Sometimes the simplest tools can be the most effective. Among the most engaging classroom resources that never fail to capture students' attention is the humble chatterbox. Here we share our top ideas for using it in primary and secondary classrooms.
Contents
- What is a chatterbox?
- Making your own chatterbox
- Using chatterboxes in your classroom
- Top tips for success
What is a chatterbox?
A chatterbox (you might know it as a fortune teller or cootie catcher) is a brilliant little paper toy that we can use to make learning more fun. It's basically a folded piece of paper that students can manipulate with their fingers to reveal different bits of information.
Alternative names
- Fortune teller
- Cootie catcher
- Salt cellar
- Whirlybird
- Paku-paku (Japanese)
A bit of history
While we're not entirely sure where chatterboxes came from, similar paper-folding games have popped up in different cultures over the years. They really took off in Western countries during the mid-20th century as a playground favourite, and clever teachers soon spotted their potential as a teaching tool.
Making your own chatterbox
You can download a free PDF template, or if you're a subscriber, you can access an editable version to customise.
Here's how to fold one:
- Start with a square piece of paper
- Fold the paper in half diagonally to make a triangle, then unfold
- Fold in half diagonally in the other direction, then unfold
- Fold the paper in half horizontally, then unfold
- Fold in half vertically, then unfold
- Turn the paper over
- Fold each corner into the centre point
- Turn the paper over again
- Fold each corner into the centre point again
- Fold in half to form a rectangle
- Insert thumbs and forefingers under the flaps to operate the chatterbox
Using chatterboxes in your classroom
The brilliant thing about chatterboxes is how versatile they are - you can use them with any age group and pretty much any subject. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Primary classroom ideas
- Maths: Times tables practice and basic arithmetic
- Spelling: Common spelling patterns and high-frequency words
- Science: Parts of a plant, states of matter, or the water cycle
- Geography: Capital cities and countries - repurpose this capital city bingo
- Modern Foreign Languages: Basic vocabulary and common phrases - browse our primary MFL collection for accompanying resources
Secondary classroom ideas
- Science: Chemical elements and compounds, biological processes - try our ready-made genetics chatterbox!
- Maths: Algebraic equations and geometric properties
- English: Literary devices, character analysis or grammar rules
- History: Key dates, historical figures and events
- Geography: Key geographical features, processes and case study facts - combine with our 'Take 10' case study revision to practice recall
- Modern Foreign Languages: Verb conjugations and vocabulary revision
Top tips for success
- Write clear instructions and examples for your students
- Consider laminating the ones you'll use often
- Get students involved by letting them create their own
- Make them eye-catching with different colours or patterns
- Perfect for revision activities and quick knowledge checks
Remember to show your class how to use the chatterbox before you start, especially with younger students or those who haven't seen one before.
