Focus: Write letters, numbers, sight words, or simple math problems inside instead of tasks.
- Idea 3
Theme Play: Adapt the tasks to a specific theme, like "Act like an animal" or "Perform a superhero move."
- Idea 4
Outdoor Version: Take the cootie catcher outside and incorporate outdoor elements into the tasks.
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