A Cootie Catcher, also known as a fortune teller, is a paper origami toy that is traditionally used for entertainment purposes. It consists of a folded paper structure that can be manipulated to reveal hidden messages or answers to questions.
In the context of teaching the history of the United States flag, Barb Kish, an AOL Den Leader from Pack 6410 in Woodstock, GA, came up with an innovative way to engage Cub Scouts in learning about this important topic. She created a template and instructions for making a US flag cootie catcher specifically designed to teach the history of the US flag.
Barb Kish explained her motivation behind this creative teaching tool, stating, “I wanted a fun way to teach my AOL scouts Building a Better World #1, which involves explaining the history of the United States flag. However, all the cootie catchers I found were ones that required payment. As you know, we have very little money in scouts, so I decided to make my own.”
By developing this homemade US flag cootie catcher, Barb Kish provided an accessible and cost-effective resource for teaching the history of the US flag to Cub Scouts. In the following sections, we will explore how to make this cootie catcher and the questions it covers, as well as the learning outcomes it offers. Let’s dive in and discover this engaging educational tool!
Finding free resources for teaching the history of the U.S. flag can be a challenge. Many available US flag cootie catchers or fortune tellers require payment, which may not be feasible for scout leaders with limited resources. This can hinder their ability to effectively engage Cub Scouts in learning about the significance and evolution of the United States flag. However, there is a solution. In the next section, we will explore how Barb Kish, an AOL Den Leader, came up with a cost-effective and engaging DIY cootie catcher specifically designed to teach the history of the U.S. flag.
Barb’s Cootie Catcher is the perfect solution for scout leaders with limited resources. This cost-effective and engaging DIY tool allows them to teach the history of the United States flag without the need for expensive resources. By using Barb’s template, scout leaders can create their own US flag cootie catchers, saving money and ensuring that every Cub Scout has the opportunity to learn about the significance and evolution of the flag. This DIY approach not only makes the learning experience more accessible, but it also encourages creativity and active participation from the scouts. With Barb’s Cootie Catcher, teaching the history of the United States flag becomes both affordable and engaging.
How to Make the US Flag Cootie Catcher (Fortune Teller)
Creating your own US flag cootie catcher (fortune teller) is a fun and interactive way to teach the history of the United States flag. With just a few simple steps, you can have your very own DIY tool that will engage and educate Cub Scouts about the significance and evolution of the flag. Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your cootie catcher:
1. Cut out the square: Start by cutting out a square piece of paper. You can use any type of paper, but a thicker paper like cardstock will make your cootie catcher more durable.
2. Make the creases: Fold the square vertically in half and then unfold it. Next, fold it horizontally in half and unfold it again. This will create creases that will guide your folding.
3. Fold it diagonally in one direction: Take one corner of the square and fold it diagonally towards the opposite corner. Open it back up to reveal the crease.
4. Fold it diagonally in the opposite direction: Now, take the other corner of the square and fold it diagonally towards the opposite corner. Open it back up to reveal another crease.
5. Unfold the square: At this point, you should have an unfolded square with four creases forming an “X” shape.
6. Fold each corner to the center: Take each corner of the square and fold it towards the center point. This will create a smaller square shape.
7. Flip it over: Flip your square over so that you can see the side without the questions. You should now have a square flag shape.
8. Fold each corner into the center: Once again, take each corner of the square and fold it towards the center point. This will create a smaller square with the questions hidden inside.
9. Fold in the flaps: To secure the flag cootie catcher, fold in the flaps by folding it horizontally. This will create a pocket for your fingers to slide into.
10. Slide your fingers into the flaps: With the flaps folded in, slide your pointer fingers and thumbs into the pockets. Gently open and close the cootie catcher to make sure it moves smoothly.
You might also want to view this How to Fold a Fortune Teller video.
Congratulations! You have successfully made your own flag cootie catcher (fortune teller). Now, you can play with it and use it to teach the history of the United States flag. Each section of the cootie catcher can be labeled with a different question about the flag’s history, such as “How many U.S. flag designs have there been?” or “How many stars and stripes are on the current flag?” Encourage Cub Scouts to take turns asking and answering the questions as they play with the cootie catcher.
By following these simple steps, you can create an engaging and educational tool that will make learning about the United States flag both fun and interactive. So gather your materials and get ready to dive into the fascinating history of the flag with your very own cootie catcher!
Questions Covered
The US flag cootie catcher (fortune teller) is a fantastic tool to engage Cub Scouts in learning about the history of the United States flag. Each section of the cootie catcher can be labeled with a different question about the flag’s history. Here are the questions and answers that are featured on the cootie catcher:
- How many US flag designs have there been? Answer: There have been 27 US flag designs throughout history.
