I know it doesn’t seem like a typical activity for the language classroom, but the cootie catcher is a fun activity to use with students while learning a second language. They make learning fun and they are educational if used correctly.
Cootie catchers are sometimes called dream catchers and they are easy to make. You can learn how to make one using this video (that you can also play for your students) or you can download a premade template from TpT.
So how do you use them?
You can use cootie catchers in the language classroom to practice vocabulary, a grammar concept, or to practice asking questions.
Vocabualry
Have students make a cootie catcher or copy off the template for them. On the paper, have students select vocabulary words to put on the cootie catcher. Then partner students up and play with the cootie catcher and practice vocabulary.
Grammar
If you are working on a grammar concept like classifiers or verb tenses, have students write the grammar onto the cootie catcher and quiz their partner with the information.
Questions
My favorite way to use cootie catchers in the language classroom is to have students write questions on the catcher. Pair students up and have the parter s ask and answer the questions on the cootie catcher.
Alternative Uses
Alternatively, you can use any of the versions above and play with the cootie catchers in a speed dating format. In this version, students will circulate and work with many different partners rotating at specific time intervals set up by the teacher.
I hope you try to use cootie catchers in your classroom to engage students and have some fun!
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