- What is a nickname of the US flag? Answer: The US flag is commonly known by several nicknames, including Old Glory, Star Spangled Banner, and Stars and Stripes.
- How many stars and stripes are on the current American flag? Answer: The current American flag has 50 stars, representing each state, and 13 stripes, symbolizing the original colonies.
- How many US flags are on the moon? Answer: There were 6 US flags planted on the moon, but only 5 are still standing. The first flag was planted by Eagle Scout Neil Armstrong.
- Who sewed the first American flag? Answer: The first American flag was sewn by Betsy Ross.
- What do the colors represent on the US flag? Answer: The colors on the US flag have symbolic meanings. White represents purity and innocence, red represents hardiness and valor, and blue represents vigilance, justice, and perseverance.
- What song was inspired by the American flag? Answer: The Star Spangled Banner, written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, was inspired by the American flag.
- What shape did the stars on the first US flag form? Answer: The stars on the first US flag formed a circle.
By including these questions and answers on the cootie catcher, Cub Scouts can have fun while learning about the rich history and symbolism of the United States flag. Encourage them to take turns asking and answering the questions as they play with the cootie catcher. This interactive activity will not only enhance their knowledge but also foster a deeper appreciation for the flag and its significance in American history.
Learning Outcomes
Using the US flag cootie catcher (Fortune Teller) as an educational tool can have numerous learning outcomes for youth. Not only does it provide a fun and interactive way to engage with the history of the United States flag, but it also offers educational and social benefits.
Firstly, the US flag cootie catcher encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills. As youth play with the Cootie Catcher, they are prompted to ask and answer questions about the flag’s history. This process stimulates their curiosity and encourages them to think critically about the information they have learned.
Secondly, the US flag cootie catcher promotes knowledge retention. By actively engaging with the questions and answers on the Cootie Catcher, youth are more likely to remember the information. This hands-on approach to learning helps to reinforce their understanding of the history and symbolism of the United States flag.
Furthermore, the US flag cootie catcher fosters social interaction and teamwork. Youth can take turns asking and answering the questions, promoting communication and collaboration among peers. This cooperative learning experience not only enhances their social skills but also encourages them to learn from one another.
An Engaging US Flag Lesson
The use of the United States flag cootie catcher, also known as a fortune teller, offers a valuable and engaging educational tool for youth. By incorporating this hands-on activity into learning environments, educators and scout leaders can enhance the learning experience and promote various learning outcomes.
The cootie catcher encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills as youth interact with the questions and answers about the flag’s history. This prompts them to think critically and analyze the information they have learned, fostering a deeper understanding of the United States flag’s significance.
Furthermore, the cootie catcher promotes knowledge retention. By actively engaging with the questions and answers, youth are more likely to remember the information. This interactive approach to learning helps reinforce their understanding of the history and symbolism of the United States flag.
Additionally, the cootie catcher fosters social interaction and teamwork. Youth can take turns asking and answering the questions, promoting communication and collaboration among peers. This cooperative learning experience not only enhances their social skills but also encourages them to learn from one another.
In light of these benefits, it is highly encouraged for scout leaders and educators to adopt similar hands-on teaching tools. By incorporating interactive activities like the US flag fortune teller template , they can create a fun and engaging learning environment that deepens students’ understanding of the United States flag’s history and significance.
By utilizing the United States flag cootie catcher, educators and scout leaders can provide a memorable and effective learning experience that sparks curiosity, promotes critical thinking, and fosters social interaction among youth.
Acknowledgment
I would like to express my gratitude to Barb Kish for generously sharing her template and inspiring this post. Her contribution has been invaluable in creating a resource that promotes interactive learning and engagement with the United States flag cootie catcher. By sharing her expertise and creativity, Barb has helped to enhance the educational experience for youth and foster a deeper understanding of the history and significance of the United States flag. Thank you, Barb, for your generosity and dedication to promoting effective teaching tools.
This US flag fortune teller template might have been based on this one. However that link goes to a paid resource, so you will not be able to download it for free like the one Barb sent in.
Frequently Asked Questions about this History of the United States Flag Cootie Catcher or Fortune Teller
What is the US flag cootie catcher used for?
The US flag cootie catcher is used to teach Cub Scouts and others about the history of the U.S. flag in an interactive way.
How do I make the US flag cootie catcher?
You can make the flag cootie catcher by printing out the template, cutting and folding it according to the provided instructions.
Is this US flag cootie catcher free to use?
Yes, the flag cootie catcher is free. A Scouter created this US flag fortune teller template as a free resource for scout leaders and educators.
Can the US flag cootie catcher be used for other educational purposes?
Yes, while the US flag fortune teller template was designed for Cub Scouts, the flag cootie catcher can be used in classrooms, homeschooling, or other educational settings.
Leave a Reply